Marcellino Ristorante Set to Open Next Week at SouthBridge

By Michele Laudig Fri., Apr. 23 2010 at 8:39 AM

Categories: Laudig

After years of building a reputation for gracious service and exquisite Italian food (just look at all of the Best of Phoenix awards devoted to them), culinary power couple Sima and Marcellino Verzino are about to leave behind their strip mall digs on Northern Avenue and open Marcellino Ristorante in Scottdale's high-profile SouthBridge development.

If you've ever dined at the old location, you've likely encountered both of them -- she's the front-of-the-house charmer, and he's the kitchen talent who occasionally makes the rounds in the dining room.

And with the new restaurant in the works, it turns out that they're even more multi-faceted than that.

Marcellino himself designed and did the build-out of the space that was originally Digestif, and briefly, Tutto, while Sima has been single-handedly coordinating the grand opening and PR duties.

Fans of the restaurant can expect the same menu of handmade pastas and authentic Italian dishes, only expanded. (Check out that delicious looking rack of veal in spiced whiskey reduction, at left.)

Now, with the in-house wood-burning oven, Chef Marcellino will be serving pizza as well.

And for guests who want a more intimate, customized dining experience, there will be by-reservation chef's tastings at the "kitchen island."

A by-invitation-only VIP event is scheduled for Thursday, April 29, and the restaurant's public grand opening will be Friday, April 30.