I have to admit, had it not been for a follower on Twitter I may have never found this hidden gem of paradise.
Upon recommendation I ventured out to Cugino’s Italian Deli & Pizza located at 4550 S. Maryland Parkway. It’s just past UNLV in a little strip mall plaza. The minute you walk in the deli aroma hits you with the smell of fresh bread, pizzas and sauces simmering. I was at home because just from the smell this was going to be a great lunch.
My informant who turned me on to this place said you have to try the Cugino Special Sandwich. His exact word to me were this sandwich has you (Marco) written all over it. So I stepped up to the counter and ordered. Let me tell you, I have been there three times now and ordered the same sandwich. It’s that good.
The Cugino Special is prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and balsamic vinegar. Three things make the perfect sandwich, starting with the bread. The Italian roll is perfect. Bad bread will ruin a sandwich for me immediately.
Next is the meat and this prosciutto is top shelf. They don’t skimp on the meat either, piling it high. Finally, the cheese is the final piece of the perfect sandwich puzzle. This mozzarella isn’t the stuff you buy at the deli in your local grocery store, but thick, fresh slices like you would get if ordering a Caprese Salad.
Now how can you make the perfect sandwich any better? Top it off with roasted red peppers. Yes this is a sandwich to die for and is my favorite in all of Las Vegas.
The only other things I tried there were the garlic knots and pepperoni rolls. Both were incredible as well. They have a full menu with pizzas and pastas. From the dishes I saw going by my table they looked and smelled delicious.
Not only can you get great prepared Italian food but all of your authentic Italian supplies for your own cooking at home.
Cugino’s is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you want fresh homemade Italian food, head over to Cugino’s for a great lunch or dinner. I give Cugino’s 3.75 Forks!
Marco D’Angelo is the senior handicapper at Pregame.com. He co-hosts First Preview every Thursday night at 11 on ESPN 1100 AM / 98.9 FM. Follow him on twitter: @MarcoInVegas.