Portland’s Lardo Brings Its Pork Sandwiches to the Cosmopolitan

Step aside, Eggslut. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is about to get a taste of the Northwest’s most decadent sandwiches.

Portland, Oregon’s Lardo from chef Rick Gencarelli, plans to open at the resort next year, according to The Oregonian. That means griddled mortadella sandwiches, Pho’Rench Dips, and dirty fries with pork scraps and marinated peppers opening near the Blvd. Market. While yet to to be confirmed if Lardo will slot into the vacant, 3,160-square-foot area directly across from China Poblano, newly filed paperwork indicates at least part of the former second-floor race and sports book space will be remodeled in preparation for the arrival of the Blvd. Market concept.

Lardo co-owner Kurt Huffman tells the paper that the sandwich stand that originally started as a food cart retains control of the menus, recipes, uniforms and look of the Vegas location. “If they're not respecting the recipes, we have the right to pull the brand,” he says.

“They want our involvement as much as we're willing to give,” Gencarelli tells the Oregonian. “They want it to be a Lardo.”

Lardo gets its name from a type of salume made by curing strips of fatback with rosemary and other herbs and spices. The restaurant specializes in pork dishes with dishes such as pork drenched double burgers, a giant meatball Banh Mi, and hand-cut French fries smothered in pork.

• Lardo Opening Las Vegas Sandwich Shop [Oregon Live]