The art of fine dining

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Guido Marsico knows how to work a room.
Many patrons enjoyed the old building that housed Guido’s, the authentic Italian eatery Marsico owns, for its small yet cozy setting. The establishment sat on a residential stretch of Welsh Road in Holmesburg for 16 years.
But when Guido’s neighbor, Midwest Beef, closed its doors four years ago, Marsico saw a door opening for Guido’s.
That door led to a roomier restaurant, but Marsico didn’t stop there. Enter the Marsico, a 20,000-square-foot restaurant, lounge and banquet facility that debuted in December.
"Now we can accommodate everyone," said Marsico, 36.
He hopes his new operation, which also encompasses Guido’s Restaurant and the Grotto Lounge, offers an upscale dining and socializing experience.
Marsico, who operates the facility with his wife Maria, knew what he wanted for the new building when he purchased the neighboring Midwest Beef property.
After all, he’s been involved in the restaurant business for more than 15 years. His family first went into business in 1984 with a water-ice establishment and followed up by opening Guido’s in 1990. Even though he was only 20 when the restaurant opened, Guido Marsico was always involved with its operations.
"I started young," he said with a smile.
Marsico drew up much of the building’s designs and chose to hire several subcontractors to complete the job instead of employing just one. The use of different craftsmen is apparent — each room has its own style.
The new Guido’s provides a more modern atmosphere compared to the old building down the street, which will be razed to make room for a parking lot, Marsico said.
The restaurant can now accommodate about 130 people, twice as many patrons as before. Several curtained VIP rooms sit in niches lining the carpeted dining area, providing for small, private dining parties.
"People who have come in have said it’s like a different world," Marsico said.
While Guido’s look has changed, Marsico maintains that the quality of the food and service has not. The restaurant offers a host of meat, seafood and pasta dishes in addition to a full lunch menu. Homemade dishes like Raviola Angelica, stuffed with crabmeat and drizzled in gorgonzola cheese, and veal saltimbocca, with peppers, prosciutto and mozzarella, still delight diners.
Larger private parties or business meetings can dine downstairs in the Marsico’s unique wine cellar. Furnished in Old World European style with brick walls and ornate flooring, the space offers two rooms that seat up to 14 people each. They come equipped with soundproofing, individual climate control, wireless Internet access and audio-visual capabilities.
Once the meeting and dining commence, clientele can unwind in the Grotto Lounge. The bar area features modern-chic décor, punctuated by sleek furniture and overhead lighting that glows blue.
DJs and bands entertain in the lounge on weekends. The Grotto’s next major performer, Italian musician Nick Celentano, appears Saturday, April 21.
For those needing a place to host their wedding reception or party, the Marsico’s banquet facility can accommodate up to 400 guests.
Cocktail hour can be held in the elegantly decorated foyer, which shines in peach and cream colors. Chandeliers dangle from the ceilings and ornate curtains drape the windows of the first floor and balcony area. The party can get into full swing in the carpeted grand ballroom.
Marsico hopes to provide loyal customers with the same quality service they’ve experienced for 16 years, except in a more attractive, embellished setting.
"We have a lot of the clientele that have been coming to Guido’s," said Marsico. "We just want to give them a new, upscale atmosphere." ••
The Marsico is at 3515 Welsh Road. For more information, call 215-335-1850 or visit online at www.themarsico.com
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com