Green Valley Ranch has a host of good dining options, including the Tides Oyster Bar, Hank’s, Turf Grill and Feast buffet. But thanks to some clever marketing, a new Italian restaurant is generating all the buzz in Henderson.

Terra Verde, the newest restaurant at Station Casinos’ Green Valley Ranch is getting some great publicity out of its new, celebrity head chef Rock Harper. Harper got this job by winning the reality television show Hell’s Kitchen.

Harper readily admits that his presence alone is “putting butts in the seats,” but the quality of the food is what keeps people coming back. Considering who the executive chef is, it shouldn’t be a surprise.

Chef Massimiliano “Max” Campanari is at the head of the kitchen at Terra Verde. It’s his menu, his recipes, and his level of quality for the food. For those who don’t know, Campanari previously headed up the Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas.

The Italian food Campanari brings to Terra Verde comes from his culinary studies at the Nino Bergese Institute in Italy. That means it’s authentic Italian, not the egg noodles and ketchup most places try to pass off as Italian. The menu is billed as a mix of authentic Tuscan and Italian-American dishes, and features everything from the traditional pollo a la parmigiana (chicken parmigiana) and ravioli to wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood. There is certain to be something for everyone.

Also on the menu is a list of chef favorites, which include risotto con cappesante e asparagi—Carnaroli rice, imported from Italy with scallops, fresh asparagus and saffron sauce—branzino alla ligure—Mediterranean sea bass filet with potato, black olives and white wine sauce—involtini di vitello—pan-seared veal rolls with prosciutto, fontina cheese, sage, white wine veal sauce and spinach—and pansotti in salsa di noci—fresh stuffed pasta filled with green Swiss chard and ricotta in a creamy walnut sauce.

Terra Verde also features an extensive wine collection, with more than 1,500 bottles of California and Italian wines from which to choose. There are plenty of options that pair nicely with anything on the menu, and the excellent staff can help with any suggestions, should you find yourself overwhelmed by the extent of the offerings.

Appetizers range from traditional items like calamari and antipasti, to more unique foods like zucchini chips—thin slices of zucchini fried in oil.

The dining area at Terra Verde is spacious and clean. And with the cooler weather coming, the outdoor seating will afford wonderful views of the Las Vegas valley.

While not necessary, reservations are recommended with the amount of interest Harper is generating for the property. While many times these kinds of publicity drives can backfire, it’s not likely in this case. In fact, the attraction of Harper will only serve to introduce a small segment of the valley who might otherwise miss this gem to the excellent staff and outstanding food available at Terra Verde.


Terra Verde
Green Valley Ranch
2300 Paseo Verde Parkway
Henderson, NV

Hours
Sunday-Thursday
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

702-617-7075

By Greg Jones

Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.

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