OXFORD — From an early age, Anthony Guessregen saw cooking as an act of service that he could share with the people around him. Today, Guessregen, owner of Anthony’s, an Italian restaurant in Oxford, shares his love for cooking with people from the Eastern Shore.
Guessregen said he learned how to work from his grandmother, whom he affectionately referred to as Nana. At around 7 years old, he could help cook meals for his family when his father worked nights.
From there, he continued to teach himself and gain experience working in various kitchens. At age 12, he worked in a pizzeria, and from there, he went to work on fishing boats and in restaurants in Florida and other states.
His experience took him throughout the United States, from New York to Vermont to Oxford, Maryland. For Guessregen, it’s essential to maintain the integrity of his food and treat the kitchen with the respect it deserves.
“Every day I come in here (to the kitchen), I start off with the idea of a war or a battle,†Guessregen said. “There are no games to be played here. I’m really serious about the food itself. So I try to really turn out a top-notch product, and most of the time, I do.â€
Laura Richeson, director of development and marketing at Talbot Interfaith Shelter, said that Guessregen has worked with Talbot Interfaith, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness on Maryland’s Mid-Shore, in raising funds to support the work that the shelter does with assisting people experiencing homelessness.
“I think his presence in Oxford is fantastic because it’s their only Italian restaurant,†Richeson said. “And Anthony is a pleasure to work with. ... He has a heart of gold for the community and cares about the lives of people experiencing homelessness.â€
Richeson said Guessregen has assisted in raising over $24,000 in funds for the shelter, and they appreciate his work in helping with the fight to end homelessness.
For Guessregen, investing in the community is essential to understanding the people better.
“For me, if you don’t help out, then you’re not being part of the community there,†Guessregen said.
Dale Jafari, a regular at Anthony’s, said she is thankful that Guessregen established his restaurant in Oxford.
“Anthony’s Restaurant in Oxford is one of our favorite places to enjoy a genuine Italian experience,†Jafari said. “Extensive menu, great specials and food prepared with the love borne of Italian heritage. We love the dining experience he creates every month, where entertainment is part of the dinner.â€
Guessregen said he wants to maintain the work he does for his restaurant. He feels accomplished if he can provide customers with a great dining experience.
“I can hit a home run with the customers there; that’s when it’s fun,†Guessregen said.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.