The award winning Master
Chef, Gustav Mahler.

I knew that Sazio Restaurant inside the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was going to be a taste bud treat knowing that the owner, Gustav Mahler, had recently been inducted into the International Food and Beverage Forum as Restauranteur of the Year 2006. And to top it off the Forum placed a scholarship in Mahler’s name for $10,000.

For more information about the IFBF and the Hall of Fame inductees visit the website at www.foodandbeverageforum.com

Mahler’s company is called Gustav International and the appellation shows up with the international staff, such as brothers Albert and Winfred, waiters from the Philippines, Jaime Montoya, the Executive Chef from Mexico City, and others from Vietnam.  Even the perky and buoyant and blondie General Manager, Kelle has to be Italian with a last name like Holomalia.

Mahler also operates the Cigar Bar and Spiedini restaurant, another Italian eaterie, at the JW Marriott hotel in Summerlin, a northwestern suburb of Las Vegas.

Italian Cuisine in the Orleans.

Prior to opening his own restaurants, Mahler was Senior Vice President with Mirage Resorts, where he oversaw the development of restaurants and lounges as planner and designer of all food and beverage areas.  Gustav’s skills and knowledge influenced the changes of the hospitality industry, paving the way for independent restaurateurs and celebrity chefs to come to Las Vegas. Working with local authorities he recommended food standards now in effect for the area.  He has mentored numerous aspiring chefs who have gone on to become executive chefs at some of Vegas’ top properties and restaurants, such as Jamie who is the Sazio Executive Chef under the Certified Master Chef, Mahler.

Modernistic cool color schemes.

But forget all those awards and trophies and accolade because the real test is the taste bud test which I call the “Order of the Golden Tongue!”

Pop star headliners and celebrities
dine at the famous Sazio eaterie.

While seated in the trendy and lively and colorful Sazio, located just off the casino floor at the Orleans Hotel, I peered at the famous faces on the walls that have made Sazio  their culinary home, including Robin Leach, Oscar Goodman, mayor of Las Vegas, and stars like Italian crooner Frankie Avalon, who often performs in the hotel showroom. Other celebrities included Wayne Newton, The Righteous Brothers, and Bobby Rydell. Maybe you will get lucky to meet one while dining on one of the superb entrees. I just want to get my photo on the wall with other local journalists.

Club Sazio for after hours dancing.

Watch for Gustav on KVVU Fox Channel 5 on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8:00 a.m. Jaime’s goal is to get on the Food Channel with Mahler, but you can also download Gustav’s recipes at this link: http://www.gustavinternational.com/recipes.asp

I think you have to return to Sazio on numerous occasions to dabble into all the delicious delights and the prices are exceptionally reasonable.  After a couple of wine toasts to Kelle, the General Manager, she suggested the Shrimp and Chicken Rositi as my main entrée, and one of her favorites, probably because it is a penne pasta tossed with fresh mozzarella cheese in a tomato cream sauce ($14.99).

Retro and upbeat decor.

The special entrée for the evening was Tilapia, a type of grass carp from Africa, that was introduced into Florida waters to help control the Hyacinth but the fish did so well it has become a restaurant staple. In fact, Winfred states that he often had Tilapia when living in the Philippines, and we laughed as we concocted a Tilapia Adobo recipe with some hot spices that we were certain would land Jaime on the Food Channel next to Gustav.

Click photo for cocktails served . . .

You can choose two appetizers for your dinner menu, which includes Calamari Fritte, lightly fried with strips of zucchini served with marinara ($7.99); Spinach and Artichoke Al Forno is creamy spinach and artichoke dip baked with three cheeses-crostini’s for dipping ($6.99); Stuffed Portobello is roasted and stuffed with spinach, shrimp and served over caramelized onions, baked with parmesan and mozzarella ($8.59); Mozzarella Alla Marina is creamy mozzarella rolled in seasoned bread crumbs ($6.99); Bruschetta is toasted crostini bread topped with tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and kalamata olives ($6.99); Toasted Ravioli is delicious cheese ravioli lightly hand breaded and fried golden brown, served over marinara and alfredo sauce ($7.59); Grilled Shrimp Cocktail is chilled grilled shrimp served with tomato horseradish sauce ($6.99). Choose the Antipasto Trio for samples of Brushetta, mozzarella sticks and stuffed portobello for only $12.99.

. . . from Sazio's full bar.

Gustav serves some of the freshest and healthiest salads in Vegas, including the house specialty, Walnut Crusted Chicken Salad with Romaine and mixed greens tossed in honey Dijon dressing and feta cheese, candied walnuts and fresh strawberries ($8.99); Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is served with Romaine and mixed greens tossed in tangy lemon vinaigrette with feta cheese, tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onions and nine nuts ($8.99); Grilled Tenderloin Salad includes tender cuts of beef medallions on baby spinach, California greens, bleu cheese crumbles, tomatoes, and crispy onions with balsamic vinaigrette ($9.99); The Mozzarella Alla Caprese is fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil ($6.99).

Stop by for "Happy Hour."