Hubby and I were long overdue for a date night so our yummy story date night destination took us to Ballo Italian Restaurant in Mohegan Sun Casino. Ballo Italian Restaurant, a 16,000 square feet masterpiece within Mohegan Sun, is a work of passion for John J. Tunney III, a restaurant maverick.
Mohegan Sun Casino is 1 hour and half of scenic drive from our home and one of the world’s amazing destinations with some of New England finest dining choices. As food lovers, Hubby and I couldn’t wait to experience Ballo Italian Restaurant.
We spotted the spectacular Mohegan Sun Casino as we got closer, surrounded with water, and we took a moment to enjoy the stunning view. Everything about the view prepares you for a wonder-filled adventure inside. It could be quite intimidating when you are a first timer there because it feels like you are driving to a whole new world but we were impressed by how quite easy it was to find our way around.
When we stepped into Ballo Italian Restaurant, we felt like we stepped into San Galgano, a 12th century Tuscan abbey – the inspiration behind Ballo Italian Restaurant. From the hostess and the servers to the fantastic menu, we knew we had stepped into a culinary world we couldn’t wait to explore.
Ballo Italian Restaurant brings Tunney’s passion to the Italian experience with intense design combinations, exceptional service and a fresh, authentic menu of Italian favorites and new creations.
The cathedral-like rooms feature authentic Italian fixtures, exotic fabrics and dramatic lighting with one of largest Carrara Marble bars ever built as the centerpiece. We were seated at a table that faced a beautiful wall art that we couldn’t help but admire.
Our wonderful server, Jonathan, shared with us that all the wall arts were John Tunney’s brother, Peter Tunney. Peter Tunney has emerged an artist with a message affirming: GRATITUDE, DON’T PANIC, THE TIME IS ALWAYS NOW, EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE AMAZING.
I was immediately drawn to his message in the piece we were admiring that simply said “BELIEVE”. I chose to believe, in gratitude and not panicking, that our yummy story destination and date night was going to be simply amazing and to cherish every yummy moment at Ballo Italian Restaurant.
The culinary team at Ballo Italian Restaurant is led by Executive Chef Shaun Golan who executes the creative and inspiring menu. Both Tunney and Golan’s commitment to fresh and locally grown foods only adds to what truly makes the dishes inspiring. As a Health Whole lifestyle family we are always interesting in the source of our food.
We started off our culinary adventure with their warm and crusty Italian bread along with oregano butter. We did our best to use some self-control while waiting for the Antipasti of Prosciutto, Parmigiano, Roasted Peppers, Ricotta Stuffed Peppers and Fig Jam. The combination was the right balance of bursting flavors and the Ricotta Stuffed Peppers add a wonderful spicy kick to it. I have to say the Antipasti prepared the way for the exquisite culinary adventure ahead. The fig jam was the perfect addition to the Antipasti along with the Parmigiano. I couldn’t get enough of the Ricotta Stuffed Peppers but I had to remind myself that it was only appetizer.
Next was the Arugula, Parmigiano, Lemon and Pine Nuts salad that was a yummy crunchy bit of greens to clear the palate before our entrees arrived. Arugula is becoming my favorite green after romaine lettuce. This salad was simply made with the right amount of ingredients to get us ready for the entrees.
I ordered the 8 oz Lobster Tail Fra Diavlo, a combination of seafood, in-house made pasta with tomato sauce heavily seasoned prodigious amounts of fresh seasoning and sprinkled with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese .
Hubby ordered the Organic Scottish Salmon with asparagus, fregola and burnt honey agro dolce. It was one of our server Jonathan’s favorite and it sounded too good to pass up. Since sharing is caring, we made sure to take turn tasting the delight-filled creations.
We paired the amazing dishes with their selection of Prosecco, Valdo New Vintage. The well-balanced structure, matched with its flavorful and aromatic fruity fragrance made it the perfect pairing with the delicately flavored seafood dishes.
Nothing tops such a wonderful culinary experience like dessert. My all time favorite dessert is Tiramisu and Hubby’s one is New York Cheesecake. At first glance, they were our first choice until our server, Jonathan, decided to make it very tough for us by suggesting their Valrhona chocolate cake, cookies & cream gelato along with their one of a kind donuts sprinkled with sugar and a side of nutella. Amid so many delicious choices, we opted for all four because the food at Ballo Italian Restaurant is served with a proud attention to detail.
We can definitely say that Ballo Italian Restaurant fine food, stellar service and unique setting gave us the ultimate date night out experience. The amazing food at Ballo Italian Restaurant and its wonder-filled atmosphere definitely transported us to the hills of Tuscany.
Ballo Italian Restaurant is the first and only Certified Green Restaurant in a casino. By meeting these standards, Ballo has significantly lowered its environmental impact and has become a model of sustainability in the restaurant industry.
From Fortune 500 events, to the more intimate gathering, the inspiring venue, cuisine and top-notch service are unequaled in the Northeast! You can create your own or choose one of the popular group and dining and event services.
“San Galgano represents all that is spectacular about Italy – the history, the passion, the fortitude of the country. What better place to worship the food of Italy than in a place that replicates their mastery?” says Tunney. Tunney was simply right because Hubby and I experienced all that is spectacular about Italy in the top notch service we received and the fresh, authentic menu of Italian favorites and new creations Hubby and I still rave about. Our romantic date night experience is the reason why Ballo Italian Restaurant is well deserved of 5 Yummy Yes in our yummy story and date night destination.
WELLthy Mom NODte:”The best ingredients, touched the least amount of
times by the best pair of hands…” – The Passion behind Ballo Italian Restaurant
