Basilico Ristorante Italiano
Fare Straordinario (Extraordinaire) for Everyone
There is a modern new community called Evora in southwest part Las Vegas, where you’ll find a restaurant that represents the lifestyle well… Basilico Ristorante Italiano. Not only is it a beautiful place to enjoy great food, but they offer dishes meant to be shared by the whole family. There is an electric vibe to the place with large windows for views of the growing area. An expansive patio space has a huge fireplace, an inviting sight as you make your way to the entrance area. It’s the perfect location for a party.
At the helm is Executive Chef Francesco Di Caudo. He has been working at great restaurants for almost two decades. He trained at Michelin-star establishments in both Rome and Paris and learned his trade starting at the bottom and working his way up. His first U.S. Executive Chef gig was at Pachango Resort in Temecula, California. He has been at Basilico since it opened just over a year ago.
Your dining adventure begins with a bread basket and an accompanying balsamic vinegar dipping sauce. You can also add whipped lardo and raspberry gelee, buffalo ricotta, or seaweed-yuzu butter for a nice touch.
The menu features familiar dishes but there is a decidedly fun twist to just about all of them. For instance, Di Caudo describes the Eggplant Parmesan as “very thin sliced” and pan fried in olive oil. There are 12 to 15 layers of eggplant, tomatoes and cheese, finished off with basil pesto.
The menu changes with the seasons but current items include an innovative antipasti list led by a Nashi Pear with Belgium endive, radicchio, almond, ricotta salata and burnt honey vinaigrette. An airy Burrata is paired with butternut squash, pepita seed, and hazelnut dressing. The Smoked Cigar is a must as the presentation is just as good as the taste. Duck Mousse sits inside with truffle ash on top.
Since they cater to families, there is a trio of pizzas including a Diavola with pomodoro, fior di latte, and sausage. Yes, there is a plate of spaghetti and this lighter version of the Italian classic is prepared with tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. For something a little different, order the Squid Ink and Dill Bucatini with seafood, uni butter, and pistachio sauce.
When it comes to entrees the unique pairing of scallops and oxtail is accompanied with kale and bone marrow bordelaise. Since there is a Mediterranean accent to the proceedings, Branzino is offered with porcini, yams, spinach, and fig sauce. Further, you can do no wrong with short ribs enhanced with potato sfogliata, maitake mushrooms, and cheese.
Restaurants that do tableside presentations are becoming hard to find. But Basilico does a dessert that you won’t want to miss…Parmigiano Gelato. And it is done with the flair of a major production with liquid nitrogen to provide the smoke. On the plate is lemon ginger pound cake, vin brule poached pear, and saba.
Other sweets include Pavlova with vegan kaffir meringue, mango mousse, mint-pineapple salad, and coconut. An espresso-based panna cotta is filled with chocolate mousse and milk foam.
There is a large bar area where residents and business folks gather after a hard day. The creative cocktail menu, prepared by Sommelier and General Manager Rudy Aguas, will satisfy just about any connoisseur of great drinks.
The Fiore di Fiamma is a fine collection of Hanson vodka, elderflower liqueur, blueberry honey lavender syrup, lime, lemonade, and pineapple. Those who want to enjoy a whiskey-based concoction might want to try the Luce Spente with butter-washed whiskey, coffee, mushrooms, corn syrup, chocolate bitters, and spiced bacon with a hint of smoked flavor.
Since mocktails are showing up on many more libation menus, Basilico offers a couple that have a fruity constitution. The Blueberry Dream is a mix of honey lavender, lemonade, club soda, and mint. The Yuzu Proof includes calamansi shrub, pineapple, and lemon.
One of the ways to enjoy the restaurant is to indulge in their tasting menu, perfect for couples. There are usually ten different
dishes from appetizers to dessert. The fare changes often.
Live entertainment is part of the experience. They feature performers on certain nights, with the lineup changing from week to week. Check their website for current information.
Social hour is in session from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily and 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
Chef Di Caudo sums up his food this way: “I want my guests to be happy with a big smile and a full belly without the food coma.” He succeeds in every way. And don’t be afraid to bring the whole family.
Basilico Ristorante Italiano
6111 S Buffalo Dr, Las Vegas
702-534-7716
www.basilicolv.com
