Nona’s Meatballs at Al Solito Posto

Al Solito Posto & Ada’s Wine…
Raise the Bar at Tivoli Village

BY ELAINE & SCOTT HARRIS

Tivoli Village has long been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Upon entering it, you are surely taken on an extraordinary trip to Italy with its classic architecture and spectacular flowing fountains. Add all that with Chef/Restaurateur James Trees and the renowned LEV Group to provide an atmosphere of excellence.

The eagerly awaited Al Solito Posto (“In The Usual Place”) opened, providing spectacular fountain views integrated with authentic Italian classics on the plate and over-the-top cocktails. Guests can even partake in the Negroni Bar curated by their mixologists and bartenders. Executive Chef Emily Brubaker (formerly of Joel Robuchon/Sage) headed up the kitchen team for the opening and was elevated to the corporate level. Chef Steve Young is now at the helm as the new Executive Chef. “Chef Steve’s accomplished culinary experience combined with his family’s passion for Italian cuisine is a perfect fit to bring an authentic East Coast Italian dining experience to guests of Al Solito Posto,” said Chef-Partner James Trees.

Al Solito Posto has an “A-Team” of industry professionals at the top of their game. Carlo Cannuscio heads up the dining room working alongside General Manager Andy St John. The bar is full of energy, with Beverage Director David Bonatesta leading their fabulous bar program.

Much has been said about their menu that features all-time Italian favorites with a modern flare. Classics like Minestrone, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Chicken Piccata are all there. The Beef Carpaccio with garlic truffle aioli, mushroom arugula, capers, and olive oil is a must at the bar or your table. Salmon Crudo is excellent with serrano chili, lemon, and topped with caviar.

Nona’s Meatballs with fried polenta and marinara are some of the best we have had. For entrées, only the best will do. The veal chop, 18 oz. of pure heaven from Strauss Farms, is nothing short of amazing. Yet another star on the entrée menu that shines brightly is lovely, tender Colorado Lamb Lollipops that provide 10 oz. of delightful bliss on your palate.

Al Solito Posto

The beverage side of Al Solito Posto provides vibrant classic cocktails with a spin! The fig-infused Old Fashioned has become a fan favorite along with an Italian Apple Martini and even features a clarified Milk Punch! Without question, many fine Italian wines jump off the well-curated list begging you to pop a cork or two!

“In creating Al Solito Posto, we wanted to take the opportunity to look at Italian food, and really the whole neighborhood restaurant experience, in a truly new way,” said Trees. “We are really proud of the amazing team that’s come together at Al Solito to make this a reality,” said Trees. “They are all stars, very dedicated to bringing local Las Vegas the best. It’s that simple.”

Al Solito Posto

Just around the corner from Al Solito Posto, Chef James Trees and the LEV Group reopened and reimagined Ada’s Wine Bar with yet again A-listers in the wine world at the helm of the wine program. In the kitchen, Chef Jackson Stampler is creating eclectic Mediterranean small plates and bigger dishes to share. The menu, of course, is created with the culinary artistry of Chef James Trees.

The sommelier celebrity team of the city’s and nation’s best arrive tableside with decades of wine knowledge at their fingertips. Norman Acosta, Chloe Helfand, Jodie Hellman, Sarah Pamatat, and Kat Thomas are the pinnacle of expertise not found in too many venues anywhere as a collective team.

The wine list-in a word is eclectic and fun. There is plenty of value to be found looking over the wine list. The list features close to 100 bottle selections starting at $30.00. Sampling a few by the glass is easy here. Ada’s offers almost two dozen wines by the glass from $9 – $20. As a bonus, amaro, great sherries, and beers are also available to quench your thirst.

Ada’s Wine Bar

The plates are brilliantly conceived and offer the perfect opportunity to pair with exciting wines from around the world with a world-class sommelier at your side guiding the way. House specialties include Iberico Chorizo Croquetas, aged manchego and garlic aioli. But there is more, much more. Share a Charcuterie Plate that includes Jamon Serrano, Iberico Chorizo, Lomo, Pickles, and Dijon mustard. The Skirt Steak topped with Chimichurri Marinade, Roasted Sweet Peppers, and Spicy Pepper Jam is always a great choice. Step outside of the box with Octopus Patatas Bravas with Crispy Potatoes, Salsa Brava and Garlic Aioli and find the perfect wine to pair off the list.

“Some of the best wine experiences I’ve ever had were in the simple tapas bars of San Sebastian or enotecas in Italy,” says Chef Trees. “Without being too bound by tradition, that’s the spirit we are trying to bring here, with an amazing team. But at the end of the day, it’s just a casual place to meet with friends, family, or a date for a glass and a bite.” Trees said.

Inside or outside, Ada’s is a brilliant, well-conceptualized venue that keeps us coming back repeatedly, and so should you!

To learn more about these exciting spots, visit www.alsolito.com

Skirt Steak at Ada’s Wine Bar