Carnevino is the new Batali steakhouse in the Palazzo (Venetian). I had very high expectations for one of my favorite chefs, and as usual, Batali did not disappoint! Everything about it was great - knowledgeable, efficient, good service; warm inviting decor; and great food and wine! I was in heaven! They gave us each a complimentary cheese puff - so yummy and creamy! i think the cheese was parmesan but i'm not positive... who cares? it was good and that's all that matters!
We started out with a couple of appetizers - fried calamari in a light tomato sauce (lightly fried so that the calamari was still supple and tender, and the sauce was a nice complement, not overwhelming) and a fabulous caprese salad (perfectly ripe tomatoes with the creamiest, most buttery mozzarella)... mmm... that was soon followed by two pastas - the oriechette with sweet sausage (one of my faves!) and papperdelle with mushrooms. both were wonderful - perfectly salted pasta with fresh straightforwards ingredients. Afterwards we were served with our entrees - most of us had steaks(wonderfully flavored and perfectly cooked). I also tried sweetbreads for the first time - quite good! I can't remember whick malbec we had but it went very well with the entire meal. I finished off the feast with some moscato d'asti.
The entire evening was simply lovely - great company and great food and wine.