Las Vegas Mixtape v49: Culinary Smarts, a Motown Party, and more!

Track #1 (of 5): ai Pazzi @The Resort in Summerlin

They mean business over at ai Pazzi. (Image: Vegas 411)

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There’s a good reason ai Pazzi continues to build a head of steam since opening last July at The Resort at Summerlin (the newly branded name of the JW Marriott and Rampart Casino). This modern Italian restaurant from “Top Chef” star Fabio Viviani possesses that magical combination of creative dishes, an elegant dark wood ambiance, and outstanding service.

When my family and I were there, all our choices were impressively timed to arrive at the table; there's a serious art to this. The out-of-the-gate ai Pazzi showstopper was the “Caprese For The Table,” with the fresh mozzarella lovingly hand-pulled tableside by the waitstaff and placed over heirloom tomatoes—let’s hear it for culinary burlesque.

Looking for sweetness in this world? You’ll find it here. (Image: Vegas 411)

Every dish that emerged from the kitchen was a highlight: the Maine lobster linguini, the orecchiette with Italian fennel & spicy sausage, the wagyu short rib Bolognese with rigatoni and pecorino fondue, and the regal grilled pork chop.  

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With each entree making its mark, it was hard to skip the enticing desserts. The champagne-soaked lemon ricotta cake and dreamy flourless chocolate torte, not mention the cannoli, sent us home satisfied and happy.

ai Pazzi also serves two artful pizzas including one with prosciutto, pecorino cream, and truffle honey—clearly a reason to return. For an expanded pizza selection, try the ai Pazzi Pizza counter located right outside the restaurant in the Neighborhood Food Hall, which officially opened last month.