Chef Marc's Trattoria Arrives Soon with a Patio

Marc Sgrizzi wasted no time rebounding after he shuttered his Parma by Chef Marc back in July. Keeping the tradition of putting his name upfront, Chef Marc's Trattoria will take over the former Argana Moroccan Restaurant at the Lakeside Village Plaza, close to an Outback Steakhouse.

The 2,527-square-foot restaurant will feature an 800-square-foot patio with room for 80 inside. Already installed, the lighting, reclaimed wood tables and upgraded kitchen. Sgrizzi explains, "This place definitely has the most charm of any place I've owned yet. Like a visit to an old Tuscan villa."

Described as an "authentic Italian trattoria," the restaurant will also host "cooking classes and demonstrations revealing great artisan recipes that I learned in Italy and throughout my career." Via Facebook, the chef has promised a pancetta class, "with 10 people signing up to make their very own artisan cured pancetta. Where I will age it for you in my walk-in cooler."

In early October, the plan was to debut by Nov. 3, and November is still the target opening month. Reluctant to give away early details, Sgrizzi does compare the venture with Parma by Chef Marc. Sgrizzi says, "There will be more items on this menu, and the prices will be lower."