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Two Local Restaurants to Love

Osteria Fiorella and EDO Tapas and Wine transport you with every bite

Article by Elaine and Scott Harris

Photography by Courtesy of Osteria Fiorella and EDO Tapas and Wine

Originally published in Red Rock City Lifestyle

Osteria Fiorella brings Award Winning Italian Cuisine and a Celebrity Chef to the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa

When renowned Chef Marc Vetri opened Osteria Fiorella at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, it was a dream come true for many locals.  Having a James Beard Award-winning chef in their neighborhood was almost inconceivable in the past. Marc's Italian roots and travels come to light as Osteria Fiorella combines Old World heritage and a touch of Las Vegas flare.

Chef Marc Vetri is a culinary genius. Vetri is the chef/founder of Philadelphia's acclaimed Vetri Cucina. Within two years of the restaurant's debut, he was named one of Food & Wine's "Best New Chefs." He received the Philadelphia Inquirer's highest restaurant rating, which the restaurant maintained during a re-review in 2018. In 2005, Marc received the James Beard Award for "Best Chef Mid-Atlantic." Vetri is not just all about the culinary world. He is the force behind the Vetri Community Partnership, a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower children and families through fresh food and education. He is also the author of four cookbooks, his latest being "Mastering Pizza," released in 2018.

Osteria Fiorella is convivial and quite lively at times, inspired by Fiorella, Marc's highly regarded pasta bar in the heart of Philadelphia's historic Italian Market. The main dining room is expansive and opens on a beautiful outdoor patio with views of Red Rock Canyon in the distance. Osteria Fiorella’s centerpiece is a large bar where guests can catch their favorite sports team. Guests can always enjoy a selection of antipasti and salads, handmade pasta, signature pizzas, charcoal-cooked meat and fish, and authentic desserts daily. Brunch is a big deal these days, and Osteria Fiorella steps right up serving favorites, such as Cacio e Pepe Breakfast Pizza. And of course, signature dishes that include Sal's Meatballs (an homage to Marc's father) and Fiorella Sausage, a time-honored recipe handed down by the original proprietors of Fiorella's Philadelphia flagship.

Osteria Fiorella's daily menu features salad, antipasti, pizza, pasta, charcoal-cooked meat, fish, and dessert. Weekend brunch satisfies every craving with inspired interpretations of customary brunch fare, from sweet ricotta French toast to savory biscuit egg sandwiches to "morning after" pizzas.

There is so much to love, but some things are a must. Begin with Sal's Meatballs with whipped ricotta and garlic durum focaccia, or keep it traditional with Crispy Octopus. Why not show your culinary devotion to a rich Ricotta Gnocchi featuring brown butter and crispy leeks. Our beloved Carnivores will devour Verti's Pappardelle, a braised beef short rib with a pure passion on a plate with tangy horseradish. One can't help but fall in love with their Cannelloni with rich pork ragù, bechamel, and herbs. For bigger appetites, dive into a think Double R Ranch Ribeye served with shallot agrodolce and parmesan. Osteria's Bone-in Veal Parmigiana with Bufala mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce will bring a smile to your face and please your palate. Being Italian, a fish course of delicious Branzino served with a touch of shaved fennel, arugula, and olive salad is a bright choice.

There isn't anything better than brunching al fresco, and they do it right. Smoked Trout with creme cheese, red onion, capers, and trout roe is a brilliant way to get the brunch started. The lovely creative Eggs in Purgatory with San Marzano tomatoes and focaccia is exceptional and will certainly make you return to refresh your memory of this dish.

Osteria Fiorella features a splendid beverage program as well. The wine a beer list is all of your preferences and a few pleasant surprises that keep revolving to keep the selections fresh and exciting. The cocktail program is a creative as the main Fiorella menu. The Ol' Pal Sal; Rittenhouse rye, Campari, Montanaro served extra dry is a favorite. For a more traditional yet artistic, the Negroni Arancia with malty gin, Cinzano 1757and aperitivo select or their Chocolate Negroni; a nice blend of spring 44 gin, cacao nib-infused Campari Cinzano 1757, and Tempus fugit cacao ala vanilla are both impressive. Osteria Fiorella is the perfect place to show true love on Valentines Day with a special menu just for your loved ones.

