By Don Church and Tony Schillaci, TODY MEDIA™
The Mohegan Sun Casino continues to live up to its well-deserved reputation as a “world at play” with the recent opening of the Ballo Italian Restaurant and Social Club.
As you turn the corner from the bottom of the Winter entrance escalator to Ballo what first knocks off your socks is its towering and magnificent 12-century-inspired replica of a Tuscan abbey. Its’ many sections are framed by soaring stone and brick Gothic arches and columns. The tables and chairs are comfortable and well-spaced. The bar is a grand rectangle and one of the few of this size to be topped with authentic Italian Carrera marble of Michelangelo fame. You can eat and drink at the magnificent bar or adjacent “sidewalk café” area tables – which provide a perfect vantage point to people watch.
As you move farther into the sweeping 16,000 sq. ft. space through the next line of soaring arches you come upon “The Abbey” - another long expanse of beautiful and comfortable tables, chairs and lounges for relaxation.
The magnificent Tuscan-inspired ceiling and other lighting fixtures, especially the gas-fired chandeliers are artfully placed to give off a flattering glow. The next dining area is as welcoming and attractive as the previous ones with the added attraction of swiftly being changed into a social club around 11:00 p. m. for music and dancing, including on the tables. Yes. You read that correctly. A no-charge social club to mix, mingle and enjoy La Dolce Vita at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. One side of the rectangular bar will be part of the social club atmosphere, while the other will remain quiet and romantic.
There are also richly designed and decorated private dining rooms that are loaded with amenities and features to suit special occasions and business gatherings.
The dishes we’ve tasted so far - tagliatelle with prosciutto cotto and parmagiano; Ballo caprese Burrata, pesto, and roasted tomato; and ravioli with ricotta, mascarpone and basil pesto are made of the best ingredients and used expertly to create remarkably delicious and imaginative Italian classics by executive chef, Matthew Adler, and chef de cuisine, Shaun Golan. They are veterans of Michelin-starred restaurants and bring a freshness and simplicity to BALLO’s appealing and varied menu. They said they will “present the best possible ingredients touched by the least pairs of hands the least amount of times” using local ingredients as often as possible.
Ballo’s General Manager Jason Barlow and owner, John Tunney, III, spoke of the teamwork that makes all of John’s restaurants, including Besito Mexican in West Hartford, so popular. As John said, “The excitement that fuels us is when we blow your mind with service, value, and, of course, the food. This project is gigantic – it’s my baby!”
From our few visits, we can say he’s right on all accounts: the floor staff at Ballo has obviously been carefully picked for their charming personalities, experience and keen passion for fine food and wines. Their attentive and unobtrusive service reflects Ballo’s coaching. They know all about and have tasted each dish and are able to expertly recommend wines from the vast number of affordable by-the-glass ones, as well as reasonably priced bottles for those special occasions that will satisfy even the pickiest wine experts. A glass (8 oz. carafe) of Montepulciano (vino nobile, made from primarily Sangiovese grapes) was highly drinkable with a long, smooth finish. The generous carafes are from $8 to $16. There is also a long list of beers, including draft, for $5 and $6, and some Ballo “signature” cocktails.
And for those who want to enjoy a great night out while also saving the planet, BALLO is the only East Coast casino restaurant to achieve Certified Green Restaurant® Status, which means that it offers several green elements including: tap filtration system for water, recycling of glass, paper, aluminum, and cardboard, Energy Star appliances, green building materials, proximity to public transportation and employee incentives to use public transportation, green lighting recyclable paper towels and hand soap and green- menu paper.
Tasting is believing. To experience Ballo’s outstanding food, drinks and sociability, visit this uniquely beautiful restaurant and social club soon. For details and reviews go to balloitalian.com.
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