Bellagio Introduces Lago By Renowned Chef Julian Serrano To Resort's Award-Winning Culinary Program

Lago will be the first Italian restaurant from the James Beard Award-winning, Michelin-decorated Chef Julian Serrano. A new take on social dining, Lago's small plate menu will celebrate Chef Serrano's creativity and signature flavors, and deliver a dynamic new experience to the AAA Five Diamond resort's award-winning culinary program. Additionally, the restaurant will showcase a sophisticated mixology program that delves into uncharted preparations.

"Lago will deliver a fresh experience for the Bellagio guest and Las Vegas local, not only in the cuisine, but also in the ambiance," said Chef Serrano. "As people step into Lago, they will be embraced in a setting that is energetic, engaging, approachable and fun – all inspired by the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy."

Serrano's menu encourages guests to discover Italian cuisine differently. Reinvented presentations of small, savory Italian dishes will offer the opportunity for guests to indulge in a variety of Chef Serrano's cuisine. Menu selections will include antipasti offerings such as carpaccio and bruschetta; fresh pastas such as risotto and gnocchi; an assortment of pizzas; and exquisite main dish selections such as salmon, chicken and steak. Side dishes also will be available to accompany any menu item.

Bellagio President and COO Randy Morton said, "Lago pulls from rich Italian history and culture while delivering a cutting-edge culinary experience – two hallmarks of the Bellagio brand. And as suggested by the name, which means lake in Italian, Lago's guests will enjoy the most striking Fountain views in the city."

Designed by Munge Leung, the restaurant's decor is influenced by Italian Futurismo, a cultural 20^th century movement conceived in Milan that encouraged artists to stretch beyond the traditional and familiar in order to create uniqueness within an object. Spectacular and vibrant, Lago's bold exterior facade will capture guests' attention from across the resort. Its entrance will be wrapped in a colorful mosaic measuring 15 feet tall and spanning 100 feet wide, comprised of Italian glass portraying an aerial map of Milan. The abstract map will include colored backlit glass panels with a color gradient and bright metal accents symbolizing Milan's roadways.

Once inside, guests will be greeted by Lago's intimate lounge and an exquisite glass-and-chrome mixology counter. The on-the-go traveler can sit at the high-table-top lounge or at its white marble-top bar sipping from one of Lago's 30 wine-by-the-glass options and pleasing their palates with a delicate dish or cheese and charcuterie before a night on the town.The bar's focal point will be a geometric back bar reminiscent of Emilio Pucci designs, a nod to Italy's rich history of style and fashion. Along the top of the bar, Venini-inspired hand-blown glass vases will hold large up-lit flower displays.

For those craving a more in-depth experience, Lago's main dining room will inspire guests with arched windows offering magnificent views of the Bellagio Fountains. Guests can browse through a 600-bottle wine list while enjoying indulgent seafood, meats and pastas that will shape the course of their dinner. Adjacent to the main room will be a sophisticated private dining room anchored by a custom glass chandelier inspired by antique Italian wicker wine bottles.

For guests seeking an al fresco dining experience, Lago will feature an exquisite patio situated on the centermost point of the Bellagio Fountains. The space will be a garden-inspired respite framed by a glass-enclosed green wall. Shade structures overhead will shield guests from the sun while they enjoy the lovely sounds and sights of the Fountain show.

The restaurant takes the former space of Circo, which will close Sept. 30.

For more information and images of Lago, visit Bellagio's newsroom.

About Bellagio

Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake, where fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet choreographed to music and lights. Within Bellagio are award-winning dining experiences including two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Julian Serrano's Picasso and Le Cirque from the renowned Maccioni family. Bellagio is home to an impressive collection of luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Breguet, Prada, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Hermes and OMEGA. A world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning "O" by Cirque du Soleil, a luxurious spa and salon, dynamic nightlife at The Bank, Hyde Bellagio and Lily Bar & Lounge and an elegant casino all add to the extraordinary Bellagio experience. Bellagio is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit bellagio.com, call toll free at (888) 987-6667or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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SOURCE Bellagio Resort & Casino