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Dining Away the Day

There must be something in the water! The number of high caliber restaurants and eateries that have found a home in the small town of Itasca is sure to surprise even the locals. On any given day of the week, diners may wander into any number of establishments and walk away with a smile that comes close to the definition of pure bliss. Local business owners work hard from morning till night to maintain the highest quality of food, drink and entertainment, ensuring that diners will return again and again.

Many local business owners refer to their businesses as places similar to the hit television show Cheers, “where everyone knows your name.” Not only do regulars frequently run into neighbors and friends at their destination of choice, but business owners are friendly with their competitors as well. Locals welcome everyone and in short order, strangers to the area will feel right at home.

One place not to miss while in town is the Walnut Street Delicatessen located in downtown Itasca. Owner Gary Marcheschi opened the deli just over 16 years ago in November of 1991.

“We [my family and I] always wanted to get into food service. Going back to 1990, we had the opportunity to pursue the deli and we did. We envisioned being a small delicatessen in the quaint town of Itasca and being in close proximity to the train. We wanted to be a small neighborhood eatery,” said Marcheschi.

The vision of Marcheschi and his family came true. In fact, the only real surprise that they have encountered in the past 16 years is the phenomenal growth and success the deli has experienced. This growth is due, in large part, to the development and growth of the Itasca business park which helped the deli grow along with its catering division.

In addition to local businesses, the deli has had tons of regulars over the years. These regulars helped Marcheschi and his family discover the true depths of their talents. Among the most popular items on the menu are the chicken walnut salad and the artichoke foccacia bread.

However, it is the Artichoke Foccacia Bread that deserves some special airtime. Marcheschi recently completed the “painstaking process of having the recipe” and the bread’s label with the deli’s logo on it trademarked. Marcheschi is proud of this accomplishment and has plans in the works to market this fantastic menu item.

Fantastic menu items are the norm in Itasca restaurants. Owners and chefs take obvious pride in their work. Another fine example of unique food in a cozy and friendly environment is the local Italian restaurant Cucina Casale. In addition to traditional Italian fare, diners enjoy daily specials that range from southern classics such as jambalaya to classic Mediterranean dishes.

Open six days a week, Cucina Casale is an intimate restaurant and bar which seats about 60 guests. This casual establishment boasts a wide variety of appetizers, salads, soups, pasta and chicken, steak and veal dinners in addition to desserts, a full-service bar and an exceptional wine list. Cucina Casale’s features a regular wine list and a reserve list with vintage wines that exceeds 100 different choices.

Pair a favorite wine with a favorite from the menu. Two of the more popular dishes among the regulars include the chicken foccacia sandwich and the sarsalle alla vodka with shrimp. Shrimp lovers will not want to miss the sarsalle: a pasta dish made with a bow type pasta, vodka and tomato cream sauce, and topped with grilled shrimp.

Currently, owner Rino Cocilovo is looking to the future. “We hope to expand our current location and have a larger bar area for our customers,” said Cocilovo who understands the importance of customer satisfaction. When he’s not busy in the kitchen, Cocilovo enjoys visiting customers while they are dining.

“I enjoy seeing happy customers who are enjoying our food. The best part of the day is seeing people smile,” said Cocilovo. This desire to please is evident throughout the restaurant as first-time customers and regulars alike enjoy the food, drink and ambiance.

Ambiance is the word when it comes to Italian dining in Itasca. Another popular restaurant is Sergio’s Cucina Italiana.

At Sergio’s, customers can enjoy authentic Italian cooking with ingredients brought directly from Italy. Pasta, olive oil, prosciutto, and fresh buffalo mozzarella are a sample of the menu items and ingredients that are brought from Italy.

The restaurant also features many wines from various regions in Italy. The stand-out wine selection is sure to please amateurs and wine aficionados alike. Wine lovers are also sure to enjoy the special wine tastings and wine dinners that are offered on a regular basis. To learn more about upcoming events call the restaurant; customers can also sign up to be notified by email of upcoming dinners and events.

Born and raised in Italy, Sergio Abate, owner of Sergio’s Cucina Italiana, brings a taste of Italy to Itasca every day. This talented chef works in conjunction with his kitchen staff to create authentic dishes that will bring customers back time and again.

Abate likes to say that “you don’t need a passport if you want a taste of Italy – just go to Sergio’s.” In addition to the great food and drink, every customer is sure to feel special at Sergio’s. “We are very customer-oriented. We accommodate our customers and give them what they want as much as we can. We have a beautiful, new restaurant with a separate bar and lounge area and we feature an Italian DJ on Saturday nights,” says Abate.

Another popular evening hangout is Tree Guys Pizza Pub, which was remodeled two years ago to include an outdoor deck for dining. This family-oriented restaurant/bar is a home away from home for its regulars. It is not uncommon for wait staff to sit down with their customers and have a chat while waiting for a pie to arrive.

“My employees are extremely friendly. The restaurant is very comfortable and laid back. It’s a very fun place,” said owner Anthony Santoro. Have kids? No need to worry about keeping them still and quiet at Tree Guys Pizza Pub. Kids are welcome to run around and enjoy themselves when they are not eating.

This restaurant is all about family, fun and relaxation. Regulars get together at the end of the day and unwind while families relax and enjoy their meal. In addition to providing a family-oriented restaurant for his customers, Santoro sponsors local kids’ baseball, basketball and football teams. Teams will often visit the restaurant for lunch or dinner after games and tournaments. Santoro also sponsors community and church events when he can.

Tree Guys Pizza Pub celebrated its 15th year in business in July of 2007. The menu features pizza, sandwiches, appetizers and pizza. Food is available in both the restaurant and pub, and the pub offers a full selection of beer, wine and spirits. Open seven days a week, Tree Guys Pizza Pub is a great place to relax and get to know your neighbors.

Whether diners are looking to enjoy a quick lunch or dinner, or sit down to a cozy meal made to order, there is no doubt Itasca will be home to a restaurant ready to please. Customer service is a top priority of local eateries and diners can only benefit from the dedication of local owners aiming to please.