Valentina Mitreska’s love of Las Vegas is evident at Vegas Cafe, the Schererville restaurant she owns with her son Kire “Erik” Mitreska.
“My mom doesn’t like gambling that much. She likes more the shows over there and the art and stuff like that. That’s what she enjoys most,” said Kire Mitreska, of Schererville.
Here is the dish on this local eatery, which marks its two-year anniversary from noon-8 p.m. May 27 with a celebration featuring magician Nicky Jade, of Lowell, and a car show by Northwest Indiana Car Enthusiasts.
On the menu: Sandwiches and panini with Las Vegas-inspired names such as Monte Carlo, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Excalibur, Flamingo, Artisan, Bally’s and Tuscany. “Since we went with the theme, my mom said, ‘We should name everything after Vegas hotels. That will be the coolest thing,'” Kire Mitreska said. The menu also includes specials such as the Nevada BBQ chicken melt and the Western burger, signature lattes and breakfast all day.
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About the owners: Kire Mitreska’s hands-on education in the restaurant business came from working mostly in the kitchen at the Sunshine Restaurant, which his mother and stepfather, Mirjan Mitreska, owned in Griffith for more than 10 years. Valentina Mitreska, of Crown Point, also owns the Marble Room, a Schererville business.
A mission statement: “We just try to focus on everything homemade. It’s just fresh, authentic, good food,” said Kire Mitreska, who is the chef for Vegas Cafe and began cooking when he was 16 years old. “I’ve always loved cooking and trying out new things. I don’t have to use a recipe. I do my own thing. I like cooking food and making people feel like they got the most of out of their money coming to my place.”
Decor: “We have a big picture of the Vegas strip. We just have a lot of Vegas stuff and a lot of Elvis memorabilia. We hope it’s more on the art side of it instead of the gambling side of it. A lot of people come in and think it’s a casino and they can gamble. I have to explain it’s a restaurant,” said Kire Mitreska, noting that the slot machines with working lights at Vegas Cafe are only for display.
Specialties: “Our open-faced sandwiches are what we try to specialize on,” Kire Mitreska said. The most popular sandwiches include the MGM Grand featuring homemade meatballs, fresh green peppers, marinara and shredded cheese; the Mirage featuring ham, bacon, mayonnaise, boiled eggs, lettuce, balsamic vinegar and provolone; and the Venetian featuring baked chicken, bacon, roasted peppers, onion and provolone. “Our Famous Vegas burger is almost a pound of meat. It’s delicious. Our homemade lasagna is really good and a really good portion too. Most of the time people will come in and order one lasagna and split it between the two and still have some to take home. Our Italian sausage is really good, and we also do Philly cheesesteaks.
We’re different because: “We do have events mostly in the summertime and mostly on Saturdays,” Kire Mitreska said. Bands and magicians are booked from time to time and Kire Mitreska said he hopes to host some comedy in the future at Vegas Cafe, which seats approximately 50 people.
Prices: Start at $3.29 for soups, $3.39 for breakfast items, $5.95 for salads $6.95 for sandwiches and panini, $7.59 for wraps and $9.95 for specials.
Logistics: Vegas Cafe is at 800 Cedar Parkway, Schererville. Hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Call 219-322-6601 or go to www.vegas-cafe.com.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.