Italian food is, for many, the best ethnic food on the planet. In addition to being satisfying and comforting, it’s associated with family, tradition and fellowship. And odds are you’re planning an Italian meal as part of your Las Vegas experience. If so, there’s a new player in town, courtesy of Tao Group, which is redefining the dining experience on the Las Vegas Strip with every restaurant it opens. And when it comes to it’s latest venture Caramella, there’s no other way to say it: It will absolutely blow you away.
Blue crab malfaldine Photo by: Tao Group Hospitality
The design of this restaurant, on the mezzanine level by the Criss Angel MINDFREAK theater, is irresistible. Soft curves are accentuated by red lighting fixtures overhead, and the pink and burgundy cushioning in the booths is lit by the coolest sconces you’ll ever see—monkeys reading newspapers! Elsewhere, red and brown shades set an elegant yet fun mood, and toward the back you’ll find amazing views of the Bellagio fountains. It’s a space you’ll look forward to revisiting before you’ve even been served.
Fans of The Sopranos will probably want to start their cocktail experience with the Paulie Walnuts, a brandy-based libation mixed with Nux Alpina Nocino, Montenegro, Carpano Antica and blackberry. If you’re a bourbon fan, you’ve gotta try the surprising Chaotic Good, a blend of Campari, Cocchi Torino vermouth and Xocoltol mole bitters. With each sip, you get little, edible bits of cacao!
The appetizer list is full of tempting choices. The jumbo shrimp cocktail is served with Calabrian chili cocktail sauce, while the polenta board is a flavor bomb with porcini and truffle pecorino. For one of the best salads on the Strip (seriously!), order the arugula and shaved fennel, so ridiculously flavorful with roasted pine nuts, Parmigiano and lemon vinaigrette.
NY-style cheesecake Photo by: Tao Group Hospitality
Pastas come in all types, depending on your palate. Red sauce fans will flip for the baked manicotti, while blue crab malfadine eschews the red sauce for lemon, cream and toasted breadcrumbs.
Your main course may be the toughest one to choose from, as Tao Group has loaded this section with temptations. You can go the New York strip route, and if you order it medium rare, know this: It’s perfection, with just a slight, crispy char on the outside that provides the perfect counterpart to the succulent meat inside. Chicken Parmigiano gets an extra-special treatment here: It’s stuffed full of cheese. Don’t be surprised if supplies of this one are limited, as it’s extremely popular. And the Duroc pork tenderloin medallions are melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The sides here are all great accompaniments, from the mushroom and Gorgonzola potato gratin to the roasted broccoli and mascarpone creamed spinach.
For dessert, you should definitely try the signature Caramella tart, made with dark chocolate custard and salted caramel, as decadent a bite as you’re likely to find on the Strip. But we also love the massive NY-style cheesecake.
Planet Hollywood. 702.785.5551. caesars.com
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