Giada De Laurentiis makes Scottsdale debut. What to expect at her new Italian restaurants
The wait is finally over. The four years after Caesars Republic Scottsdale first broke ground in February 2020, just weeks before all construction paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel opens to the public on Wednesday, March 6 and with it, two brand-new restaurants from popular Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis.
David Hyatt, director of property at Scottsdale Fashion Square, told The Republic that while Scottsdale has many highly-rated restaurants, what the area was missing was a great Italian spot.
And when looking for a chef to fulfill that need, De Laurentiis was an obvious choice, said Richard Huffman, CEO and President of HCW.
"Giada already had a relationship with Caesars in Las Vegas, " Huffman said. "She has a more unique menu, the best food, name and notoriety. And she is very personable. She fit with the culture of (Caesars), which is really important to us."
De Laurentiis said she was excited to be invited to join the project because she loves Scottsdale and especially loves being able to build her own restaurants, rather than moving into preexisting spaces.
"To me, that is a gift," De Laurentiis said. "I gravitate towards the ability to make it my own and to see my vision through from beginning to end."
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What to expect at Luna by Giada
The vibe at Luna by Giada is sophisticated, but welcoming. The space is decorated with De Laurentiis' family photos and pieces of art from the Italian movies her family has been involved in making. Big glass doors separate the kitchen and dining room, allowing guests to watch their food prepared in real time.
"I want people to feel like they're coming into my home," De Laurentiis said.
De Laurentiis said one of her new dishes at Luna is a lemon pizza that she hopes will become just as popular as her signature lemon spaghetti, which is also on the menu. Another new item she's particularly excited about is Nodi Marini alla vodka with creamy arrabbiata sauce.
"We're doing a lot of interestingly shaped pastas that you haven't seen in my other restaurants before," De Laurentiis said.
Other pasta options include mezzi rigatoni, tripolini, agnolotti, risotto and lobster bucatini for two.
Entree options at Luna by Giada include chicken panzanella, pork chop saltimbocca, Mediterranean branzino and Bistecca alla Fiorentina for two.
What to expect at Pronto by Giada
Pronto by Giada is a more casual cafe where guests can either grab and go or stay and relax with a cup of coffee.
Pronto will have a similar menu to De Laurentiis' Las Vegas restaurant of the same name, though more condensed to accommodate for the smaller space.
Breakfast options include a sausage and egg sandwich, smoked salmon bagel, a Greek yogurt parfait and Giada's oatmeal made with steel cut oats, orange segments, toasted Marcona almonds, extra-virgin olive oil and Maldon sea salt.
Lunch options include caprese, chicken parmesan, spicy Italian sausage and turkey, bacon and avocado paninis.
She said the Scottsdale location will also serve gelati imported from Los Angeles.
"We're bringing a little bit of what people know, and then some new items as well so they feel like it's a new experience," De Laurentiis said.
How to visit Luna by Giada and Pronto by Giada
Both Luna by Giada and Pronto by Giada open at the Caesars Republic Scottsdale hotel at Scottsdale Fashion Square on March 6.
Luna by Giada is open Monday to Thursday, 5 –10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4–11 p.m.; Sunday,4–10 p.m. Luna Bar is open Sunday to Thursday, 12–10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 12 –11 p.m. Pronto by Giada is open Daily from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Details: 4747 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-903-4747, caesars.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Giada De Laurentiis restaurants open at Caesars Republic in Scottsdale
