Simple Beginnings | Rich Traditions

Emilio and Maria continue the family tradition of Italian dining with their restaurant, MKB: Mangia Kitchen + Bar. You can still taste the spaghetti sauce and other family recipes used by Emilio’s grandmother, Nonna Rosa. Her culinary journey began when she would feed the truck drivers and employees of her husband Amo’s business, “City Ice and Beverage Company.” Like all Italian grandmothers she always wanted to make sure everyone had plenty to eat! The food she served was so delicious that word spread and soon others were asking her to cook for them … and that’s where it began. Rose and Amo Scotese built a small kitchen and dining room onto the ice house building and it grew from there. Emilio and his siblings still operate LaCantina after its humble beginnings 82 years ago. ​

MKB offers fine Italian dining, but Emilio and Maria emphasize their place is still a restaurant families can enjoy. Whether it’s a night of dinner and the theater, or you’re just looking for the taste of home cooking without cooking at home, they welcome you to come, sit at our table and “eat, eat!” And enjoy.​​