Mangia, mangia!
The idea for this blog’s name came from an Italian phrase that my father often said throughout my childhood, “Mangia mangia figlio mio, te fa grande e grasso” which translates roughly to “Eat eat my son, get big and fat.” I relate that saying to memories of my Dad so much that I commissioned my daughter to paint it on a sign that hangs proudly in my kitchen. My parents raised the 6 of us kids, so you can imagine the chaos that existed constantly in our house! Dad was an engineer (like my husband and my son), and he often imagined building a trough around the dining table so he could quickly and easily hose us and the table off after a meal. When my extended family all gather together these days, meals are always the center of attention. My dad still has distant relatives in the city of Bari in Italy, and I am a firm believer that my love of all things pasta, bread, and cheese comes from his family heritage. My mom would tell you she was not the greatest cook but certain meals she did enjoy making, and today we still make those favorites in her honor. Now that my parents are no longer with us, any time I eat or cook those foods I feel very close to them. One of my favorite food quotes comes from the amazing chef José Andrés, and it pretty much sums up my food feelings: “I realized very early the power of food to evoke memory, to bring people together, and to transport you to other places.”
As far as my background goes, I have lived in Huntsville since the summer of 1990. I followed my husband here for his first post-college aerospace engineering job with Teledyne Brown, but I grew up in Connecticut first and then Virginia. My husband and I are both graduates of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA (Go Hokies!). I have an Elementary Education degree and taught 5th grade for years before deciding to stay home for a while to raise my kids. They are now all grown up, on their own, and working! I currently work part-time in a law office downtown. My husband went from Teledyne Brown, to McDonnell Douglas, and finally to Boeing. I don’t have any real food experience unless you count eating it and cooking it (and not always well), but I have always enjoyed trying new places and sharing those experiences with my friends and family. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am extremely organized and I love to read, so staying up-to-date on local openings and events is a fun hobby for me. I enjoy knowing that if a friend or family member is looking for a good spot for a romantic date night dinner, a happy hour with coworkers, or just an excellent cup of coffee, they call me for suggestions. I also organize a Friday morning breakfast group of about 12 ladies. We meet up at a different dining spot each week to eat, chat, and hang out to help slow down our busy lives for just a short time. After many years of Breakfast Club, giving out recommendations, and date nights with our best friends, my kids and many of my friends suggested I do a blog to help others learn more about the amazing dining choices here in Huntsville.
I will tell you that when I first moved here back in 1990, I was very worried when I saw The Huntsville Times “Best of Food…” article results listing The Olive Garden as the best Italian restaurant in town. Don’t get me wrong, I love their salad and breadsticks as much as the next person! But our Rocket City really needed some local flair and a move away from the all-chain situation we had back then. And I am very proud to say that in 2022 we have come so far, and I am excited to share all these food adventures with you!
Obviously this blog will be my opinions, and I realize that not everyone will agree with my reviews. I certainly welcome any comments or concerns you may have, but please refrain from anything mean-spirited. I am looking forward to this being a fun journey, but having to waste my time dealing with angry words would definitely be a drag. If you have any places you love and think I should try, please let me know (especially you Madison folks). I am hoping to add more reviews for Madison eateries, but most of my favorites tend to be close to home between South Huntsville and downtown. If you’re reading this and you’re opening up a new Huntsville/Madison County eatery of any kind, please invite me to stop by. After 30 years of living here, I know plenty of people and can help spread the word quickly and efficiently so new customers will come try out your establishment. Thank you for reading my blog!