Dining Down Memory Lane: The Retro Charm of the Voltaggios
In a heartwarming tribute to their formative years and illustrious culinary careers, Michael Voltaggio, a renowned celebrity chef, and his elder brother, Bryan, a distinguished Top Chef, have introduced a captivating dining experience in Las Vegas. Their creation, Retro by Voltaggio, nestled in the majestic Mandalay Bay resort, promises a year-round journey to the golden memories of yesteryears.
Setting the Scene at Retro by Voltaggio
Boasting a sprawling 9,000 square feet, the initial entry at the casino level invites guests downward to the main dining sanctuary. Visitors are given a choice: either take the whimsical telephone booth elevator or traverse the staircase of a tower, echoing the charm of ’80s and ’90s vintage boutiques. Adding to the allure is the ambiance crafted by food artist Keith Magruder, a former collaborator at their erstwhile Ink restaurant in Los Angeles. On display are relics of the past—blockbuster videos, bikes, vintage mobile phones, Nintendo consoles, and iconic boomboxes. A prized possession is a skateboard deck from Michael’s collection, autographed by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk.
The Genesis of Retro by Voltaggio
The genesis of Retro by Voltaggio traces back to the brothers’ successful pop-up events at Bellagio. Their seven-year association with MGM Resorts instilled in them a desire to fashion a homely ambiance interwoven with a tailored dining journey. Reflecting on their nomadic childhood, characterized by frequent relocations and the heartfelt tradition of setting up beloved belongings in fresh homes, they’ve recreated those emotions in their diner.
A Menu Teeming with Memories
The culinary offerings at Retro by Voltaggio are a heartfelt ode to quintessential meals from the duo’s younger days. The spotlight shines on the VoltaggioO’s, a contemporary reinterpretation of a popular canned delicacy. Its soul lies in handmade O-shaped pasta, crowned with a lavish meatball and drizzled with arrabbiata butter. Other delights to savor include a reinvented cheese and crackers ensemble and a Caesar salad, elevated by the presence of Parmesan churros.
The main dishes resonate with comforting memories—be it the sumptuous chicken and dumplings or the lavish Wagyu beef pot roast, presented in vintage CorningWare casseroles. The dining experience is heightened with colorful folded napkins and ceramic plates, reminiscent of casual family barbecues, bringing back memories of childhood.
For Michael, this restaurant encapsulates invaluable lessons from their mother, celebrating dishes that once ignited his passion for the culinary arts. The establishment resonates with guests, featuring a communal table, loaded with classic toys and non-digital games, ensuring an engaging experience for younger patrons.
Drawing inspiration from his childhood favorites, Bryan reminisces about the canned treasures that were staples in their pantry, a result of budgetary restraints and their active sports commitments. These initial culinary experiments laid the bedrock for their eventual culinary journeys, reinforcing the role of creativity and imagination in their food philosophy.
A standout dish, the Caprese salad, inspired by their early intrigue with liquid nitrogen, showcases a mozzarella ovoline cleverly disguised as a tomato, paired with pesto and tomato toast, resulting in a culinary spectacle.
Humble Beginnings and a Passion for the Culinary Arts
While many Retro by Voltaggio dishes might predate the ’80s and ’90s, they’re symbolic of meals that played a pivotal role in their upbringing. Their tryst with the culinary world began in a Holiday Inn hotel dining room, where they honed their craft. Subsequently, they immersed themselves in esteemed culinary institutions, further refining their skills.
Today, in an era dominated by information overload, Michael and Bryan aspire to provide solace and inspiration in simplicity. Their aim is to return to the roots of cooking, serving dishes imbued with nostalgia. Their efforts culminate in a curated playlist, transporting diners back in time, encouraging them to relive treasured moments.
Far from considering their concept as mere nostalgia, Michael perceives it as a heartfelt endeavor. It’s a deep dive into their life’s journey, translating experiences into food and ambiance. Retro by Voltaggio is a culmination of dedication, with both brothers investing endless hours, reminiscing, and perfecting their menu, ensuring an unparalleled dining experience.
As Retro by Voltaggio stands tall, it remains a beacon of the Voltaggio brothers’ fervor for gastronomy, their unwavering commitment to exceptional dining, and their magic of weaving memories into meals.
End Note: Delve deeper into the world of culinary adventures by exploring more reviews and experiences on our blog. If you’ve relished a meal at Retro by Voltaggio, do share your reflections in the comments below!
