The most important part of any learning involves the application of theories and skills in a real world setting—learning by doing, so to speak. For students at the Culinary Institute in Henderson, their application of knowledge in a practical situation is a great learning situation for them, and provides an excellent dining option for Las Vegas residents.

Opus Too is the name of the student-run dining room at the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas—a division of the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Senior level students prepare every dish under the watchful eye of chef and dining room instructors. And because the school is mainly concerned with recouping the costs of the materials that go into making the meals, Opus Too offers fine dining for the reasonable price of $9.95 plus tax.

For a little more than $10 plus gratuity—tips are pooled and put into a scholarship fund for the school—you can enjoy a meal complete with appetizer, entrée and desert. And the food—elegant global cuisine—is of considerably higher quality than you could expect to get anywhere else for the same amount of money. And everything, even bread and rolls, is cooked from scratch on site.

You can head to a bar and grill and get a preformed hamburger and fries for about $10, or make arrangements to head to Opus Too and start with roasted tomato basil soup, move to an entrée of roasted pork tenderloin saltimbocca with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach in a mushroom sage sauce and end with a raspberry white chocolate mousse.

The meal above serves only as an example—it is what was offered in the middle of August. The menu changes from week to week, meaning you can come back countless times and never experience the same dishes twice. It also means that finicky eaters should probably check ahead to see what will be served when they plan to visit.

A full host of drinks are available, including beers and wine that can be purchased by the glass or bottle.

The dining room at Opus Too is simple, elegant and intimate, with a player piano adding romance to the atmosphere.

It’s not the best place for a quick lunch, but a great hidden secret that would make an excellent environment for a business lunch or a lunch date.

All positions in the kitchen and in the dining room are staffed by culinary students. They offer an excellent level of service that matches the excellent food, making Opus Too the perfect dining experience.

Because the seating is limited by the number of students enrolled in each semester—and because lunch is currently only served three days each week—reservations are highly recommended, and it is often necessary to make reservations at least two weeks in advance.

The dining room is also available for private functions and can accommodate up to 48 people. The restaurant manager will create a custom menu based on the individual’s needs and desires for anything from birthdays and rehearsal dinners to alumni groups and office meetings. Again, it is strongly advised that anyone hoping to take advantage of this offering call as far in advance as possible.

Opus Too is probably the best dining value in the Las Vegas Valley and well worth checking out at some time. It is possible that the restaurant will expand its hours, based on an increased student population, but for the time being, it is only open three days a week, making it more exotic, and adding to its charm.

Opus Too
2350 Corporate Circle
Henderson, Nevada

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For reservations, call 702-992-8500 or email OpusToo@aii.edu

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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