Las Vegas Mixtape #17: Sammy Hagar’s Poolside Paradise, Balla’s Elegant Italian Soul, and More

Track #2: Balla Italian Soul @Sahara Las Vegas

With all the local chatter about parking rates on the Strip, it’s worth noting that there’s free valet and self-parking at The Sahara. A perk like this favors the hotel’s signature restaurants like The Noodle Den, Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, and Balla Italian Soul by James Beard award-winning chef Shawn McClain. 

Dining at Balla is a top-shelf experience, thanks to a finely conceived menu spotlighting Southern coastal Italian cuisine, an elegant, flatteringly lit ambiance, and impeccable service—our knowledgeable waiter was infectiously proud to be working there.

Balla’s culinary seduction began with a knockout beet salad, distinguished by agrodolce (the sweet-sour condiment), grapefruit, mint, basil, and toasted hazelnuts. The Casarecce (short twists of pasta originating in Italy’s Sicily region) was also unbeatable, with seasonal tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Calabrian pepper. 

McClain’s deft touch was also felt in the grilled prawns entree, with its finely etched mix of white bean ragu, fennel, and nduja sausage (a spicy, Italian spreadable pork sausage). Creative cooking like this will keep us coming back to Balla.