Buddy V’s Ristorante at The Venetian equally combines upscale dining and home-cooking for a comfortable menu that Nonna would be proud to serve. When you visit, Grandma’s Meatballs may be the starter for you, with pork, veal, beef and topped with marinara and Parm. But speaking of Parm, My Wife’s Eggplant Parm may be right up your alley, breaded and fried, and covered in mozzarella, tomato and Parm.

Although Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro may have his faves, my boss’s choice is the Toscano salad. He raves about it, how each element—prosciutto, roasted artichokes, baby arugula, pecorino Romano and lemon vinaigrette—perfectly complements the next. Believe him.

Choose from several pizzas for a casual lunch, or up the ante with a Buddy’s salumi and cheese board, with several meats, cheeses, olives, pickled veggies, filone bread and honey. Now, wipe that drool away.

For the main event, My Mother-In-Law’s Linguine Shrimp Scampi combines garlic, spinach, tomatoes and white wine with lemon and pecorino for a fab dish, and Nonna’s Lasagna al Forno layers up ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, Italian sausage, beef and pork. Valastro’s Sunday Gravy piles a rich sauce with sausage, pork, lamb and meatballs over rigatoni.

For dessert, Buddy’s Lobster Tail is magnificent, a pastry shell filled with custard cream and served with fruit. But you can’t go wrong with any choice here.

The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian & The Palazzo, 702.607.2355

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