Buon Gusto!

Think German sports car. Think fine French wine. Think Swiss engineering.

If it seems like the Europeans have got one over on us on a few fronts, the folks at Bertazzoni only hope to up the ante with the company's latest decision to expand distribution of its sophisticated ranges into the Southwest and Las Vegas, specifically.

Through its newly named distributor, Ultra 8 International, Bertazzoni will debut its sophisticated line of cooking systems at its soon-to-be-completed showroom, set to open June 1 at 1335 E. Sunset Road, Suites E and F.

"Since 1882, the Bertazzoni family has blended the culinary culture of Italy into its products and brought the warmth of Italy into the heart of the home," said Paolo Bertazzoni, the company's fifth-generation president.

And nowhere else in the home does the heart of the family come together more than in the kitchen. For on its sleek counter tops, traditions come alive in the form of decorated holiday cookies, breads and other cherished goodies. Stocking and unloading the refrigerator produces a bevy of ingredients that stirs conversations, memories and laughter. And binding it all together is the stove, where burners simmer delicate soups and stews; ovens bake up sumptuous entrees; and warming drawers hold the bounty until the dishes can be presented at the table.

In a word, tradition.

In a definition, it's what the Bertazzoni family aims to share with each of the cooks, professional or aspiring, that purchase the eponymous gas ranges in any of the more than 60 countries where the products are sold.

"Typically, there is an interested audience in the Southwest, where there is a diverse demographic of the population interested in European interior design trends and products," said Bertazzoni when explaining why the company decided on a Las Vegas locale. Fairly appropros when considering the recent running of the Las Vegas Grand Prix -- a style of street car racing that shares a lengthy history with its European cousin.

What is expected, as far as the product line is concerned, Bertazzoni said will be delivered without doubt -- exceptional Italian design, elegance and reliability.

Starting in 1981, Bertazzoni, joined by his sister Elisabetta, turned their eyes toward the millennium. What they saw coming off production lines and what was up and coming at international expos left room for improvement.

What happened next included recruiting a few designers from Milan, the adaptation of automobile know-how and, bam!, the Professional Series was born.

Durable, double-layer-coated colors include green, white, red, cream, black, blue, yellow and burgundy. Professional Series ranges feature exclusive three-ring burners capable of generating 15,000 BTUs, a simmer burner and the widest oven door opening in its class on the 36-inch model.

Not bad for a company that started with a wood-burning-stove design 125 years ago.

For Bertazzoni, while the look may have changed, the philosophy has not. To him, his family's company continues to offer what it always has, "affordable indulgence for the inspired chef."

Depending on the size and options selected, retail prices range from $2,299 to $3,899. For more information on Bertazzoni products, visit www.bertazzoni-italia.com.