La Strega Replaces Due Forni This Summer

Work began transforming the shuttered home of Due Forni and its two namesake ovens last October and now “executive chef partner” Gina Marinelli has revealed details of what to expect in early summer.

Serving “modern Italian cuisine,” La Strega, translated as “witch,” will take over the corner plot at 3555 S. Town Center Drive and unveil an interior of “Italian marbles, velvet seating, and eclectic accents.”

Permits indicate at least one of the pizza ovens are being retained, part of an open kitchen serving a seasonally inspired menu, plus Marinelli’s interpretations of classics including “steak tartare bruschetta, artichoke and fennel salad, calamarata seafood pasta, salsiccia pizza with fennel pesto and veal chop milanese.”

Before the move to Summerlin, Marinelli’s career highs included Strip tenures at Nobhill Tavern at the MGM Grand, American Fish and Sage at Aria and as executive chef at The Cosmopolitan's D.O.C.G. Enoteca.

Planing to be open daily from 5 to 10 p.m., the existing bar has been relocated and upgraded with a “custom glass facade from Sicis, a Ravenna, Italy-based glass company.” Guests will also be able to enjoy their cocktails, or a meal, on the outdoor “Loggia.”

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