Keeping It Lite This Summer

Well when most people talk about Italian food the first thought that comes into ones mind is lasagna, pizza and other delicious, but rather heavy foods. However, these are not what Italians would choose during the summer, something lite and fresh is preferred.

Some of the favorites from the Marco Chefs are:

• La Panzanella: This is crumbled stale bread that is soaked in a mixture of red onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt
• La pasta con i pomodori crudi: This is al dente pasta with cherry tomatoes cut in half, fresh basil, parmigiano, salt and pepper all mixed with olive oil
• Carpaccio di Vitello: This is the highest quality raw veal, sliced very thin, sprinkled with arugula and parmesan cheese, the season with olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper
• Caprese salad: This is a mix of three of the most iconic ingredients of Italian cuisine: tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. Add some olive oil and you'll have the perfect summer dish. (This is my favorite)

All in all, it is easy to see how Italian summer cuisine tends to be quick to prepare and fresh: fresh because many of its staples are cold dishes, but also because seasonal fruit and vegetables dominate the list of ingredients. It is also a type of cuisine where the creativity of the chef is very much protagonist, so just get some fresh ingredients, seek for inspiration and....buon appetite!

Are You Eating Spaghetti Right?

Never mind shifting economic conditions and world peace. Forget about global warming. Let's get down to the real issues. Like the right way to eat spaghetti. I mean, do you use a spoon or don't you? By using a spoon, I'm referring to the use of a large spoon in combination with a fork as a means of transferring spaghetti from plate to mouth.
"Correct" being a subjective term, let me assume for the sake of argument; if you don't want to be seen as an ill-mannered, amateurish child at an authentic Italian table, the "correct" way is using the fork, the fork and nothing but the fork.
Seriously, though one of the reasons the whole "spoon" thing came to be is that once upon a time, for reasons nobody knows, Americans served spaghetti exclusively on plates. In Italy, spaghetti is generally served in a "piatto fondo", a deep bowl like a shallow soup-dish with a rim. The flat surface of a plate does not lend itself well to chasing and capturing spaghetti, hence the introduction of the spoon. But if you use a bowl, the natural curvature of the bowl does what the spoon would do. So NO spoon is necessary. TA-DAH!

GOT TOMATOES?

A delicious tomato sauce that you make from scratch is homey and delicious, not to mention surprisingly easy! A good tomato sauce is the foundation for many wonderful dishes.

Marco Pomodoro Sauce
Ingredients:
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves of garlic
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons olive oil
8 fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)
4 cups fresh diced tomatoes

• when fresh tomatoes are out of season, it's perfectly fine to use canned tomatoes (2 8oz cans)

pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:
In a saute pan put 4 tablespoons of olive oil, along with the whole cloves of garlic, diced onion and the 2 bay leaves. Cook in the oil on medium heat until the onions are transparent. Add the 4 cups of fresh tomatoes or the 2 8oz cans of diced tomatoes (which ever you prefer), and the chopped basil. Let simmer for 25-30 minutes on low. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove the 2 cloves of garlic and the 2 bay leaves. Serve over your favorite pasta or with a crostino.

Culinary Enthusiasts

Whether you're an accomplished chef or attempting to make your very first meal. The Chefs at Marco Ristornate Italiano will give you some serious inspiration to tweek your culinary creations. Marco Warner Robins holds cooking classes 3 Saturdays per month. The cost is $125 per class or $300 for three classes. Call 478-330-7070 or 478-718-3300 to reserve your spot.

"Movie Night Mondays" @ Marco Warner Robins

Dinner and a movie are, arguably, the foundation for a lot of relationships. This is probably because they offer the perfect mix of chatter and delicious food, plus a relaxing shared activity of watching the movie, followed by more chatter, while sipping on a few drinks and dissecting the movie afterwards. So whether it is a first date, a night out with your significant other or my favorite "Girls Night" enjoy your evening all in one spot at Marco Warner Robins for "Movie Night Mondays."

Private Events = Special Events

Did you know that Marco’s Macon location and Warner Robins location both have private dining options. Marco is an excellent location to host a company meeting, a wedding rehearsal dinner or reception, a special family event, or a party for friends. We provide excellent food and service that will impress your guests and let you take home the title of "Best Party Planner". Check out the photos and information below and then call 478-405-5660 to book your special event.

Private Dining in Warner Robins

• Four private dining options - two dining rooms, lounge, and wine room
• Two dining rooms can accommodate 20 to 60 guests
• Private lounge includes large screen television and cozy fireplace.
• Wine Room available to host 8 - 12 people for intimate dinners featuring exclusive Wine Room menus.
• Optional projector and screen in two dining rooms
• Chefs Table adjacent to the kitchen is available for an interactive dining experience with our executive chef.
• Option for entire venue rental for large parties.

Private Dining in Macon

• Seating for 30 people in our private dining room.
• Option for entire venue rental for large parties.
• Custom menus can be created.
• Optional projector and screen



Private Dining Room- Warner Robins

Chef's Table - Warner Robins

Wine Room Warner Robins

Private Dining Room - Macon

We have a table waiting for you!

The grand opening of Marco Warner Robins is just around the corner. Take a look at these final pre-opening photos. We will open our doors on September 3 and we have a table waiting for you. Call or go online to make reservations to experience this excellent fine dining in Warner Robins.