When Chris Santos opened Stanton Social Prime at Caesars Palace in 2023, it was an immediate sensation. Its warm environs, coupled with a creative menu that reflected Santos’ New York original, brought customers back time and time again, and its emphasis on shareable dishes continues with the space’s newest iteration, Stanton Social Italian.
Santos has kept some of the dishes that made the original a success, but he’s made sure to add some real surprises as well. Fans will not be disappointed at the new space, decorated in an art deco-inspired style that creates a truly whimsical feeling as you make your way to your table. You’ll be looking all around as you select your cocktail, and Santos has lined up some great twists on classics, as well as detailed descriptions where those classics originated. The Basil Smash variation, Green Flag, features Elyx single estate, Italicus Rosolio de Bergamotto, lime juice simple syrup, cucumber slices and basil leaves.
Starters include steak tartare Piemontese, served with olive oil, lemon and truffle arancini; Chef Grandma’s meatballs, smothered with marinara, basil ricotta and manicotti; and Italian cheesesteak sliders, topped with black truffle fonduta and caramelized onions. Vegetarians can enjoy the heirloom tomato salad, accompanied by whipped burrata, basil pesto and balsamic.
Main courses have something for every palate. Fans of fowl won’t want to miss the extra crispy chicken Parmigiana, one of the best versions this writer has yet tried, while seafood fanatics have their choice of grilled branzino, served with shaved asparagus, artichokes and lemon vinaigrette, or wild salmon, accompanied by warm zucchini and tomato panzanella…