'Cake Boss' Buddy Valastro Opens First Las Vegas Restaurant

Las Vegas' Venetian/Palazzo Resort has yet another star under its roof, and this time is a family affair. Renowned baker Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro has opened his first restaurant with veteran restaurateurs Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla, boasting a fabulous view of the Las Vegas strip.

Known for his family's Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey, Buddy Valastro's Buddy V's offers family recipes passed down by his mother, grandmother, aunts and siblings.

The décor made us feel warm and welcome, as we we felt like we had walked right into his family's dining room. On our visit we actually did dine with Buddy's very energetic, enthusiastic family, and of course his lovely mother, Mary.

Sitting at the table with Buddy's family must certainly be reminiscent of a Sunday dinner at his grandmother's house. The entrance features metal and glass inspired by the Lackawanna train station in Hoboken, the bar area is rustic with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the famed Las Vegas strip, and there is a real feeling of intimacy as we gazed at the walls adored with photographs of the Valastro family and light fixtures made  of whisks and hanging rolling pins as room dividers.

The cocktail list shows off libations including a Negroni Biondo, Buddy V's Hoboken Sling, and our favorite, Buddy's own take on a Manhattan. For dinner, we highly suggest the osso bucco (served in a cast iron dish) and the grilled octopus, both cooked to perfection. For dessert, well he's the Cake Boss, so pick anything and its going to be great!

We have stopped in on numerous occasions since the opening and found the dishes consistent and the service on point. Buddy, Elizabeth and Kim have a huge hit on their hands and the Venetian/Palazzo has another tasty dining venue.