As the weather starts to drop under 90 degrees, Las Vegans finally start getting into a fall mood in October. It is probably still a little too hot for sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, but after a long hot summer, we are ready to embrace fall.
What better way to get into the spirit of the harvest then by enjoying a warm bowl of homemade pasta for National Pasta Day on Oct. 17?
Of course, Las Vegas is a foodie paradise, so how do you choose where to go? Don’t worry we have three local Las Vegas pasta shops for you to try. If your favorite pasta restaurant is not on the list let us know where you like to go to get your Vegas pasta fix.
There is something about the Italian deli/restaurant ambiance that just makes everything taste better. While dining you can see the deli case with all the meats and cheeses as well as the large cans of imported tomatoes and other grocery items on the shelves. It creates a great atmosphere to enjoy some of the best fresh pasta.
The choices here run the gambit and rely on fresh mozzarella, handcrafted sausage and the deli’s famous braciole (thin slices of meat rolled in cheese and bread crumbs and fried.) With fresh ingredients, you cannot go wrong with an order of gnocchi, cavatelli or linguine with your choice of clams, shrimp or frutti di mare. These Vegas pasta dishes are molto delizioso.
Old school is what you get at Chicago Joes. In 1975, Chicago Joes opened downtown in a 1933 brick residence, and the rest is history. Was this spot frequented by those connected to the mob? Fugetaboutit!
A downtown staple for power lunches for the law and government communities downtown, Chicago Joes serves hearty pastas and sauces. Baked penne with meatballs, sausage and peepers with pasta and cheese ravioli are some of the house specialties.
After a visit to the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, you can continue the wise guy-vibe with dinner at the little brick house that has been serving Las Vegas pasta for 45 years.
Chef James Trees is a born and raised Las Vegan who worked his way up through kitchens in Las Vegas and around the country under superstar chefs like Bradley Ogden, Alex Stratta, Michael Mina and Gordon Ramsay to name a few.
Following his travels and adventures in the food community, Trees wanted to open his own spot, and that is what he did in January of 2018 in downtown Las Vegas.
Esther’s Kitchen is all about the homemade pasta and focusing on a few very high quality ingredients resulting in big flavor that is warm and welcoming. Take the bucatini carbonara that features egg yolk, gunciale and some pepper. Simple but oh so good.
There is also a rigatoni with braised lamb, goat cheese and mint or, if you are there for lunch, a very popular radiator with black garlic, lemon and cream. You really cannot go wrong, but you will definitely go back.