I am overly excited to announce that the celebrated restaurateur, Gino Ferraro, is opening the new location of Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar at the end of December. The new restaurant promises to be even better, if that is at all possible. There will be an expanded menu and wine cellar along with their legendary staple signature dishes, thank goodness. Foodies, welcome to Italy, as Ferraro’s is as close as we will ever get to genuine Italian dishes in the states!
It is no secret that Las Vegas has become the world’s Mecca of fine dining, and recently becoming the home for restaurants of the most established, famed chefs. However, I would like to inform all of my readers that my number one favorite Italian restaurant, even though so many new ones have come to the city is still, without a doubt, Ferraro’s. Mimmo’s culinary brilliance delivers the ultimate in authentic Italian cuisine. His dishes are so out-of-this-world that it is almost wicked. In addition, as you will see below, his dishes are presented in a stunning and creative manner to match the exquisite flavors and tastes. Simply stated, if one could taste heaven it would no doubt include the dishes so artistically created by Mimmo.
Ferraro’s has proudly served guests in Las Vegas since 1985, and has been a leader and a favorite among the locals and frequent travelers. It is renowned not only for its superior Italian fine dining dishes, but its wine selection, comfortable surrounding, quality standards, and stellar service.
From the moment you enter its doors, you will feel that cozy, inviting, charming, relaxed, warm yet sophisticated, chic, and classy ambiance. The new restaurant will have walnut wood-finished floors, crown moldings, blown glass chandeliers, and mood lighting. The atmosphere will be open and airy, yet still keeping that warm and sharing atmosphere as the past Ferraro’s sported.
As for the new Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar there will be many new and exciting changes. There will be two chef’s dining tables, a 36 foot-long wine cellar of 10,000 distinctive Italian and California wines, a double-sided wine bar open to the indoor bar area and outdoor patio with a wine system dispenser, late night dining, lounge seating area, live music daily, and wine lockers for patrons to house their selected wines. There will be comfortable banquet space to host groups of 10 to 250 people with audio/ visual capabilities for meetings and special receptions. The main dining area and four banquet rooms can open to accommodate a maximum capacity of 480 people in the entire restaurant.
Ferraro’s Restaurant will continue to bring the Italian flair and authentic menu partnered with personalized gourmet pizzas, Antipastini (small plates) and, of course, one of the top selections of Italian wines in the world.”
If you need more recommendations in addition to mine, the numerous awards and accolades achieved by Ferraro’s include the DiRoNa, also known as Distinguished Restaurants of North America, for 10 consecutive years; Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence since 1996; Best Italian Restaurant by Las Vegas Life Magazine’s Epicurean Award – voted by a panel of local and national food and drink experts including members of the local chapter of Chaine des Rotisseurs; Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association’s Best Restaurant in the category of Italian Cuisine; and voted Best Italian Restaurant in the Las Vegas Review Journal’s annual reader’s poll. Gino Ferraro has also received such prestigious recognition and accolades for his restaurants including the 5 Star Diamond Award.
This would be the perfect time to share with you some of my favorite dishes of Mimmo’s. Let me note, however, that everything on the menu is superb.
STARTERS:
Salsiccia Calabrese : On Premise Made Spicy Sausage Grilled served with side of Peppers and Tomato Sauce… Let me state that I am not even fond of sausage but still devoured this dish.
Fritto Misto: Fried Calamari Shrimp, Fennel Zucchini… This dish was outstanding, particularly how it was prepared without the typical heavy breading. Instead, it tasted so delicate and light.
Spinaci Nani : Baby Spinach,
roasted Pine Nuts, and Raisins tossed in Raspberry Vinaigrette. OK, this dish was outrageously delicious and mouth-watering!
Cappuccina con Gorgonzola: Butter Lettuce topped with toasted Almonds, Blue Cheese, fresh Tomatoes, Ranch and Balsamic dressing….This salad displays tasty perfection to the max.
Insalata Mimmo: Heirloom Tomatoes, Avocado, Red Onions, Fresh Mozzarella, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Aged Balsamic Vinegar… I loved this salad. You will experience so many yummy flavors and luscious textures. Totally decadent!
Gnocchi di Patate: Homemade Potato Dumplings with choice of Pomodoro or Bolognese Sauce……….This gnocchi dish is as light and soft as they should be. Scrumptious…
Spaghettini Scoglio: Shrimp, Sea Scallops, Clams, Lobster, Calamari, Tomato Sauce… Totally delectable and fun to devour! A gift to one’s taste buds.
Agnolotti: Ravioli with Spinach, Mascarpone, Ricotta, Mortadella, Tear-Drop tomatoes. Needs no words just taste, but… luscious does comes to mind!
SECONDI:
Osso Bucco: “Their Signature Dish”: Veal Shank Braised with Farro…I live for this dish. I cannot even order it in the states. I will only order the Bucco in Italy or Ferraro’s! To die for~~so outstanding in fact, it is almost shameful. What was really shameful is that I ate every bite and didn’t even care about the calories. I think they take the calories out at Ferraro’s though… Succulent, moist, tender, Award winning!
Coniglio Brasato : Braised Rabbit, Polenta, Roasted Mushrooms…This dish is so, brilliant and completely magnificent. Sorry but this dish is better than sex. I think that says it all!
Veal Piccata: Veal Scallopini, White Wine, Capers, with vegetables and potatoes… Lovely, light and scrumptious~ A must order….
Pescata del Giorno: Fresh fish of the day. Always a sure bet at Ferraro’s.
Polci:
“Don’t” fa getta bout it!!!
Tiramisu: A Ferraro’s favorite Italian dessert made with ladyfingers, Mascarpone cheese and espresso. They nailed it! Tiramisu is a tricky sweet, but obviously not for this amazing chef.
Cannoli: Trio tower of cannoli filled with smooth ricotta, sugar, and cinnamon, with chocolate and raspberry sauces and fresh raspberries. YUMMMMM!
Crepes: A hint of orange zest filled with Nutella chocolate and Mascarpone cheese, served with chocolate and vanilla gelato… I suggest this one with all my heart! I can still taste the delectable flavors exploding on my taste-buds.
Domenico (Mimmo) went to UNLV and took the business management course and then the Sommelier introductory course. From there, he attended the California Culinary Academy finishing in the top 10 of his class. Upon graduation, Domenico went to Italy and studied under Davide Mazzuoli at the LaGrotta in Tuscany. It is very obvious how much love and pride he has in his craft. BRAVO MIMMO!
In Italy, there is an excellent tradition of cooking and fine dining that dates back to the Roman emperors and rivals the finest of the fine arts. Indeed, Italian cooking is an art, a national heritage born of the freshest ingredients, the bounty of the land and sea and innovative recipes, prepared with finesse and care. It is evident that Ferraro’s and all involved take great pride in their heritage and are proud and delighted to present to their patrons the very finest Italian cuisine.
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar will be located at 4480 Paradise Rd. on the corner of Paradise and Harmon, south of Flamingo. The restaurant will provide a new expanded menu and hours. Lunch will be served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Happy Hour will be on weekdays from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the lounge and bar. Dinner will be served seven nights per week from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Ferraro’s will have a late night menu from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring Antipastini small plate dishes. For more information, visit www.ferraroslasvegas.com.
I want to thank my servers, Liza and Jack, for all their assistance and brilliant serving skills. I rate Ferraro’s an A+, not only because of their out of this world dishes but their excellence in the complete dining experience. Run to the new Ferraro’s. I thank you for your brilliance…. You are a guiding light and a shining star in dining and in Las Vegas!
I know your new location will prove to be amazing!
