Out to Lunch: Midday Meal at Marc's Makes for Rich Experience

Marc's Italian Steakhouse is a great little place for high-class lunchtime dining.

The atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, and it's just dark enough to be cozy.

Oh, and if you don't like dark rooms, try the new patio — it's divine.

Under the new management of Executive Chef Peter Petro , Marc's has been redecorated and the menu retooled for both dinner and lunch, which was not served under the previous management.

"We decided to open up for lunch because, well, you got a nice place sitting here, a beautiful restaurant that serves beautiful food for dinner, why not serve beautiful food for lunch also?," Petro said.

It is popular with bank and insurance employees as well as doctors, nurses and real estate agents.

The fare is, in one word, rich.

A midday meal at Marc's includes dishes like the New England-style lobster roll ($14) and lobster macaroni and cheese ($16).

The most popular dishes are the stuffed chicken breast ($13) and the salads ($7 to $12).

The stuffed chicken breast is Petro 's personal favorite, although he's quick to add that there is nothing on the menu he doesn't love.

"We try to do things on the lighter side and something that can please everybody," Petro said. "We wouldn't do something heavy like lasagna for lunch. You don't want people to come back to work and fall asleep."

The restaurant also offers an express lunch for the time-starved foodie. It includes pasta, meatballs or pizza.

Ordering from the regular lunch menu does not mean you'll have a long wait, though.

"We considered time in formulating the menu," Petro said. "We have pasta dishes and shrimp dishes and even some burgers. Italian restuarants don't typically have burgers, but you order it here and it's going to be one of the best in the city.

"We try to get them in and out fast but in a relaxed fine dining atmosphere," he added.

Lunch at Marc's also won't hit you hard in the pocketbook. Most dishes are in the $12 range.

"We do quality ingredients, everything you'd expect a restaurant to do right, while keeping the price low," Petro said. "I don't like to cut any corners."

Marc's also has a large dining room that can be reserved for parties up to 18. It's very private with doors that can close out the sounds of other diners. It is in high demand, though, so make your reservations in advance.

Nearly everything at Marc's is freshly made. That includes the french fries, meatballs and sauces. Even the hamburger meat is ground and mixed by hand.

"We put a lot of love into everything," Petro said. "I can't think of another place that does a burger where they grind the beef in the morning. It's soft, juicy and flavorful. ... My whole goal is to do it fresh and do it right — to make it the best thing anyone has ever tasted."

Marc's Italian Steakhouse

7290 W. Lake Mead Blvd.

562-1921

www.marcsitalian-steakhouse.com

Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

$10 to $20