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Restaurant Column – July 2006
By Charles Desiderio
Casa Di Amore
2850 E. Tropicana Ave.
When they say "Vegas the way it used to be" they aren't kidding! Casa Di Amore is just
that; a little touch of old Vegas, Italian style. Just one look at the menu and you will feast
your eyes on all of the food delights that we all remember from days gone by. I visited
Casa Di Amore off ours, for dining, that is. I had a late lunch on a Sunday afternoon and
the restaurant is just what I expected; red banquets surround the room with tables in the
center. The first thing I noticed was the great music they were playing, right out of the
50's and 60's, which made me feel right at home. They have a lunch menu that is
available through 4 p.m., but it seems that no matter what you order, they will prepare it
for you. For example, there were no baked clams on the lunch menu, but I saw another
table that was just finishing what looked like baked clams; so I asked and without
question, in short order, hot out of the kitchen, my dozen baked clams arrived in a perfect
package, with just enough sauce to baste the clams and dip your bread. Folks, Chef
Pedro must really know his Italian seafood, the baked clam were cooked to perfection,
not chewy and not overdone. Three cheers for that alone! The clams were $15.95 for the
dozen, a fair price. Also on the menu they offer Scungli Salad at $14.95, Steamed Clams
at $15.95 and Clams on the half shell at $13.95 per dozen; if you would like to have
greens on your table, you must try the sautéed Escarloe in garlic and oil
As bread is such an important part of the Italian way of dining, their bread is excellent,
served hot and styled in small loafs. I made the mistake of finishing my bread basket; the
bread was simply that great! If you really have a long memory you will remember
Chicken Pastina Soup, (every Italian baby grew up on the stuff) well, they have it at
$3.00 a bowl, how's that for jogging your memory. I must confess that a visit to Casa Di
Amore is like taking a trip down memory lane, if you're into food and the good old days!
From the old Vegas pictures on the wall to the totally comfortable atmosphere, you're in
for a real treat.
There are 15 seafood items to choose from and they include, Cioppino, Shrimp Alla
Vodka, Calamari Steak, New Zealand Mussels over Linguini, Clams FraDiablo and too
many more to list. When I told RJ Gagliardi, the managing partner that I never see Steak
Pizziola in Las Vegas, he said that's because I haven't looked at his menu, they have it at
$19.95, a 12 oz New York Cut, Black Angus steak.
Chicken, pork and veal are all part of the extensive menu. RJ tells me that his pride is the
Osso Buco at $26.95, a fair price here in Las Vegas. Another of my favorites is on the
menu and that is Veal Francaise, sautéed with white wine and served with the traditiona
lemon butter sauce.
Pasta, of course is a standard and the Penne I had was excellent, cooked just right, I
ordered mine at lunch with a meat ball added in for 1.50 extra. Needless to say they have
all types of pasta available for you and a variety of Italian sauces to go with it.
Sandwiches are a big part of the lunch menu and my wife said, "If they serve the
sandwiches on the table bread they served" then she would have a peppers and egg
sandwich; let me tell you her peppers and egg sandwich served on that hot bread was
excellent.
Cass Di Amore also offers a variety of specialty dishes that we all ate as kids. Stuffed
Shells, Manicotti, Gnocchi, Cannelloni, Lasagna and more! As wine is such an important
part of Italian dining, you'll be happy to know that the wines they offer are very fairly
priced, with most of the popular wines being offered, with many choices by the glass.
For those less daring, Pizza is also offered in 12 inch or 16 inch sizes and of course they
have a wide variety of toppings. I didn't get a chance to try a dessert as I was already
over my calorie budget, but they offer Spumoni, Cannoli, Tiramisu and Cheesecake.
The picture I have in my mind is that the best way to describe Casa Di Amore is if Frank
and Dean and Sammy wanted to go out to eat after a show on the strip they would
probably go to RJ's place to end their night and unwind. Just like the old days, they have
a great variety of entertainment 7 days a week. They also have a bar area with gaming
for those so inclined. I would say that Casa Di Amore is really a Vegas Supper Club. A
place that you go with friends to have good food, laughs, see some entertainment and
enjoy life, just like in the good old days. I would suggest reservations on weekends as
more and more people are finding out about this new hot spot in town; 433-4967.
You can contact Charlie Desiderio at lvrestguy@cox.net
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