AGO, the elegant Italian trattoria named after its celebrated executive chef
partner, Agostino Sciandri, will officially open its doors at the Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino, following the exclusive grand opening reception on March 3,
hosted by partner Robert DeNiro and Sciandri. The opening of the Las Vegas
restaurant coincides with the tenth anniversary year of the landmark Los Angeles
eatery.
AGO is best known for its authentic Tuscan-style Italian fare that emphasizes
light and simple cooking with signature dishes including Burrata con
Fagiolini, Tagliatelle al Ragu Antico, and Branzino ai
Ferri con Pane Profumato. The menu is similar to the restaurant’s three other locations - Los Angeles, Miami and a New York
location opening in March.
“This is such an exciting time for Las Vegas dining
and I’m happy to have the opportunity to be a part of
it,” said Agostino Sciandri, executive chef and
partner. “Diners in our Las Vegas restaurant will get
what they come to expect from all of our AGO restaurants – Good food in a good environment, it’s as simple as that. For the past ten years we’ve mastered our straightforward Tuscan-style Italian
food.”
AGO Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, is located across from the
world-famous Nobu, and is the first new restaurant at the hotel in five years.
“AGO has already become a must-see for visiting
celebrities and we’ve hosted a number of exclusive
events during the short time we’ve been previewing the
restaurant,” said VP of Marketing, Phil Shalala. “Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has always been a trendsetting
property in Las Vegas. The addition of AGO really continues that tradition,
offering people another great experience that we’re
known for.”
Nightlife queen, Amy Sacco celebrated her 40th birthday at AGO in January.
Also celebrating birthdays at the restaurant include baseball player Jason
Giambi and Motley Crue’s Vince Neal. Other visiting
celebrities have included Richie Sambora, John Mayer, Lenny Kravitz, among
others.
AGO Las Vegas, designed by Ralph Gentile, includes a sleek and welcoming
lounge where diners can sample AGO’s one-of-a kind
cocktails or small plates from the bar menu. Guests then enter the intimate
dining area which includes an open show kitchen.
Las Vegas chef, Sergio Santoro who trained at AGO in Los Angeles, will serve
as Executive Chef and directing the restaurant’s
extensive wine selection will be Emilio Marchionne, Sommelier. Kim Peak is the
restaurant’s general manager.
Agostino Sciandri of Aulla, Italy (Tuscany) came into prominence as co-owner
and executive chef of Toscana in Brentwood, Calif. prior to opening AGO’s first location in West Hollywood in 1998 along with
Hollywood heavyweight partners Robert De Niro, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, and
Tony and Ridley Scott. AGO has been recognized for popularizing the Northern
Italian style of cooking in Los Angeles along with attracting a loyal celebrity
clientele.
Please visit http://www.hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas/dining/ for
more information.
About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, newly owned and operated under Morgans
Hotel Group and equity partner, DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, is a premier
destination entertainment resort located on 16.7 acres situated strategically on
Harmon Avenue, one of Las Vegas' fastest growing entertainment corridors. It was
built in 1995 and expanded in 1999. The property offers an energetic
entertainment and gaming experience with the services and amenities associated
with a boutique luxury resort hotel. The property has also been a popular music
scene destination where such acts as the Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Bon Jovi,
Lenny Kravitz, Duran Duran, Alicia Keys, David Bowie, Snoop Dogg, Nine Inch
Nails and The Killers have all performed. Features of the property include an
11-story Hard Rock Hotel tower with 647 guest rooms; a 30,000 square foot
casino; a beach club with a swimming pool that was selected by the Travel
Channel as one of "The Top 10 Pools" in the world; Body English nightclub; "The
Joint" concert venue; five restaurants, including the world famous Nobu, AGO,
Pink Taco, AJ’s Steakhouse; three cocktail lounges;
several retail stores; and Rock Spa, an 8,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness
center.
For room availability and additional information, call 800.HRD.ROCK
(800.473.7625) or visit www.hardrockhotel.com.
