Dinner at Sinatra restaurant, Encore Las Vegas
Posted on Dec 28, 2011 under Archives | No CommentSinatra at Encore houses 152 seats and pays homage to the late crooner. Frank’s everywhere – on the stereo, on the walls (with family, celebrities, and Mr. Wynn himself at the Golden Nugget circa 1981) and his Grammy and Oscar can be found in the entrance. Chef Theo Schoenegger (formerly of Patina in LA) offers up classic northern Italian fare in an open sophisticated retro-designed space with floor to ceiling windows facing a lush garden patio. Here’s what we (my friend Sheila joined me) enjoyed when Chef Theo hosted us for a tasting menu.
Sinatra restaurant offers an outstanding variety of cocktails, Sheila had a berry lemonade and I had a rose champagne.
We started with a plate containing four small samples of Chef Theo’s most popular appetizers. These included Carpaccio di Tonno – big eye tuna carpaccio, pine nuts, raisins, pickled vegetables and a balsamic reduction, Panzanella con Granchio – jumbo lump blue crab, brioche croutons, tomato, cucumber and tomato fonduta, Gamberoni – jumbo shrimp, blood orange cocktail sauce, navel orange and baby fennel salad, and lobster crostino.
Next came a sampling of two pastas. These dishes were much more than a tasting portion but whole portions of each dish. Both were fantastic.
Our first pasta dish was Agnolotti, small pockets of pasta filled with buffalo ricotta cheese and herbs over an asparagus sauce. Chef Theo came out and shaved fresh black truffle over the pillowy ravioli. We gobbled this down.
The second pasta dish was a rich luxurious lobster risotto with big chunks of Main lobster on top. In addition to lobster, the risotto included parmesan cheese, forest mushrooms and chives. This was also delicious and a must have if you visit Sinatra.
Next came a refreshing course of branzino. the grilled Mediterranean sea bass was served over a tasty melody of artichokes, fennel, tomatoes and white wine.
Our main meat dish was a tender perfectly cooked grilled Colorado lamb chop served with polenta and asparagus. This is also a definite must to order.
Our dessert consisted of three of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, all were excellent.
We started with a chocolate sampler which included a luscious chocolate mousse and a hot molten chocolate cake served with hazelnut ice cream and berries. A great choice for any chocoholic.
Our next dessert course was a rich ricotta cheesecake.
Our third and final dessert course was a warm berry tart topped with vanilla ice cream.
If you are a big Sinatra fan, or a fan of fantastic Northern Italian food, make sure to put Sinatra at Encore on your list of restaurants to dine at the next time you visit Sin City. Located at Encore, 3131 Las Vegas South Boulevard, reservations can be made at 702/770-5320.