New Cameron Mitchell Restaurant offers casual Italian fare that's fresh, uncomplicated
Scottsdale, Ariz. (September 23, 2009) – Marcella’s Italian Kitchen (pronounced mar-chell-uz), the latest brainchild of nationally acclaimed restaurateur, Cameron Mitchell, opens October 12 in the new wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The 10,000 square foot restaurant was named for Marcella Libertini, the Italian chef and house manager at the Tuscan villa where Mitchell vacations with his family in Tuscany every summer. Marcella inspired Mitchell to bring authentic Italian cuisine and the atmosphere of a bustling Italian cafe' in Rome back to the States.
From Marcella’s comfortable, but energetic atmosphere to its service apparel featuring spunky sayings such as “I'm an Italian Stallion” and “Sprinkle me with Parmesan,” Marcella’s will have guests kicking back, feeling at ease, and falling in love with their food.
The restaurant offers all the charm and energy of Italy with a robust, but uncomplicated Chef-driven menu. Favorites include the fresh made Gnocchi con Bolognese with braised lamb; Ravioli Mezzaluna with goat cheese, Italian bacon and mushrooms; and Marcella’s Lasagna with sweet Italian sausage. Their extensive pizza list includes favorites such as the Margherita D.O.C. with mozzarella, plum tomato, and sweet basil; and the Sicilian with capacola, salami, meatballs, asiago cheese and red onions.
The restaurant will offer an open, lively dining room adorned with distressed dark wood, marble accents, elaborate crown molding and leaded glass mirrors decorated with more of Marcella’s signature sayings such as, “Will trade husband for wine.” In addition to the main dining room, the interior terrace will seat up to 52 guests at quaint marble top café tables. Three private dining rooms will accommodate 20 to 40 guests and be fully equipped with audio-visual capabilities.
“Marcella’s atmosphere is energetic and will offer a true slice of Italy,” says Executive Chef Geoff Baumberger. “We will feature a full Italian-style pantry with antipasta, meats and cheeses, bread racks, and endless reserves of wine. Our menu is unpretentious and we are committed to keeping things fresh every day– that goes for our food and our personality.”
Sure to be a big draw for the local happy hour crowd, the lively bar and outside patio will serve up Italian spirits and fresh, handcrafted cocktails, including Marcella’s very own sangria, limoncello, purees and foams. The restaurant’s extensive wine list is served as preferred– by the glass, half or full bottle.
Marcella's 'Fuggetaboutit' Happy Hour will be offered weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m. in the bar and outside on the patio and will feature half price pizzas and appetizers and specially priced handcrafted cocktails.
Marcella’s is the second Cameron Mitchell concept to hit Arizona. Last November Ocean Prime made its Arizona debut, opening at the upscale CityCenter of CityNorth in Phoenix. Mitchell is an alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, and in addition to his role as CEO of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the prestigious culinary school.
For reservations, call 480-947-2105.
Restaurant hours (Dinner service begins October 12 and lunch service begins October 15):
Restaurant hours are open daily for lunch and dinner beginning at 11:30 a.m.