Background
Earlier in his career in the food industry, Chris Arco had stints at chain restaurants and even did a bit of work for Indiana University of Pennsylvania's dining services.
But when Arco, 49, decided to establish his own restaurant just before the turn of the millennium, he went in the direction that reminded him of home.
Partnered with Martin Garda, Arco opened Garda's Restaurant in October 1998, with the goal of producing fresh, homemade Italian cuisine. The location of the restaurant -- along a curvier portion of Route 66 and Crooked Creek just south of Ford City in Manor Township -- seemed appropriate for Arco, whose family is from Ford City, and Garda, who came from Leechburg.
Arco became the sole owner after three years, and under his supervision, Garda's continued to grow as a restaurant and a catering service.
"It was intense," Arco says. "A lot of hours for a lot of years. I'm still a busy guy."
Garda's enjoyed its best year to date in 2011, says Arco, who hopes to keep the business on an upward trajectory while relying almost entirely on word-of-mouth promotion.
"I think we ride a little bit under the radar, at times, compared to other restaurants in the area," Arco says. "Even though we've been here for 14 years, we still feel like the new kid on the block sometimes."
Atmosphere
An unassuming exterior contributes to Garda's under-the-radar vibe. A few parking spaces in front and an entrance with little in the way of frills aren't likely to distract drivers from the windy stretch of road.
Dimmed lights and well-designed wall and floor plans give Garda's a relaxed, comfortable ambiance. Pieces of lattice work sit atop half-walls and hold faux grapevines, so customers neither share a dining-hall experience nor do they deal with cramped quarters.
At times, the songs of famous Italian crooners provide a dining soundtrack. But even as a patron hears Sinatra, he sees walls and decorations that hint of old-world Italy.
Menu
Above all else, Arco aims to define Garda's food by its ingredients.
"We make all the sauces from scratch," Arco says. "We make stuff as fresh as we can, whether it's chicken we cut and pound out ourselves, or veal we pound out."
The labor-intensive approach to food fails to limit Garda's selection. Aside from a regular daily menu, the restaurant also offers pasta specials on Tuesday nights -- Arco says the idea stemmed from his desire to have people sample menu items -- a prime-rib menu on Wednesdays and weekend exclusives.
"Just to make it different on different days of the week," Arco says. "Now, we have so many regulars that they'll come in on a Thursday and ask for something from the weekend menu ... and we almost never say no."
The toasted cheese ravioli with sweet marinara sauce ($4.95) starts almost any meal well. A crispy outside was balanced by a gooey center.
Other appealing appetizers included fried zucchini ($4.95) and fried provolone cheese sticks ($4.95).
Salad offerings include flaked tuna ($7.75), broiled steak ($8.95) and grilled chicken ($7.95). But heartier meals make up the bulk of the menu.
Zucchini Parmigiana ($10.95) is a unique twist on its eggplant cousin, and it comes in a heaping mound. Rigatoni Marinara ($9.95), which includes crumbled sausage and two homemade meatballs, and Chicken Romano ($15.50) are just as likely to fill a patron.
The Wednesday-night prime rib ($11.95) is a change-up customers welcome, Arco says. As many as five roasts are used in a night.
For those fortunate enough to reach the dessert phase of dinner with room to spare, there's ultimate Chocolate Overdose Cake ($3.75), which consists of layers of rich, creamy sweetness. Other popular options include cheesecake ($2.50), canoli ($2.50) or tiramisu ($3).
Additional Information:Garda's Restaurant
Cuisine : Italian
Hours : 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays
Entree price range : $9.95-$18.95
Notes : Credit cards accepted. Specials on Tuesday (pasta night), Wednesday (prime rib) and weekends (exclusive dishes)
Location : 2033 Rt. 66, Manor Township
Details: 724-763-7676; www.gardasrestaurant.com
