“Top Chef” Carla Pellegrino Serves Up Romance at Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen this Valentine’s Day

As new chef and partner at popular restaurant near Summerlin, Chef Carla has created dishes inspired by a romantic Italian getaway for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, Feb. 14

As the new chef and partner of Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen, located at 8245 W. Sahara Ave. at the Lakes near Summerlin, Carla Pellegrino has prepared Valentine’s Day selections inspired by a romantic getaway to Italy. Limoncello will be open for expanded hours, from 3 to 10 p.m., on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Pellegrino, a standout cheftestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and acclaimed culinary superstar, has created an array of dishes to honor the holiday, including three decadent entrees.

They include lobster risotto with Arborio rice cooked à l’américaine with spiny lobster tail medallions and cognac, which pairs nicely with Venica & Venica Ronco Del Cerò Sauvignon Blanc; slow-cooked wild boar ragu finely diced in red wine and bitter chocolate sauce and served over potato gnocchi, which pairs well with Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Carneros Pinot Noir; broiled 9-ounce piggyback cut spiny lobster tail served with tarragon beurre blanc, which pairs nicely with La Scolca White Label Gavi DOCG; and a surf and turf combination of an 8-ounce beef filet mignon served with a 9-ounce piggyback cut spiny lobster tail, beurre blanc, port wine reduction sauce and pureed sweet potatoes, which pairs well with Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel.

Another addition to the Valentine’s Day menu is a pear and arugula salad with wild arugula, Belgian endive, marinated Bartlett pears, caramelized walnuts and shaved parmesan cheese, which pairs nicely with Taittinger Brut Champagne. 

Limoncello’s full menu will also be available, including signature starters such as marinated and grilled Calabria sausage served with sauteed rapini and polpette al forno; and veal and beef meatballs topped with marinara and fontina cheese.

Freshly made pastas include lasagna Modenese, baked pasta layers with beef ragu, bechamel, tomato sauce and parmigiano; and stracci di mara, fresh pasta with stacked layers of seafood, mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari and scallops in a rich cognac sauce.

Featured entrees include filetto ai funghi, an 8-ounce prime center cut beef filet mignon served with sauteed shiitake mushrooms and oven dried tomato in a Barolo reduction; and cioppino, a rich traditional Tuscan seafood stew served with crostini.

Limoncello will also appease sweethearts’ sweet tooth with an array of desserts including tiramisu, ladyfingers soaked in espresso with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder; traditional crème brûlée with seasonal fruit; and flourless chocolate cake, a rich dark Valrhona chocolate soufflé served with pistachio gelato.

Limoncello’s wine cellar offers more than 3,000 bottles, with highlights including 2017 Ciacci d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino, priced at $125; 2020 Gaja Ca Marcanda Super Tuscan, priced at $99; 2016 Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $90; and 2021 Venica Ronco Delle Mele Sauvignon Blanc, priced at $95; among others.

Reservations are now being accepted on OpenTable as well as by calling 702.888.1144.

One of Las Vegas’ most renown chefs, Pellegrino has led culinary operations for top restaurants in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and throughout Las Vegas, which was home to her acclaimed Henderson, Nevada restaurant, Bratalian Neopolitan Cantina.

Brazilian born and raised in Italy, Pellegrino grew up learning to cook with her family, and then went on to attend culinary school. Along with Frank Pellegrino, Jr., she opened Baldoria Restaurant in New York City and then, in 2006, she moved to Las Vegas to run Rao’s when the world-famous restaurant opened in Caesars Palace.

She’s cooked at the James Beard House five times, and in 2009 was named VIP member of the James Beard Foundation and a Women in Food Honoree. 

About Limoncello Fresh Italian Kitchen
Husband and wife restaurateurs Giuseppe and Jenny Bavarese have partnered with acclaimed “Top Chef” Carla Pellegrino at their family restaurant, Limoncello, located in the Lakes near Summerlin at 8245 W. Sahara Ave.

Founded in 2019, Limoncello serves authentic southern and northern Italian cuisine with modern flair.

The 8,000-square-foot restaurant and bar is beautifully designed, offering private dining rooms for larger gatherings as well as a spacious, stylish bar. Voted “Best Italian Restaurant” in 2022 by My Vegas magazine, Limoncello’s menu highlights house-made pasta and other dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Reservations are available on OpenTable as well as by calling 702.888.1144. Limoncello is open from 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

More information is available on the website at www.limoncellolv.com, on Instagram and on Facebook.

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