Italian Designs
Giada De Laurentiis demonstrated an ultra-sharp focus and tenacious commitment to providing a consistent experience at her very first restaurant, Giada, in 2014. She followed that up with the casual and friendly Pronto by Giada—an eatery that could easily be expanded across the country.
“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.”
Pronto, near the Bacchanal Buffet center-Strip at Caesars Palace, is awash in her personality. It 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.
The grab-and-go experience at Pronto is worlds apart from Giada, which is a more 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 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. –Brock Radke
Giada, The Cromwell, 5-10:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 5-10:45 p.m. Fri.-Sun., brunch 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 855.442.3271; Pronto by Giada, Caesars Palace, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, wine bar 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 702.731.7266
For the Lil Ones
Crown your princess for a day, and up to five of her friends, with the Las Vegas Princess Party at the Oleksandra Spa. The VIP experience can be customized and can include makeup, hair styling, mini mani-pedis, build-your-own ice cream sundae bar, tea and finger sandwiches and cookies. The main princess also receives a complimentary crown and guests leave with goodie bags. –Kiko Miyasato
Treasure Island, to book the package call 702.894.7474
High Times
Chef Marc Vetri’s amazing restaurant just got even better. During the new Aperitivo Hour at Vetri Cucina, guests can sip on $12 spritzes or market cocktails while biting into ricotta gnocchi with crispy artichokes, almond tortellini with truffle butter or prosciutto with lemon and gnocchi fritto, $12 each. The menu has many more delights, including dessert, and the views from the 56th floor don’t hurt either. –Kiko Miyasato
Palms, 5-6:30 p.m. daily. 702.944.5900
Meat Up
For two nights only, guests can experience a WagyuMafia pop-up dining experience at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Chef and WagyuMafia co-founder Hisato Hamada will take guests on an all-wagyu omakase adventure. The multicourse dinner features the world’s most exclusive wagyu beef—Ozaki beef—carved, prepared and served by Hamada in the interactive kitchen. –Kiko Miyasato
MGM Grand, 5 & 8 p.m. May 11-12, $450. 702.591.7351
