LAS VEGAS — Buca di Beppo, a restaurant known for its authentic Italian food and atmosphere, recently had a visit from the contestants of the Miss USA Pageant.

The participants, who included Miss Nevada Sarah Chapman, celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of Miss USA upon their arrival for the pageant, which takes place June 19 at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino and airs live on NBC.

The private event saw the Miss USA contestants eat the Mozzarella Caprese, Chicken Limone and Shrimp Fra Diavolo, among other menu items, as well as pose with other guests and Buca di Beppo staff.

“Buca has developed a wonderful partnership with the Miss Universe organization over the years. We are honored to have had the beautiful 51 contestants dine with us, and this year was especially unique as it marked the 60th anniversary of the pageant.”

Buca di Beppo has two Las Vegas locations, one at the intersection of Paradise and Flamingo, and one in the Summerlin area on W. Lake Mead.  It is not just a local favorite, but tourists also seek out the restaurant while they are in town.

“Buca di Beppo restaurants embody the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire the menu, which features both Northern and Southern Italian favorites. While the food has pleased millions of palates from coast-to-coast, Buca di Beppo is equally famous for its quirky décor and upbeat atmosphere.”   It is a place that caters to all ages, allowing for family events, as well as gatherings for a wide range of occasions.

“Our family-sized portions are extremely generous with a Buca Small feeding up to three people and a Buca Large up to six people, making Buca di Beppo a very economical way to feed any size group.”

For events or trade shows near the Strip, Buca is a popular choice because of the easy access from convention areas and surrounding hotels with the use of their To Go menu or delivery.  With orders, plastic plates, utensils, napkins and tablecloths can be included.

“Buca offers a To Go menu with party trays feeding up to 20. Our famous homemade meatballs each weigh in at a half a pound, so no one in the group will go hungry.”

The restaurant also offers private rooms designed to give diners the same Italian cuisine with an extra touch of service.

“Many Buca di Beppo restaurants feature function rooms, private dining rooms and themed dining rooms such as the Pope’s Table, the Cardinal’s Table or the Godfather Room, making group functions fun and easy to organize in our venue.”   They work to bring the best to their patrons with their selection of homemade ingredients and dishes

“What sets Buca apart from other restaurants is its dedication to using the freshest and best ingredients around. Sauces and many dishes are made in house daily, which is very unusual for many national restaurants.

“Every morning, our chefs are in the kitchen making the most delicious homemade favorites including our marinara sauce and lasagna. The desserts are made right on property as well, never brought in frozen. Favorites include the gigantic tiramisu and the cheesecake topped with sweet raspberry sauce and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts.”

Reservations can be made online at www.bucadibeppo.com or by phone at 702-866-2867 for the Paradise location or 702-363-6524 for Summerlin.