Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli
A Multitude of Experiences to Enjoy
BY ELAINE & SCOTT HARRIS
Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli in Summerlin, Las Vegas, has its roots in 1978 when it operated in a small space near UNLV. It has since moved to affluent Summerlin in 2008. Over the years, they have expanded to a spacious 12,000-square-foot contemporary restaurant, Deli, bakery, lounge, and marketplace under one roof.
What keeps motivating this bustling restaurant with a dedicated chef-owner and personal staff to have an average of 10,000 covers per quarter?
According to Executive Chef Partner Giancarlo Bomparola, “it is the ability to intuitively and genuinely know the needs of your venue and your staff after decades in the business. Being aware that one must keep growing and training the staff to meet the ever-changing demands of the public and the current world situation while being a teacher, mentor, and good businessperson.”
“In one word – Passion; something strongly inside you that motivates you through the long hours and in the beginning usually low pay and working holidays, weekends and evenings,” said Chef Giancarlo. “Nothing is as rewarding as seeing someone forever changed for the better by tasting your cuisine. We have guests that come to our restaurant 3 or 4 times a week. Some are at the door every morning at the Deli waiting for a fresh loaf of bread and other fresh homemade pastries.”
The Deli is a dedicated Italian deli, bakery, and marketplace that has served the Las Vegas community for over 40 years. Wander the aisles amongst a variety of Italian specialties, imported cheeses and meats, dry pasta, pasta sauce, freshly baked bread, gelato, and homemade desserts, or indulge in a fresh sandwich to go or dine in their European café with a glass of wine.
At the Trattoria, please sit at the large bar, relax in their plush lounge chairs, order a cocktail, and enjoy live entertainment. Happy hour is where most signature libations are 40% off, and signature bites are served Monday through Saturday from 3 PM to 7 PM and Sunday from 3 PM to Closing. Stop in for the Reverse Happy Hour Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 PM to Closing for those who are out later. Grab an Antipasto Italiano with Assorted Italian Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Marinated Vegetables, or even a Cannelloni stuffed with Veal, Pork and Beef served with Cream Sauce and Topped with Meat Sauce or a fresh Salmon and Crab Meat Cake with Homemade Romano Breadcrumbs served with Aioli Sauce.
The Trattoria menu offers many choices made from scratch daily in the kitchen led by Milan-raised Executive Chef Partner Giancarlo Bomparola. He embodies the spirit of northern Italian cooking with dishes created and passed down through generations of his family. Bomparola started at the ripe age of 11 when he helped his brothers in their restaurant in Milan.
“I grew up in the business. My brothers had me working in their restaurants at an early age to keep me off the streets. I did everything from cleaning tables and peeling shrimp,” he said with a smile. Years later, he landed in France, where he had to learn French very quickly and ascended to positions both in front and back of the house.
Bomparola joined us at our table as we waited eagerly to see what our Italian culinary artistry would be. “I have staff here that I have worked with for over 14 years. Many of my co-workers started in humble positions to becoming chefs or management in the front of the house,” he said with pride. “There are so many aspects of those who aspire to be a chef. Some like to be into the numbers; others love being on the line and doing creative work. It is important to know where people’s strengths are to keep them motivated and growing.”
With a multitude of delectable seasonal dishes and specialties to choose from, the dining experience was guaranteed to be superb. We began with the Carpaccio Di Bue, a generous raw, thin-sliced Tenderloin intermingled with the bright assertiveness of spicy Dijon mustard and shaved parmesan cheese. Our appetites were appeased harmoniously with a pairing of the house Pinot Grigio.
Bomparola arrived at our table with a wonderful, fresh Tagliolini ai Frutti di Mare. This house specialty of homemade pasta tossed with shrimp, lobster meat, scallops, tomatoes, and scallions in a light lemony seafood cream sauce – a house specialty. We can see why! This incredible Chef was not done yet by any means. A cart arrived with a perfectly prepared European Imported Branzino (Bass) pan seared and finished in the oven. It was served with a tangy lemon caper sauce, roasted potatoes, and sautéed spinach. For the grand FINI, perhaps the best-grilled octopus we have ever had (and that is saying a great deal!) It was tender and a melt-in-your-mouth marvel with a hint of smokey char from the wood-burning oven. The Fini was the classic light but velvety tiramisu paired with a creamy homemade limoncello that couples an alchemic blend of tart and sweet.
With the success of Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli, there are plans to open another location with an entirely different focus. Opening soon will be a café, bar, and grill that is more causal, attracting a younger crowd. Stay tuned for more on this one.
Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli is convivial, which features indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private dining room for special events, a bar lounge with live entertainment, an Italian deli, and a bakery that makes fresh bread and pasta daily, as well as take-home wine and spirits! No matter what mood you are in or what time of day, you can expect an enjoyable experience with exceptional cuisine and service every time.
Siena Italian Authentic Trattoria and Deli
9500 W. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 360-3358