Las Vegas, NV - South Philly cook/dj Steve Martorano knows the key to great Italian food is all in the tomato. Summer is a perfect time to eat Italian cuisine, while the tomatoes are fresh and perfectly ripe. To celebrate the season Martorano is introducing several special dishes which feature an abundant supply of fresh ingredients including seasonal vegetables, sizzling seafood and spicy sauces.

For starters, the Eggplant Stack* which features lightly breaded eggplant layered with fresh mozzarella and vine ripe tomatoes, topped with arugula, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and slices of thinly-shaved imported parmigiano-reggiano. The towering dish is not only a visual spectacle but also a mouth-watering testament to the simplicity of this fresh vegetable dish.

Perfect for warm-weather eating at the one-of-a-kind restaurant/nightclub, is the simple freshness of Pennoni with Vine Ripened Summer Tomatoes. A versatile, tube-shaped macaroni, the memorable dish includes garlic and basil and is simply seasoned with salt and pepper.

For a sizzling and savory summer treat Sicilian-style, choose the Perciatelli with a South African Lobster Tail. This fresh and spicy dish features a delectable combination of garlic, raisins, toasted pine nuts, chili pepper and toasted bread crumbs combined with spaghetti-style pasta. The mix of ingredients in this dish can best be described as premium Italian soul food.

Café Martorano also features summer seasonal cocktails. Combining an Italian herb staple and the ripe freshness of seasonal strawberries the Strawberry Basiltini is a beautifully refreshing drink. Combining the sweetness of the basil and strawberries with a touch of lemon tartness makes this drink refreshingly delicious.

Netting top Zagat ratings, the original Café Martorano in Florida is as widely known for its celebrity clientele as its South Philadelphia-style Italian-American cuisine. On any given night you may dine with some of Café Martorano’s regular customers including, Shaquille O’Neil, Ludacris, Steven Van Zandt and Fat Joe.

Located in the Rio’s Masquerade Village, Café Martorano Las Vegas is a 150-seat, 7,000 square foot restaurant with white walls, black granite, stainless steel and evocative lighting. Wide screen plasma televisions surround the room and play scenes from gem mob movies. Music plays a prominent role at Café Martorano. During dinner, the tunes are mellow - Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and old school Motown, but after 9:00 p.m., the house rocks while sometimes Martorano himself spins hip hop and R & B hits.

Café Martorano at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is open for dinner seven nights a week from 6:00pm to 2am. More information is available by calling 702-777-7740. No reservations are accepted.

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is a Harrah’s Entertainment resort. Rio offers guests a unique all suite hotel experience. Complete with 2,522 all suite hotel rooms, the property overlooks the famous Las Vegas Strip, one block west on Flamingo Road. A sand beach surrounds the edge of the Rio’s tropical lagoon, complete with waterfalls, four nautical-shaped swimming pools, and five Jacuzzi-style spas. The Rio boasts 16 dining outlets, 2 showroom/ 3 lounges, 2 performance theatres (Penn & Teller Theater and the Chippendales Theater), Spa/Health Club/Steam Room/ Beauty Salon, 23 retail outlets, 9 luxury Palazzo Suites and 3 nightclubs.