Regalo, the newest addition to the panoply of dining options at Hollywood Casino Toledo, occupies the former lounge/bar area in the center of the gaming floor which the casino epicurean directors have transformed from a relatively unassuming dining area into an appealing Italian restaurant with a clean and angler aesthetic.
Accented with dark woods, which comprise the tabletops and a thematic pergola setting off the dining area, the seating is pleasing. Dimmed lighting warms the area, while brighter lights shine directly on the table tops.
The entire Regalo room is surrounded by flat screen monitors affixed to hanging glass panels, which separates it from the gaming area. The screens show scenes of Italy, including inviting views of the coast and sea, art, sculpture, vineyards and other mood enhancing visuals.
Fare from “The Boot”
The menu is varied and appealing. Antipasti options include the burrata and prosciutto ($13), which is plated with drizzled balsamic syrup, accompanied by figs and fresh focaccia bread. The creamy burrata cheese and the salty prosciutto paired beautifully with the tender bread. Other appetizer/Antipasti offerings include caprese salad, Italian sausages, calamari, meatballs and bruschetta (ranging from $12-$17). Salads include the Italian chopped, which we sampled — a beautiful mix of greens along with olives and tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette with shaved parmesan. They also offer a panzanella/bread salad which we will try on our next visit.
The Chef’s Feature is the Frutti de Mare ($38), a white wine marinara sauce showcasing the fruits of the sea, including scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams and lobster, served with squid ink pasta. House specialties ($17 – $27) include comforting and varied preparations of veal, chicken, eggplant, shrimp, all harkening to the cuisine of “The Boot.”
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Seafood selections include branzino, snapper and salmon and as well as more continental fare with selections of chicken, pork chops and a flat iron beef steak. The variety is impressive and the food is prepared thoughtfully. Sides, which also accompany many of the dining selections, include broccoli, cavolifiore gratinati (a decidedly more inviting description than cauliflower with parmesan), as well as sautéed fungi (mushrooms) and wild rice.
The pasta selections are house made and come with a variety of sauces. We tried the Bolognese which has rich tomato flavor and works well accompanied by meatballs, or other protein selections (with shrimp, chicken salmon or octopus also available). The stone fired pizzas are a nice option to share while listening to live entertainment in the adjoining lounge area (available most every weekend) or while taking a break from the gaming tables.
Feeling welcomed
The serving staff is attentive and enthusiastic, offering full explanations of menu items and entrees, along with inquiries about refills or questions.
The experience of Regalo, Italian for “a gift,” is just that. In fact, I forgot I was in the middle of a casino during the meal. This Italian dining destination is definitely worth a try, rounding out the other Hollywood Casino eatery choices, including Final Cut and Shobu by Kengo.
