Pasta & Riso Night Special: What is Arancini?

On August 1, 2, and 3, Marco Ristorante Italiano is featuring a delicious five course dinner special featuring delicious selections of pasta and risotto. Pasta & Riso Nights will include several unique dishes prepared by our culinary team led by Chef Gianluca. One item on the menu is an Italian dish called Arancino (plural: Arancini). Here is a little background on this native Italian specialty.

Arancini or arancine are fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, said to have originated in Sicily in the 10th century. Arancini are usually filled with ragù (meat sauce), tomato sauce, mozzarella, and/or peas. There are a number of local variants that differ in fillings and shape. The name derives from the food's shape and color, which is reminiscent of an orange (the Italian word for orange is arancia, and arancina means "little orange").

The main type of arancino sold in Sicilian cafes are arancini con ragù, which typically consist of meat in a tomato sauce, rice, and mozzarella. The arancini dish at Marco will feature a duo, one filled with Bolognese ragu and the other with mozzarella and peas. Both will be served with Marco's homemade pomodoro sauce.

Other courses during the Pasta & Riso nights include a ravioli duo, a risotto duo, a cold duo, and frittella di riso with pistachio mouse for dessert. See the complete menu below. Make reservations for Pasta & Riso Nights by calling 478.405.5660.

Great Fun at the Museum of Aviation's Taste of Local Cuisine

Several members of the Marco team had a great time serving veal & sage ravioli and profiteroles at the Museum of Aviation's Taste of Local Cuisine on July 13. The annual event benefits the Museum's Foundation and is a great way to mix & mingle with the friendly people of Warner Robins. The main question asked: "When are you going to open?" Very soon loyal fans. We anticipate mid-August. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, we're glad we could give you a taste of things to come.

 

 

Marco Takes on the Hamburger.

Chef Gianluca has taken the traditional hamburger and given it an Italian twist. The combination of fresh flavors and Italian ingredients, might make you question ever going back to a "typical" burger. The Marco Italian Burger features one hundred percent Angus ground beef topped with pancetta, fontina cheese, peppers and onions prepared "agrodolce" - sweet and sour. This delicious concoction is served between Marco’s homemade baked foccacia bread drizzled with olive oil and accompanied with hand-cut Italian fries topped with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. This summer treat is available for a limited time only for lunch and dinner starting July 1.