World Famous Zeffirino Brings Restaurant to The Venetian; Authentic Italian Cuisine Straight From Italy to Vegas

Business Wire,  Sept 9, 1999  

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LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1999--

There are many restaurants in the world that claim to offer seafood prepared in an Italian tradition, but only one that can boast having the father of authentic Italian cuisine as their chef.

Zeffirino, located at The Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, offers a dining experience unlike anything Las Vegas has ever known.

Chef de Cuisine Gian Paulo "Zeffirino" Belloni is known throughout the world for his authentic Italian cuisine. He has cooked for stars such as Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti, and his world-famous pesto and sausage is hand delivered to Pope John Paul II each year.

Now a true Italian restaurant has been brought to The Venetian, featuring Belloni's fabulous fare and the elegant surroundings of Old World Venice.

"I've worked all my life to create the delicacies offered by Zeffirino," said Belloni. "Creating wonderful foods is a family affair. Everything prepared for our guest is done with the finest of ingredients from Italy and to the utmost perfection by our trained staff of chefs and servers."

The Italian culture is steeped in tradition and family. Both are synonymous with one another in Italy and that combination has a heavy influence on every aspect of Zeffirino. An entire family of chefs has been brought in from Italy to prepare fresh and authentic Italian specialties straight from their hearts, with a passion only known and perfected by the kitchens of Italy.

"In order to get this quality of traditional Italian cuisine anywhere else you would have to travel over 5,000 miles," said Robert Goldstein, president of The Venetian. "We are fortunate to be able to offer our guests this rare dining experience."

The menu focuses on seafood with a faithful Italian flair. Belloni has prepared a menu that features recipes that have been honed to perfection for decades. His critically acclaimed pesto is the highlight of the offerings that also feature filet of sole piccola, lobster tail, fresh fish, grilled fish, zuppa, salads, pizzarettes and pastas.

Specialty oils, pastas, spices, tomatoes and other ingredients will be imported from Italy, and all breads and pasta are baked on premises in wood-fired ovens.

The cuisine is complemented by an atmosphere of Old World charm, set within The Grand Canal Shoppes along the cobblestone walkways of recreated Renaissance Venice. The floor is made of beautifully hand- crafted tiles that have been created by generations of the same family, exclusively for Zeffirino.

The woodwork is crafted with fine Italian precision distinctly visible in the hand-crafted bar and wine cases that have an unmistakable feel for the traditional. The second-level balcony view overlooks the canal as serenading gondoliers move up and down with their passenger-filled gondolas.

"It's truly a unique dining experience," said Belloni. "Every element of the restaurant, from the food to the service to the atmosphere, is something to behold."

Zeffirino joins the likes of other unmatched world-class dining venues at The Venetian, including Emeril Lagasse's Delmonico Steakhouse, Joachim Splichal's Pinot Brasserie, Stephan Pyles' Star Canyon and Taqueria Canonita, Grand Lux Cafe by the creators of The Cheesecake Factory, Il Fornaio's Canaletto, Kevin Wu's Royal Star, and Piero Selvaggio's Valentino; and soon to open is Wolfgang Puck's Postrio and Eberhard Muller's Lutece, among other dining options.

With more than 130 selections, plus a special Captain's list, Zeffirino will showcase a wine cellar filled with exclusive California and Italian vintages. The list is filled with history and excitement and is imported exclusively for the restaurant.

Zeffirino is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., with a full selection for lunch and dinner, and a limited late-night menu. Zeffirino also hosts six private rooms and a 24-stool bar and lounge area. The restaurant is located canalside at The Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian. Reservations are accepted at 702/414-3500.

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