When I was younger, I would get introduced to different cuisines from Brazilian to Indian thanks to my mother. She has always been an unofficial adventurous foodie. Actually, a lot of my memories involving food and dining etiquette begin with her.
I remember particularly sharing plates at restaurants– something I always looked down on. “Sharing a plate? People are going to think we’re poor.” My mother was clearly more cultured than I was at the time. She was also obviously onto something way ahead of her time because today’s contemporary dining scene involves much of that same shareable philosophy– no one thinks you’re poor now, thank God.
Masso Osteria at Red Rock Casino does this philosophy quite well. They’ve introduced their daily Social Hour Menu, which includes fun shareable fares like their chef’s three selections of “Salumi & Formaggi”. This is the first time I’ve seen “Glazed Pork Ribs” on a happy hour menu and I’m kind of upset I had to share that dish alone. I love the “Pizza Of The Week” idea because it makes me not want to miss their social hour at all.
And if you’re asking yourself if you should order one more plate, then yes. Do place the order for Masso Osteria’s “Creamy Polenta Boscaiola” it’s the one craveable dish I just had to sacrifice myself one last bite for. It’s not on their Social Hour Menu, but it’s a must order. Dare I say a star dish in the making for Masso Osteria. It’s a savory, gooey cheese tossed in bacon, truffles and mushrooms served in a hot skillet. I hope they make the wise decision to add it to their social menu…and call me when they do.
I like to order things I can share because I like to try a little bit of everything. Italian food is a heavy cuisine not only for its ingredients but because traditionally a true Italiano dinner consists of a multitude of courses. But I also think that is the reason why the Italians invented the antipasti.
Masso Osteria, by the way, was created by acclaimed Chef, author, and restaurateur, Scott Conant. He whose menus are filled with house-made pasta and who uses savory wood to cook with. A chef with this much soul tucked in the suburbs of Summerlin. How did we get so lucky?
Social Hour Menu fares are available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Masso Osteria inside Red Rock Casino and Resort.
