| rev:text
| - GIADA is my BAE!
So that alone is worth 4 stars right there.
I've actually never even watched her Food Network show, but that's only because someone used the "Parental Control" feature on my cable to block that channel due to concerns I was developing a food porn addiction. Whatever, I still have Yelp and Instagram and nothing could block me from dining at Giada!
Upon stepping off the escalator to enter Giada on the 2nd floor of The Cromwell, we arrived at their impressive hostess station and were immediately taken to our table in the main dining room. This area overlooks The Strip (primarily Caesars) and includes exceptional views of the Bellagio Fountains when seated by the windows near the terrace (request it when making your rezzy).
The interior is accentuated by the natural lighting from outside. We gazed at all the stylish decor, which is reflective of the beauty and elegance of Giada herself. The abundance of whites reminded me a bit of Fig & Olive (in LA & OC) but Giada enhances it with classy touches of gold and silver. Menus, napkins, and placemats are adorned with signature Giada and "G" logos. Despite the swank setting, some patrons were dressed more casually than I expected at dinner, as a few even wore shorts and sandals (on the bright side, at least they weren't dressed in any of that ridiculous EDC attire).
While we were smitten with the location of our table and views, there is also an attractive lounge and bar area that is more laid back. Near that, an open kitchen section resides before the restrooms, closer to the entrance. Don't forget to check out that display and of course, drop in the photo booth by the hostess station on your way out.
As enthralled with the environment as we were, it was time to add some accessories to our table, in the form of food and drinks!
MENU: Italian with Californian influences and a strong presence of citrus. Many dishes are intended to be light. Dinner options are much more expansive than their lunch menu. Our party of 2 shared the following:
DRINKS: they give you an iPad to browse the cocktail menu. All names are inspired by movies Giada's Grandfather produced.
*Barbarella: this was made up of orange spice ginger beer, Tanqueray No. TEN, fresh lemon & basil foam, and is wonderful for mule lovers! I drank it way too fast and found myself craving another one even the next night.
*Riesling: wine (for her), sweet and distinguished.
ANTIPASTI: they ranged in size. I'd recommend mixing it up by selecting from the different sections like we did. They also served a complimentary bread platter comprised of rosemary focaccia bread, Italian breadsticks, and Parmesan crisps (crackers), rounded out by trays of chili flakes, pesto, crispy fried capers, and marscapone butter. The bread was fluffy and we enjoyed the seasonings.
*CHEESE: Imported Burrata w/ balsamic salt - creamy and perfect to put on the aforementioned bread and/or crisps.
*SALUMI: Prosciutto di Parma - buttery, salty & sweet, pork.
*MEAT: Orzo Meatballs w/ parmesan pomodoro - cute little balls (about 5 or 6) that I couldn't wait to grab. They were moist and tender.
*SEAFOOD: Charred Octopus w/ potato, fennel & olive salsa - perhaps I wasn't in the mood for something charred, as I was more pleased with the other items we had.
PASTA & MAINS
*SPAGHETTI: shrimp, lemon & basil - absolutely delicious, I almost wish we had ordered 2 servings.
*BRANZINO: fish with tangerine vinaigrette - this was an amazing dish cooked brilliantly that practically melted in my mouth. I didn't expect to be wowed by this but it was an extremely satisfying "main."
DESSERT: the menu differed from that posted online as they didn't have my zeppoles!
*LIME & PISTACHIO CAKE: Giada's twist on a José Andrés dessert, with a fascinating presentation. Includes raspberry sorbetto and some fresh fruit.
SERVICE: matching the quality of the food and setting, they didn't miss a thing. Our server was Joseph, who provided solid recommendations and was personable and helpful throughout our meal. Water refills were consistent. The girls working as hostesses were outfitted in really hot black dresses too (if you need help convincing your guy to take you here, just show him this part of the review only).
Giada gave me a memorable night. I look forward to trying breakfast or lunch on my next visit, and in the meantime, will try to figure out how to remove that Parental Control channel block so I can watch her show!
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