Anyone watching Stanley Tucci’s wonderful CNN series, Searching For Italy, is no doubt longing to visit some of the regions Tucci highlights for their amazing cuisine. And since international travel is currently on hold, you’re going to have to be patient. But in the meantime, you can get the next best thing at multiple restaurants in Las Vegas, including the recently opened Brera Osteria, a celebration of the food of Milan’s Brera neighborhood.
Brera features seating that offers plenty of people-watching opportunities at St. Mark’s Square in The Grand Canal Shoppes. It instantly puts you in a European frame of mind, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the culture of the region, brought to delicious life by chef Angelo Auriana.
Start off with a classic Aperol spritz (how could you not?) and work your way to other spirit-laden delights like the blood orange martini, which uses Ketel One vodka and Cointreau, and the Via Brera, a muscle-bound beast combining barrel-aged Whistlepig rye, Calvados Daron 5 yrs, Cynar liqueur and Drambuie, all sprinkled with nutmeg.
Whatever appetizer you opt for, the smiles will come in waves. The beef tartare is one of the best on the Strip, using American wagyu beef, anchovies, capers, shallots and mayonnaise (and toasted crostini to spread on), while the Burratina is a vegetarian’s dream, with roasted beets, mushrooms, green beans and frisée.
Pasta fans will love the tortelli, stuffed with braised veal and served with butter, thyme and roasting jus. The perfect sea scallops are served with horseradish potatoes and a veal reduction. Vegetarian? Try charred cauliflower, served with couscous, almonds and bagna càuda.
Make sure to try the tiramisu for dessert. You’ve never seen a version like this—perfectly round and contained; it’s almost like a cookie, served with a thinly sliced piece of milk chocolate that surrounds it when served.
The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian & The Palazzo, 702.414.1227
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