Dining Pick of the Week: Annie’s Gourmet Italian

75 S. Valle Verde Drive, Suite 160, 702-254-3663

Born to Italian parents, owner Annie Payton knows the ins and outs of Italian meals. With her dad a butcher and her mother a housewife, it’s no surprise that a love for cooking runs deep in Payton’s blood. Annie’s Gourmet Italian opened in May and offers residents a unique dining experience for a romantic night out or a family gathering. Pastas include fettuccine Alfredo, potato gnocchi (potato dumplings in a choice of Alfredo, tomato, pink or scampi sauce) and baked rigatoni (pasta shells topped with four cheese and tomato sauce). All are served with a Caesar salad. In addition, the restaurant serves low-fat and gluten-free dishes, such as chicken, shrimp or veal with seasonal vegetables. Dinner plates range from $15.95 to $22.95. A children’s menu for diners 12 or younger offers kid-friendly items such as chicken fingers and spaghetti and meatballs. Appetizers, salads and lunch options also are available. The restaurant’s Ookie’s Garden Pet Friendly Patio features pet meals of two meatballs or chickenballs and organic frozen yogurt dessert for $7.95. Pets must be leashed and well-behaved. Annie’s Gourmet Italian is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. On Sundays, the bar opens at 9:30 a.m. during NFL games. For more information, visit anniesgourmet.org.