You can never have too much of any cuisine in Las Vegas, but it’s always a welcome change when new restaurants present fun new offerings. RPM Italian, a joint-venture between Giuliana & Bill Rancic and siblings R.J., Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, brings imaginative flavors and some amazing options to the Las Vegas Strip inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
We had a chance to sample some (many) of the goods at the hosted grand opening (the “Maine Lobster Caprese” and “Zucchini Fritti” were a major hit at our table), and we talked with Bill Rancic to get an inside look at the menu and the future of RPM Restaurants in Las Vegas.
Bill Rancic on RPM Italian in Las Vegas
What initially brought RPM Italian to Las Vegas? What makes the Forum Shops at Caesars palace the perfect location?
Rancic: We started RPM Italian in Chicago 10 years ago, and it took off very quickly. It’s become a destination for people visiting Chicago from around the world. When we were thinking about what cities to branch out to, Las Vegas was always at the top of our list.
It’s an international city. Truly a destination for food lovers. We have been looking to bring RPM here for the last six to seven years but couldn’t find the right location. When the opportunity came up to open at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, we were thrilled. It’s a world-class location.
Are there any menu additions that are exclusive to Las Vegas?
Rancic: We stepped up a few items just for Vegas. We have the Imported Burrata with Caviar that you can only get here, an amazing Lobster Caprese, and a Gorgonzola Cured Wagyu Steak from Beeman Ranch in Texas. Plus, an incredible wine program by Richard Hanauer with one of the top Italian wine lists in the country.
We definitely saw a delightfully heavy lean in seafood at the opening. Are there hopes to expand an RPM Seafood location into Las Vegas in the future?
Rancic: You never know what the future holds. We love Las Vegas.
What do you think truly sets RPM Italian apart from other Italian concepts on the Strip?
Rancic: When you come to Las Vegas, you want to be at the best hotels, shows, and, of course, restaurants. We always focus on the food first. We source the finest ingredients from all over the world. We make our pasta from scratch every morning. It’s as authentic as it gets.
