After months of speculation among locals, the much-anticipated Italian eatery Mangia opened its doors at the Trancas Country Market last week.
Headed by Tra di Noi restaurant owner Antonio Alessi, Mangia will serve Italian classics like pizza, antipasto salads and several pasta dishes during lunch and dinner hours. Italian for “eat,” the restaurant also boasts a full bar, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area is adorned with an array of colorful umbrellas, and servers wear dress shirts to match the umbrella colors.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Alessi, who lives down the street from the Trancas center.
During the first few days of service, Mangia offered a buffet-style lunch and dinner for patrons and planned to begin serving a full menu this week.
Alessi’s wife Sarah and restaurant manager Ernesto Cardenas were among several workers handling a lunch crowd of about 30 people last week, as bartender Brendan Connolly poured a selection of local wines and mixed drinks.
The “Italian countryside eatery” is the first full-service restaurant to open at the Trancas Country Market, which underwent a major renovation in recent years.