Giada De Laurentis fans can’t help smiling upon arriving inside her eponymous restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. “We get a lot of regular clientele that come here because of her,” says brunch shift restaurant manager Josh Sreden. “One recent guest was so happy he booked a party of 12 for his next visit.”
Come by when Giada first opens at 9 a.m. Fridays through Sundays and things are likely to be quiet enough for Sreden to give a tour of the second-level establishment. As dealers, bartenders and sportsbook attendees prepare for the first rush of early morning traffic, diners enter a different world once they reach the top of the escalator and enter Giada’s environment.
The main dining room accommodates large parties, but patrons can enjoy exquisitely prepared comfort foods in booths that ring the perimeter overlooking the Strip. Window-side tables provide incomparable views of the cityscape as the sun rises. Light pop music plays at a volume that allows easily heard conversation about the menu.
While selections of shared bites and entrées may take some discussion, the eye-opening Bellissimo makes ordering a first cocktail an easy choice. The mix of Bacardi, Aperol, muddled strawberries and basil shakes away weariness, so focus can be on Giada’s fresh pastry assortment: banana muffin, raspberry cheesecake Danish, vanilla custard chocolate croissant and rosemary-Parmesan scone that tastes like cornbread made in heaven’s kitchen.
A Giada-rita made with Patron silver provides a pleasing palate cleanser before perusing appetizers such as orzo meatballs made with Parmesan pomodoro and served in a tangy tomato sauce. Oyster crudo, shrimp cocktail, and salumi and formaggi plates are available as well, but room must be saved for signature entrées.
One can’t miss with Giada’s takes on perfectly poached eggs Benedict, blueberry pancakes with whipped lemon mascarpone or avocado toast, but her polenta waffle, topped with two sunny-side up eggs and maple-pancetta gastrique, is a rare opportunity, as is the contorni frittata. They complete a brunch experience like no other on the Strip that keeps Giada fans smiling and coming back for more.
The Cromwell, 855.442.3271. caesars.com
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