Globe-trotting chef unveils his restaurant in Henderson

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 | 7:02 a.m.

What: Trilussa grand opening

When: 7 tonight

Where: 2895 N. Green Valley Parkway

Admission: The entertainment is free ; meals are $20-$30.

Chef Franco Spinelli traveled the world, cooking at fine restaurants, before opening Trilussa in Henderson.

The Italian restaurant opened in May but is holding a grand-opening bash tonight that will feature a cast of Las Vegas performers.

Nino Frediani, often billed as the fastest juggler in the world, heads a list that includes impressionist Bill Acosta, illusionists Mark Bernick and The Great Lesley, singer Stuart May and dancers Patricia and Gonzalo.

Jazz musician Enrico Santarelli, who plays bass and piano, is a partner in the restaurant and will perform there often . Santarelli is the entertainment director of the venue and plans to feature different entertainment - jazz nights, Latin nights, Italian nights.

But the real star of Trilussa is Spinelli, a native of Milan, Italy, and a chef for 35 years.

After culinary school he worked in Italy, South America and Tahiti. He and his family arrived in the United States 20 years ago.

Spinelli ran Cafe Milano in Palm Desert, Calif., for five years. He was the chef at Panevino in San Diego when he was brought to Las Vegas in 2002 to open Panevino. He worked at Zeffirino at the Venetian for two years before deciding to open his own place.

Now that he's here, Henderson's culinary reputation should go up a notch or two.