Signature Restaurants & Culinary Ventures

Baldoria marked the beginning of Chef Carla Pellegrino's journey as a New York restaurateur.

Carla conceived the restaurant's name, culinary concept, menu, and interior design vision. She chose *Baldoria*, an Italian word meaning joyful celebration and spirited merrymaking, to capture the warmth, energy, and pleasure of gathering around a table.

The restaurant's identity was a creative collaboration. Frankie designed its memorable logo featuring two angels kissing, while Joseph Riccobene created its playful signature slogan:

**“A knife and a fork, a bottle and a cork... That is the way we spell New York...”**

The words appeared on the restaurant's menus and matchbooks, becoming part of Baldoria's unmistakable personality.

For Carla, Baldoria was more than a restaurant opening. It was an early expression of her vision as a chef, creator, and restaurateur.

Bratalian Neapolitan Cantina was Chef Carla Pellegrino's intimate neighborhood Italian restaurant in Henderson, Nevada, created around her love of traditional cooking, family recipes and genuine hospitality.

Away from the glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, Bratalian offered a warm, welcoming atmosphere where handmade dishes, authentic Italian flavors and a personal connection with guests took center stage.

The restaurant earned local recognition, including Best of Henderson honors, reflecting Carla's belief that exceptional Italian food begins with simplicity, quality ingredients and cooking from the heart.

Two distinctive Las Vegas restaurant concepts showcasing Chef Carla Pellegrino's versatility and passion for Italian cuisine.

Bacio by Carla Pellegrino, located inside the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas, presented her signature approach to Italian dining in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting.

Meatball Spot, located at Town Square Las Vegas, offered a lively, casual interpretation of Italian-American comfort food, celebrating familiar flavors in a fun and approachable atmosphere.

In 2014, Chef Carla Pellegrino brought her culinary vision to downtown Miami with the opening of Touché Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant atop E11EVEN Miami.

Combining Italian-inspired cuisine, sophisticated rooftop dining, and Miami's vibrant nightlife, Touché featured panoramic skyline views, an open kitchen, and an expansive outdoor lounge. Carla helped shape the restaurant's culinary identity, kitchen design, and opening operations, creating a distinctive dining experience within one of Miami's most ambitious entertainment destinations.
As Executive Chef, Carla Pellegrino oversaw culinary operations for Touché Restaurant & Rooftop Lounge, as well as food service throughout the E11EVEN Miami entertainment complex, including the nightclub.

The opening of Rao's Las Vegas at Caesars Palace in 2006 marked an important chapter in Chef Carla Pellegrino's career. Bringing the legendary New York restaurant's Italian-American culinary traditions to Las Vegas, Carla played a leading role in establishing its kitchen, menu, and culinary identity. The restaurant became a celebrated destination, earning recognition for its authentic cuisine and timeless hospitality.

From my first restaurant opening, Baldoria in New York City, through celebrated restaurants, major openings, and executive chef roles across the country, my career has been built around creating memorable dining experiences. Each chapter reflects the same foundation: Italian tradition, strong culinary identity, disciplined execution, and genuine hospitality.