| rev:text
| - I was feeling somewhat down the day before, and needed the very familiar comfort of warm food to soothe my anxiety. My fiancé felt like Italian, more authentic than anything we've ever dabbled in around Vegas. So we rounded a corner onto Durango and discovered Gina's...which is perhaps the most delightful little hole I've stumbled upon (I've been discovering several in the last two weeks or so).
The exterior is sore to the eyes due to age, but the first step inside truly does smooth over any doubt or concerns. The tables are draped white, topped with stemmed glasses reflecting the mid-day sun that peeks through windows. The kitchen can be barely seen between curtains that reside behind the hostess booth. A low lighting accompanies Italian opera which elicits light conversation without drowning words or being spoken over. Wines decorate shelves and corners, mirrors and artwork reach across each wall in a tactful manner. It's truly adorable, and very clean.
Although the looks are quaint and darling, the service and food are truly what make this place a gem.
I was a crying mess that day (we'd just lost our dog). I was all over my words, spilling red things on pristine white tablecloths and attempting to laugh it off. Truly intolerable, if not simply clumsy. However, our waitress was polite and very generous. She was patient, even with us being the only people left in the room. Both she and our host took care of us, and tolerated our every question, concern or request.
Riccardo and Ralica are truly wonderful. Their recommendations and absolutely politeness were stunning. I'd go back, if only to say hello again. Riccardo began our meal by recommending some specials of the day, which was inclusive of our appetizer and the complimentary basket of home made bread. It was amazing, to note. Though I don't recall the name (I'm humble to admit that I am no Italian), I can say that it was delightful. A must try. A light and flavorful broth with cooked down tomatoes, accompanied by potatoes that are the perfect consistency. We dipped the bread in, as suggested. Wonderful.
I went on to order the Ravioli d` Aragosta. Definitely homemade raviolis. The lobster inside was immensely flavorful and stood out despite the robustness of the pink sauce. The amount in each ravioli was generous, and the textures of the lobster with the pasta surrounding it was divine (I'm afraid of mushiness due to the old Chef Boyardee days). Simply: It was wonderful.
My fiancé ordered the Vitello Sorrentina, which was just as incredible, if not more so. The moistness of the veil was very good. The marinara was wonderful...it was exactly what I've been searching for since the Italian Bistro in California. I had a small taste. He refused to share anymore.
We took home dessert, which was three thick slices of Shokoladnaya Kolbasa. Also known as Chocolate Salami. I believe Riccardo referred to it by a different name, though this is what I'd known it to be in Russian. A delectable, rich, creamy chocolate dessert, rolled and treated like a sausage of sorts, the cut up to be served. Inclusive of sweet crisps and nuts, served with a small side of cream. Amazing.
Throughout the entire evening, Ralica kept our glasses full to the brim. Even after we were finished eating, and stayed a few minutes to talk. She's incredibly sweet, and such a lovely individual to speak to.
Overall, our experience here was very pleasant. Riccardo even took the time to introduce us to his mother and grandmother, who are the actual chefs behind the scenes. It was a lovely gesture, and we appreciate every aspect of Gina's. The prices are not for everyday dining (at least not for college students like us), but the food is definitely worth the costs. Riccardo presented a coupon that can be used within the next two weeks, which was also great! I intend to bring my grandparents here before they leave for Korea (they've been craving Italian since they landed).
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)