"Guappo" is the word that evolved into "wop," a name found on the menus of many New Orleans Italian restaurants over the years, but now gone since it became improper and offensive. Now, however, we're seeing this word "guappo" to denote what in the interim became just an Italian salad. The new restaurant Marcello's, whose roots are in Palermo, uses the name for its excellent salad of greens, tomatoes, olives and things like olives, several cheeses and several cold cuts, all chopped into small pieces and tossed with an herbal, garlicky vinaigrette. It's enough for two, or for an entree.
Marcello's. CBD: 715 St. Charles Ave. 504-581-6333.
This dish is ranked #617 in NOMenu's list of the 500 best dishes in New Orleans restaurants.
