Dine Out Magazine Spotlight on Chef Frank Cristiano

The Tilapia Florentine has become a best-seller.

Frank Cristiano, restaurant manager and chef of Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe on West Sahara, was instrumental in developing the specialties that expand the Italian portion of the Mediterranean menu. Chef Cristiano was born in Calabria, Italy, the southern tip of the boot, and was inspired to re-create the dishes that truly represent the regional cuisine. Using long-held recipes from various members of his "famiglia," he is able to serve up Old World, classic, southern Italian fare.

Chef Cristiano, along with Corporate General Manager Jeff Ecker, added 10 new, yet classic, Italian recipes to their menu, all becoming a staple for true Italian epicureans. Since adding these new items to the roster of Greek and Middle Eastern specialties, the menu is more reflective of the Mediterranean as a region. Some of the new Italian specialties are: chicken scaloppini, lasagna, linguine with white clam sauce, farfalle, Piedmonte, fettuccini Alfredo, spaghetti Bolognese, tilapia Florentine and spaghetti with meatballs.

Ecker paired each Italian dish with a wine suggestion, under the description of the dish, making it easier for the guests to indulge in a wine that best compliments the subtle to bold flavors of the various dishes.

"We have been very careful in choosing the best imported ingredients while creating our recipes. When we offer Italian food on our menu, we know that we are competing with major players in the Italian restaurant segment; all with phenomenal reputations. That's why we took the time to properly develop recipes that will appeal to the palates of our loyal customers. We believe we have a very good read on the flavor profiles of our guests, just as we have done with the other Mediterranean regional cuisines on the menu," says Cristiano.

Another popular subcategory that was introduced by Paymon's is the Panini sandwich. Owner Paymon Raouf created six specialty Panini sandwiches for the Italian menu that have been as popular as his delectable pita sandwiches. As usual, his recipes for the Panini sandwiches demand a big appetite as the portions are large enough to satisfy the largest of appetites.

Ecker stresses that, although the extensive addition of Italian classic recipes have taken a solid place on the menu, Paymon's has not removed any signature Greek, Indian or vegetarian offerings from the rest of the lineup.

Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe has two locations in Las Vegas. To view their menu, please visit www.paymons.com or call 702-731-6030.

(reposted with permission from Dine Out Magazine)