In the Old Planet Hollywood in the Forum Shops I had believed no place would ever succeed. Transplanting the Carmines of NY / Atlantic City to the Vegas strip would be a challenge as so many cookie cutter type places exist and so many high end unique places open satelite places and fail. Carmines delivers all of the expecations. Large long bar and huge seating area adorne this Italian retro look with huge billboards showing the family styple type offerings. After a drink with the ever pleasant Nicole at the bar we sit 9 for dinner tonight. Bread is presented which is OK and wine list is perused. Really a fairly weak wine list to be honest but a couple of value $50.00 Italian and Sicilian bottles are located and were off and running. Note glasses are like my grandfather used to use and if you watch the scene in the Godfather where The Don is talkling to Michael with a heart to heart you will notice the glasses used are the same here. Nice touch though I doubt many will remember. Asked for some recomendations and we are offered a special Cold Antipasto and Hot Antipasto. The cold was a mix of Italian Cold cuts / Procuitto, olives, eggplant salad, salmon on mozerrela bread etc. This was fair nothing to write home about at $37.00. The Hot Antipasto was a Small Calzone, stuffed bread, stuffed mushrooms, ground sausange and brocoli Rabbe, Clams Oregenato, Mussels in red sauce, and a few other things. This was again OK but the Mushrooms were absolutely to die for So much so that we ordered a separate platter of stuffed mushrooms, a platter of meatballs and a very good Italian Mozerella and parmagina baked bread to complete the appetizers. all and all Meatballs, Mushrooms and bread top scores. We take a break here to see how much more we should order as we have hit it pretty good right now but on we go. Platter of Chicken Marsala, Platter of Veal Parm, Platter of Shrimp Fra Diablo and platter of linquini bolognese with extra side of Bolognese sauce. Veal Parm a near perfect 10... Delicious, chicken Marsala good but not my favorite, the Shrimp were absolutely incredible clean tasty perfectly cooked while the hot sauce was just the right amount of spicy and declicious as well. Didn't need the 3bls of pasta in Red Sunday Bolognese Gravy but have to say it was dam outstanding. NO coffee or deserts tried as we can't walk at this time but 9 guys 4 bottles of wine tax and Tip (Not included automatically) we walked out for $630.00 As far as I'm concerened a tremendous value and really for the most part tremendous presentations and food and taste. Service was spot on all night and would not in any way hesitate to return here in the future. Big Thumbs up handling 9 Hungry Hombres. Congratulations forum shops think you found one to stay awhile.

positive

The wait is LOOONG, but the food pays for itself. I ordered "2 carnitas tacos" and one "carne asada torta" on a Sun. afternoon, and I waited 30 minutes. I should have brought a book, to go along the wait, but just forgot this time! Anyway, the food is always delicious and that is how I am able to keep my mouth shut by not complaining over the long wait. If you don't mind waiting for good food, go to this place. It will be worth it!

positive

I believe I already left a review for this place... Pretty nice little gift shop. I bought a little elvis outfit for my godson and a shot glass. They had a very nice selection of merchandise along with decent customer service.

positive

$8 Dollars for Tap Water. Wow. No thanks! Not even TAO charged me for water. Not coming back here again...you get treated like cattle and they flash those bright ass lights in your eyes...
negative