She’s one of the most beloved food personalities across the country and around the world, known for an effervescent attitude, warm personality and megawatt smile. But as a chef and restaurateur, Giada De Laurentiis is uncompromising.
She demonstrated an ultra-sharp focus and tenacious commitment to providing a consistent experience at her very first restaurant, Giada at The Cromwell, which made its debut on the Las Vegas Strip in 2014. Now, De Laurentiis may be in the early stages of building a restaurant empire, opening the casual and friendly Pronto by Giada at Caesars Palace—an eatery that could easily be expanded across the country—as well as the upcoming GDL Italian at the Caesars Entertainment resort Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore.
“Opening a restaurant is a labor of love,” says the Food Network star, author and Daytime Emmy Award winner. “With my first restaurant, Giada at The Cromwell, I gave it my all and it was no easy task. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve created at Pronto. The restaurant provides a great introduction to my food and brand in a more casual setting, and it serves all the things I love with my own personal twist.”
Indeed, Pronto is awash in De Laurentiis’ personality. Located near the Bacchanal Buffet center-Strip at Caesars Palace, the eatery boasts a precious retail shop offering everything from rose gold-gilded coffee mugs to “Fluent in Giada” T-shirts; a bold and bright wine and cocktail bar open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and a Counter Culture Coffee program featuring drip brews, nitro options and foam art. It’s so much more than a fast-casual restaurant.
Of course, De Laurentiis has her favorites at Pronto, including pressed panini sandwiches, antipasti and small sweet bites. “The gelato is to die for, the lemon grilled cheese is perfectly gooey and don’t forget about the great selection of wines for a late afternoon aperitivo. There’s something delicious for everyone.”
The quick grab-and-go experience at Pronto is worlds apart from Giada, which is more of a cozy, fine-dining offering. “But that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as great,” says De Laurentiis. “At the end of the day, I do this to launch new ideas. Some people have said, ‘Why Las Vegas? You already have a restaurant there.’ I’d like to have something where families can take their kids and they don’t have to spend a fortune, and it’s still an introduction to my food.”
Maintaining the flavors and integrity of her food has been priority one for De Laurentiis since before she landed in Las Vegas. Call it California-Italian or say it’s a lighter approach to one of the country’s favorite cuisines, but however you classify it, there’s no question it’s decidedly Giada. Signature dishes like chicken marsala meatballs, lemon spaghetti and whole roasted chicken cacciatore have become more than menu favorites at her first restaurant—they are among the Strip’s most memorable must-eats. At Pronto, look for the muffaletta sandwich, the grilled cheese and pesto panini and the pancetta rosemary scone to become next-big-thing bites.
“I think we actually hit a home run,” she says. “Or I hope so, anyway.”
Pronto by Giada Caesars Palace, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, wine bar 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 702.731.7266
Giada The Cromwell, 5-10:45 p.m. daily, brunch 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri.-Sun., lounge 3:30 p.m.-midnight daily. 855.442.3271
