Columnist Muriel Stevens: Marvelous Montesano’s on the move on West Sahara

Friday, Jan. 29, 1999 | 10:49 a.m.

Monday will be a big day for Montesano's Italian Deli, Pizzeria and Restaurant. After seven years at its present location on West Sahara Avenue, the restaurant will move to much larger quarters just down the road.

The move is a dream realized for the close-knit Montesano family. They'll be going from a 48-seat eatery to one that can seat more than 130.

The bakery, deli and grocery have been expanded and many new features have been added.

It's not surprising that the Montesano family is moving up. Everyone who walks through the door becomes an instant friend. Minutes after meeting John Riley, Jr., Lucille Montesano's husband, I felt as if I'd known him for years. There's a sincerity here that's so refreshing.

Will the change in location make a difference in the way they do business? "Absolutely not," honorary cousin and General Manager Dave Frye assured me. "We're moving for space reasons only." The many Montesano fans will be happy to learn that nothing, including the moderate prices, will change.

Of course, the larger space has enabled the restaurant to add a bar, and to sell package goods. A pizza and a bottle of Chianti to go sounds like a good idea.

The Italian deli has added corned beef, pastrami and brisket to its wide array of Italian meats and cheeses. There are plans to add many more cheeses.

Montesano's has a most appealing takeout counter. Everything in the case -- from the fresh mozzarella to the calamari salad to the jumbo stuffed artichokes -- is homemade. The new one continues the tradition on a larger scale.

The bakery already offers a full selection of rustic breads ($1.50-$3), Italian pastries, cookies and cakes, so it'll just keep doing what it does so well.

All of the baked goods are free of preservatives. "This will never change," Riley said. "If we start adding preservatives, we'll be just like everybody else."

The pound cakes ($2.99-$3.99) are lovely. To preserve the quality, if kept for more than a few days, freeze some.

The chocolate chip pound cake is a personal favorite. After the first day, toast slices for a marvelous treat. Great with a cup of tea.

Some new dishes will eventually be added to the restaurant's already large menu, but for now the regular menu will remain in place.

The selection of pasta and baked pasta dishes ($9.95-$11.95) includes cavatelli, fusilli, gnocchi, spinach fettuccine and more.

A full complement of pizzas is available by the slice ($1.75) or by the pie ($4.95-$10.95). Gourmet pizzas with creative toppings are available in 14- or 16-inch sizes ($14.95-$17.95).

All entree prices ($10.95-$18.95) include the house salad and a choice of the wonderful Italian bread or garlic knots.

Braciole, rolled stuffed beef or pork, and stuffed breast of veal are always available. The seafood selection is excellent. Special dishes are offered daily. The dessert list is endless.

Montesano's offers complete catering services. Heroes by the Foot ($11.99-$14.99 per foot) can be ordered from 2-feet to 5-feet long. The price includes garnishes and a choice of macaroni or potato salad.

Montesano's new location is just east of Valley View Boulevard, in the COMP USA center at 3535 W. Sahara Ave., behind the Taco Bell.

New restaurant hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. For additional information, call 876-0348.

A second Montesano's restaurant is at 4835 Craig Road. Call 656-3708.

Mirage opens Samba Grill

The excitement of Brazilian-style barbecue, Rodizio, is now available at the new Samba Grill at the Mirage.

A Rodizio meal includes unlimited portions of marinated meats, poultry and seafood. Each selection is spit-roasted over coals in a special Brazilian rotisserie.

Dinners include many side dishes and a bottomless bowl of Samba Salad. A la carte choices are also available.

Samba Grill Chef Patrick Glennon is Irish-born and American-raised, but he's traveled extensively during an illustrious career that includes cooking in Brazil.

Samba Grill is open for lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner 5:30-11 p.m. For reservations, call 791-7223.

La Barca moves

The popular North Las Vegas Mexican seafood restaurant La Barca has moved to much larger quarters in Commercial Center at 953 E. Sahara Ave. The menu of zesty seafood dishes is the same, the prices are the same. The Whaler seafood cocktail served in a huge footed glass is still $24.99. It holds at least two pounds of shrimp or other seafood. Only the hours have changed. La Barca is now open seven days, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. An adjacent menudob (tripe soup) shop will open soon.

Panda Express opens

Panda Express opened its new location at 4980 S. Rainbow Blvd. with a fund-raiser for the Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer. Twenty percent of the first day's net sales was donated to the charity. By April, there will be eight Panda Express restaurants in Las Vegas.

New Vista Ranch cookbook

Residents of New Vista Ranch (for young adults with physical and mental challenges), with their friends and family have created the "New Vista Ranch Cookbook." More than 300 recipes are featured in the hardback book. The printing and publishing was donated by Jim Campbell. Profits from the $10 book will benefit the programs that assist the residents in developing living skills while on their own. Autographed copies are available at Borders Books at Rainbow and Lake Mead boulevards.

San Remo buffet prices

Hotel San Remo has new buffet prices. The buffet is in the Ristorante Dei Fiori. Monday through Friday: breakfast and lunch (6 a.m.-2 p.m.) $7.95; Saturday and Sunday Champagne Brunch (6 a.m.-2 p.m.) $7.95; dinner (nightly, 5-9 p.m.) $8.95. Children 4 through 12 eat for half price; children 3 and under eat free.