Marcelleria

Friday my office had our department holiday lunch at Marcelleria in MePa. I would HIGHLY recommend this location for a large group (like 15-20 people) for lunch or dinner. Originally, we had booked the basement wine cellar which is a very private and atmospheric room with a large rectangular table in the middle. HOWEVER, when we got there we were told there was a miscommunication and that we were in the main dining room. Since we wanted privacy since the group gets a little loud with all the liquor and the yankee swap and we didn't want to disturb other patrons, the manager did her best to rectify the situation. She set us up in "the meat locker" which was an area in the back of the restaurant right next to the open kitchen. It still provided privacy and room to get out of your chair and walk around and mingle with the other guests. Service - EXCELLENT! The Aussie waitress made sure the wine was flowing and that everyone got what they ordered in a timely manner. For lunch - entrees averaged about $15-20. It's Italian food with all bases covered so there is really something for everyone. Clams casino ($9), Tuscan tomato & bread soup ($7) and iceberg wedges with gorganzola peppercorn dressing ($6) proved to be popular appetizer choices among the group. Main course favorites included the veal piccata with artichokes ($17), the pappardelle al cinghiale with wild boar sauce ($14) and freshwater trout with herbs & lemon($14).