Naked City Pizza on Paradise
Happy Plate – House Pickles, Olives, Sharp Provolone, Honey Goat Cheese, Crostini
Pizza Doughnuts – Ricotta, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Naked City Marinara
Seasoned Hand Cut Fries – Ketchup, Ranch
Ham Slaw Sub – “the best Ham Salad you ever tasted”
Pizza Sub – Naked City Red Sauce, Pepperoni, Mozzarella
Matty P Sub – Salami, Ham, Melted Mozzarella, Sweet Peppers, Lettuce, Tomatoes, House Vinaigrette
Cappellini – Naked City Marinara, Parmesan, Cappellini, Parmesan
A la Vodka – Vodka, Tomatoes, Pancetta, Beef, Pork, Basil, Penne, Parmesan
Mushroom – Creamy Mushroom Alfredo, Arugula, Fettuccine, Parmesan
Chicken Parm – Brined Chicken, Breadcrumbs, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan
Sunday Gravy – Naked City Marinara stewed with Beef and Sausage, Cappellini, Parmesan
Buffalo 22 Pizza Half-Sheet – White Garlic Sauce, Pepperoni, Sausage, Crispy Garlic, Mike’s Hot Honey, Mozzarella Cheese
Cannolis – Housemade Shells, Chocolate Chips, Ricotta, Mascarpone, Powdered Sugar
When Chris Palmeri announced a whole new menu at Naked City Pizza on Paradise it was only a matter of time before a visit was planned, Saturday’s pre-concert meal proving a perfect opportunity to gather seven adults plus three children and taste eleven new items including one still in progress plus a couple old favorites.
Still working hard across multiple venues, Christopher stopping by briefly during a typically busy day but otherwise leaving dinner in the capable hands of Robert Chaney, it was with several tables pushed together along the near wall that diners sat with Soft Drinks in hand, Sinatra crooning overhead as the “Happy Plate” arrived featuring housemade Pickles plus Olives and two styles of Cheese, all of it quite good but a “best bite” a Floret of Cauliflower on toasted Bread with a smear of Chevre tinged in Honey.
Going for the gusto next with the aforementioned work-in-progress, an ever-creative Chef planning new catering options with “Pizza Doughnuts” featuring Cheese and Pepperoni at the center of a crispy Fritter, suffice it to say that the table’s self-designated “picky kid” devoured two despite poo-pooing several other items without even a taste, the Pizza Sub that is essentially a toaster-style French Bread Pizza converted into a Sandwich also making a good impression.
Enjoying a big bowl of Fries along with two additional sliced Sandwiches, the Matty P stacked thick with Cold Cuts plus Vegetables slicked in housemade Vinaigrette and Ham Slaw living up to its billing as “the best Ham Salad you ever tasted,” it was next that four new Pastas would arrive, the Cappellini and Sunday Gravy both offering extra-thin Noodles topped in Sauce though only Vegetarians or those on a diet should select the former over that which is upgraded by slowly simmered Beef and Sausage.
Hearing others state the Mushroom Alfredo was a bit “bland,” a lack of overwhelming Salt in comparison to many not unwelcomed by those who appreciate the flavor of Mushrooms, it was nonetheless that all present felt Naked City’s Penne a la Vodka was the best dish of the night with Pasta still featuring some tooth tossed in Sauce that balances Herbs, Meat and Tomatoes elegantly.
Never one to exit any Naked City location without Pizza, a Midwestern childhood built on thicker Crusts making Palmeri’s Pies as reminiscent as they are delicious, it was eschewing the Back Home or Guinea in favor of one dubbed “Buffalo 22” that the crew got their fix, some not loving the Hot Honey as much as others but those who did grabbing extra slices before polishing off a sizable portion of Chicken Parm for just $14 and wrapping things up with Sin City’s best Cannolis.
FIVE STARS: Always taking chances and usually coming up a winner Naked City Pizza remains a quintessential part of Las Vegas’ dining regardless of location, though the place on Paradise remains the most well appointed with the recent menu changes adding yet another reason to visit.
RECOMMENDED: Pizza Sub, A la Vodka, Chicken Parm, Cannolis.
AVOID: Those expecting salty Alfredo as presented by Michelina’s Microwave Meals probably won’t love the Mushroom Fettuccine.
TIP: Although testing well amongst a diverse group Chef Palmeri has not yet put his Pizza Doughnuts on the full-time Menu…but if you ask nicely ya never know.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.nakedcitylv.com
