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| - So... You know when books have these very intriguing visually pleasing covers with eye-catching graphic design, well placed lettering, and a fascinating synopsis on the back? But then you actually read the contents of the book and find yourself bored? Almost feeling tricked? Yeah. Maybe a little harsh, but that's how I feel about my recent dining experience at Giada's inside the Cromwell.
I have to say I absolutely loved the ambiance. Such a beautifully decorated restaurant with warm coloring, soft lighting, and gigantic windows with a breathtaking view of the bellagio fountains & Caesar's palace -- the venue is a perfect scenario for a girls night out or a fancy date night. Our server was also very charming & friendly, not a single negative thing I can say about the restaurant itself or about the service... and that's where my 3 stars come from entirely. Like I said, the cover of the book was very intriguing.
The food? Same thing... absolutely beautiful presentation. But portions are very small, and I was disappointed by the taste of almost everything. Giada's Italian cuisine definitely has its own twist with Californian influences -- so it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But for small portions I expect big flavor. Again, beautiful cover with a boring read. Nothing was noteworthy about this place to be honest... other than the strip view, enjoyable music playlist & chic ambiance. You're really paying for the experience, not the menu.
Ordered:
- ORZO MEATBALLS: $15. Four small meatballs in marinara sauce & parmesan pomodoro. (Very bland & unremarkable)
- BACON WRAPPED DATES: $15. Five gorgonzola creme filled spicy sausages. (Only thing I semi-enjoyed out of our whole meal)
- SPAGHETTI: $34. Two shrimp with a lemon & basil white sauce. (Decent dish, very citrus based)
- RISOTTO: $35. Two large scallops with red king crab merus & peas/asparagus. (Scallops extremely salty, risotto extremely bland)
- RAVIOLI: $36. Six small lobster filled ravioli with asparagus tips & tarragon. (This resembled a microwaveable dinner, so disappointing)
- WHITE LASAGNA: $35. Two jumbo prawns on top of lemon ricotta & spiced tomato broth lasagna. (Very small portion, square slice)
*We also tried to order the OYSTER CRUDO appetizer, but they were out of it... as well as the SALMON main entree. Womp womp.
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