Chef Oscar Amador Edo and EDO Tapas and Wine will Take you To Barcelona Bite after Bite

EDO Tapas and Wine has made quite a name for itself tucked away in China Town in Las Vegas. At the helm is Chef Oscar Amador Edo. Being raised in Barcelona, Chef Amador Edo fell in love with Catalonia’s rich culinary traditions at an early age. He grew up “10 minutes away from the Mediterranean where the quality of the seafood is unbelievable,” he said.  After graduating from the prestigious Hofmann BCN Chef School, he was offered the opportunity to stage at El Racó de Can Fabes, a three Michelin Star awarded restaurant, and jumped at the chance. Over the years, he has been quite successful in owning and operating Ajo Negro, TapeArt, and A Mano for more than a decade. It was that success that drove him to move to Las Vegas and offer up his culinary delights to enlighten the American palate. Once again, he found himself in one of the most prestigious kitchens in the city, Le Cirque where he stayed for six months before moving on to launch his s catering business and then EDO Tapas & Wine in 2018.

Looking over the menu, one can see his approach to Chef’s approach is to add a modern, innovative twist to classic Spanish recipes. His passion is to cook oysters, uni, clams, mussels, octopus, and turbot, which jumps off the menu. “They represent my culture; I want to bring the experience of eating in Barcelona to my customers and deliver the best combinations, awakening senses to new flavors, aromas, and textures, ultimately creating new memories for my guests,” he added. EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine is inspired by Spain’s tradition of eating small savory dishes, typically served with drinks, and we were ready to explore.

Beginning with the Iberico Charcuterie Board is a wonderful way to awaken your palate for a journey through Spain. It consists of decadent 100 percent Bellota Selections that include, Paletilla, Salchichón, Lomo & Chorizo and Artisanal Cheeses (chef's daily choice). Cold appetizer all-stars would have to be the Tokio Oysters with trout Roe, Pico, and Ponzu. Why not continue the beginning of your culinary journey with outstanding Peruvian Bay Scallops fermented in tomato water and Yuzu Escabeche for the final touch? For a real flare of Spain, Tcxangurro; at traditional Blue Crab Sofrito with Oloroso Sherry and Potato Espuma will have you saying OLE!

With so many brilliant entrees to choose from, dive into chef’s Cuttlefish Carbonara with Sepia Tagliatelle, Jamón Ibérico, and rich Pecorino Romano Cheese. Dive right into Barcelona itself and indulge in a Suckling Pig Terrine with braised artichokes, shallots, salsif, and charcutière sauce. For the FINI, it’s all about love with a nicely prepared flan, a traditional custard, caramel, lemon curd.

Great restaurants usually have a happy hour to get things rolling in the right direction. EDO is no exception. Stop in Monday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and enjoy house red or white wine for $6.00 or a handcrafted cocktail of the day for $7.00. Happy hour is also a great chance to savor 50 percent off on selected items.

For those who love cocktails, you can’t do wrong with the Embajador. An exciting blend of Lemba Agricole Rum, Lemon Yzaguirre Dry Vermouth, Rosemary Syrup and Kiwi Purée. Additionally, the tasty Junquera with Mahón Gin, a Rosemary Sprig, Yzaguirre Sweet Vermouth and Green Chartreuse is a must try.

For those that don’t venture out to China Town often there is some great news. Chef Amador is opening Anima, which is the Spanish word for soul in the Gramercy very soon, which will have a different twist on the EDO offerings. Chef Amador is all about passion. Why show your significant other love and bring out their passion with a Valentines menu they will adore?