Among all of the “Bigger than Life” Restaurants in Las Vegas is a Small Italian Gem!

One can become immediately overwhelmed at the enormous selection of dining options in Las Vegas. How do you ever chose where to go? The buzz around town was that there was a revitalization going on in downtown Vegas on Fremont Street.  So off we went…

Nighttime is definitely hopping there, filled with oodles of people, bright lights and activity, but it is different glitz than what you find on the strip. We had a great time strolling under the dome and watching the high flying zip liners shoot by overhead. There are many bars and restaurants to stop by, and you can even purchase drinks at a walk up bar on the street to carry along your journey. Two of the best spots to visit along the way are “Don’t Tell Mama”  a piano bar that offers good drinks and service while patrons are encouraged to get up and sing with the piano player. Not to worry if the local talent isn’t up to snuff though, because the bartenders can belt one out like nobody’s business! The other cool spot to stop in at is “Park on Fremont.” It has the coolest decor I’ve ever seen. Make sure you take a close look at the art because it isn’t quite what it appears at first glance! Don’t leave without a visit to the back patio to gaze around at all of the detail that went into their fun collections. An unlikely oasis in the middle of glitzorama!

But if it’s food you’re looking for, then head over to the El Cortez Hotel and Casino. Inside you will find a small Italian eatery called Pizza Lotto Slices & Slots. At first glance you may think that it’s a typical spot to fulfill that illicit craving for junk food. But you will be very wrong! What you will find there are authentic homemade Italian delicacies hidden under the facade of a typical eatery! It is no surprise that this restaurant has top quality offerings as it was started by Jeffrey Kalt whose resume has an overabundance of success in the hospitality business. He is currently SVP Business Strategies at Circle TPR, CEO/Founder of Epicurean Strategic Partners and President of Epicurean Concepts. He has over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry with a client list second to none. His Pizza Lotto partner Max Luchs, a Hospitality Administration/Management graduate from UNLV, is a gracious and charming host, there to ensure that your every need is met. So what about the food, you ask?

Our meal began with their World Famous hand rolled Garlic Rolls. They are made fresh daily, proofed twice, tossed with fresh garlic, Grandma’s secret herbs and freshly grated Pecorino Romano & Parmigiana Reggiano. Fluffy and delicious!

These rolls were the perfect thing to dip into their heavenly Pasta E Fagioli with tubetti pasta, beans and prosciutto. Delish!

I sincerely apologize because this photo does not even begin to show you the wonder of the Mama Della’s hand rolled Meatballs served with Chef Leonardo’s legendary Old World Marinara Sauce. The meatballs were large and light; perfectly made, with the most succulent marinara sauce I’ve ever tried!

However, the restaurant IS called Pizza Lotto, so pizza we must try! I opted for their Funghi Blanco made with wild mushrooms, sliced garlic, truffle oil and four types of cheese. It was cooked to perfection, the crust crisp, yet light. This was a pizza you won’t find anywhere else. It was incredible!

Some other wonderful pizza options you can find there are their Sicilian Square Black Pan Old School style, Margherita and Pepperoni among many others…

Ah, and we finished our meal off with a cup of Espresso and their homemade Cannoli. Am I in Sicily now(?), because it sure feels like I have transported myself to Italy for this extraordinary meal!

Honestly among all of the grand dining we did at the several top name restaurants in celebrity hotels, this was my favorite meal of the trip. Try it out next time you’re in Vegas, you won’t be disappointed!

 

Among all of the "Bigger than Life" Restaurants in Las Vegas is a Small Italian Gem!, 5.0 out of 10 based on 9 ratings