Giada

So it finally happened. Not the wedding. No, Katie isn’t pregnant. I didn’t quit my job either. I finally made it to Giada. I haven’t exactly been actively pursuing it but it has been on my bucket list for some time. A little over a year ago it opened. Unknowingly, my friends and I stumbled into the Cromwell after a heavy day of walking the strip and day drinking into the red carpet opening. Literally right into it, they booted us as if we were in the wrong even though they forgot to lock the side doors. Me and Giada locked eyes for a brief moment and it was at that exact moment she realized she couldn’t be with her husband anymore. Seconds later, we bumped into Carrot Top and we were abruptly snapped back into reality.

Since that day I’ve been meaning to get back. But lets face it; being a local in Las Vegas we don’t make it down to the strip to often…if ever. Katie’s sister’s birthday was on Thursday, she chose Giada and it was on.

When you go out to a restaurant like this you need to go all out. My definition of all out consists of ordering a drink, an appetizer and something within the upper pricing quadrant of the menu for the entrée. You only do dessert typically if something really stands out or….lets be honest, if someone else is buying. You have to remember, I’m poor because I chose to educate myself and go to college…

So, for the drink, I went with the spiced up version of a Manhattan. I wish I took notes on it but the only think I can remember about it besides the bourbon and Vermouth was the Cherry liquor soaked Cherry Garnish. It was like grown up Maraschino candy. The other thing my peasant mind thought was awesome what how they somehow managed to freeze a “G” into the ice ball the drink soaked in. My mind is still blown on how they managed to do that.

The bread spread came out just as we were about to order. Very impressive. Fresh baked breads, bread sticks and crispy flat bread with about 5-6 seasonings and toppers to make to you’re liking. Since this was a special occasion we ordered several appetizers and skipped out on the $17 salads the waitress was pushing. Yeah, $17 salads…

The first appetizer we ordered was the Orzo Meatballs. They were a bit small but PACKED with flavor. They were served in a spicy pomadoro sauce and just a touch of Parmesan on top. We moved on to the next, Bacon Wrapped Dates. These were unbelievable. Stuffed with Italian sausage, topped with Gorgonzola crème sauce. It was unbelievably unctuous and flavor full. Probably the best salty sweet combo since chocolate covered pretzels. They were perfectly seared, soft and chewy with a bit of crunch from the bacon. The cream brought everything together. Finally we ordered the Prince Edward Island Mussels. They were beer braised with Fennel, Shallots and tomato’s. These were TINY. Probably the smallest mussels I’ve ever eaten. The flavor was there but the fennel was bit much. They were decent at best but probably not something I’d go back to order again.

This brings us the finale. The final course. The entrees ranged in price anywhere from $26 all the way up to $75 possibly higher but I got vertigo the higher up I went looking. I settle in the middle of the pack and got the Scallop Risotto. Nothing crazy, but something you know you’re belly will leave happy with. This was no exception. The scallops were buttery soft, not the best I’ve had but definitely up there. The risotto was equally as awesome. Made with chunks of crabmeat, butter and cream. I’m not big on onion, there was a little bit more than I prefer but I valued it presence.

Overall, I’d say Giada is legit. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s a bit pricey but noting out of the usually for a property on the strip. I give it a solid two thumbs up and my bank account will remain on life support for the next week until payday.