Industry Weekly

[Night Bites]

Rao’s Las Vegas celebrates a decade of classic cuisine

Image
The meatballs are legendary.
Photography by Big French

It’s hard to believe it has already been 10 years since iconic East Harlem restaurant Rao’s expanded with a location at Caesars Palace. That’s because the Las Vegas location feels like a magically fresh experience every time you return, yet it also reflects the charm of the original, in business since 1896.

“It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate a decade in the restaurant business here in Las Vegas, and that in itself is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Frank Pellegrino Jr., co-owner of Rao’s in Harlem, Las Vegas and Hollywood. “I started off as a busboy at Rao’s New York at the age of 12—never thinking I was going to stay in the family business—and I never left. We are so delighted by the roots we’ve put down in the entertainment capital of the world, and we’re looking forward to continuing our family traditions at Caesars Palace for years to come.”

On January 12, Pellegrino and chef de cuisine Fatimah Madyun will prepare a special anniversary dinner highlighting classic Rao’s dishes including stuffed artichokes, roasted pepper bruschetta, linguine carbonara and, of course, the legendary veal, beef and pork meatballs topped with marinara. Don’t worry if you miss it; some of those dishes and others from the Rao’s cookbook will be available as specials for the rest of the month, keeping the celebration going strong. Rao’s at Caesars Palace, 702-731-7778; Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 5-10:30 p.m.

Share
Photo of Las Vegas Weekly Staff

Las Vegas Weekly Staff

Las Vegas Weekly Staff

Get more Las Vegas Weekly Staff
  • Because who can watch the Super Bowl without a 3-liter bottle of Dom?

  • “It’s always been a dream to reach this level.”

  • The mantra is “handmade with love, from scratch, daily,” and you can taste it in every bite.

  • Get More Industry Weekly Stories
Top of Story