How would you like this from a restaurant: Over 20 years at the same location, all diners leave with to-go containers due to portion size, pricing that is approachable to all, owners that routinely check in at the tables, a multi-page beverage list for wine, beer, and spirits, paper menu that still respects sanitation, and, if you are smart enough to become a long standing patron, you may just possibly be rewarded with flowers on your birthday or a free home-cooked meal delivered to your door when you are sick. That, and more, is offered from the one and only Ventano Italian Grill & Seafood (ventanoitalian.com).
Of Ventano’s three owners, Arnauld Briand, Michael Monguillot, and Carmine Vento, it was Arnauld that had much to say about why the restaurant has been so popular for so long. “Every week we’ve seen restaurants come and go…and why have we been so successful, is because I’m very good looking and people come in to take my photo!” Arnauld joked. “Honestly, we put the customer first. Here’s a story I would like to share: my wife and friends went to dinner; the restaurant told them they had no ice and yet in the same center were other restaurants and a gas station with a mini market. I found that completely unacceptable. If we don’t have what we need we go out and get it, we don’t deny our guests anything. My background is in gourmet restaurants, when I opened my own, I simply wanted people to be happy and well fed. We give large portions – lots of to-go boxes – so why change that – it’s been good for 22 years.”
Arnauld believes that Ventano, located at 191 South Arroyo Grande Boulevard in Henderson, is notable because it’s a welcoming family environment – just a big happy place to make people feel comfortable. They’ve kept “the best quality – even during a bad economy.”
When you visit Ventano expect one of the owners to stop by your table, one of them is always there. Their regulars visit weekly, some come two to three times a week. If they know it’s a regular’s birthday, they can expect flowers. If they are sick at home, Arnaud will bring food to them, as he sees them as family.
Ventano’s has a large wine inventory thanks to Michael, boasting the best wine list in Henderson and one of the best in Las Vegas. And like the food menu, it is very reasonably priced. “We are not here for awards,” Michael said. “We are here to sell product. Besides our large dining spaces (adjacent to the main dining room there is another large private dining room for parties) we also have a full bar with gaming and dining that’s completely ventilated and separate from the restaurant. Our specialty cocktail list has over 20 different drinks right now.”
Their free-standing building, on land that they own, has a large patio space that offers guests views of the Las Vegas Strip. The interior space isn’t cheated out on that view either. As soon as the sun sets the drapes are pulled away and neon lights catch the eye.
As Ventano Italian Grill & Seafood celebrates over 20 years of excellence, it exemplifies how a commitment to quality and community can create a lasting legacy in the culinary world.