IN Hampton Summer 2018 | Page 10

INGOOD TASTE Candid conversations with the dining scene’s most engaging chefs Robin Fernandez, Managing Partner and Co‑Owner; Ann Fernandez, Co‑Owner, Mambo Italia Mambo Italia BYOB 424 Broad St., Sewickley; 412.741.3700, mamboitaliasewickley.com On the Menu: Authentic Southern Italian menu offering antipasti dishes such as Beans and Greens (escarole and cannellini beans sautéed with Italian sausage), Stuffed peppers (roasted banana peppers stuffed with spicy Italian sausage and mozzarella with marinara sauce), traditional Italian Wedding soup, Arancini (deep fried risotto rice balls stuffed with peas, meat and cheese with Bolognese sauce) and homemade pork and veal meatballs. Salad options include Caesar, Toscana and Fresca, as well as a Mambo Beet Insalata with roasted beets, a Strawberry and Goat Cheese Insalata with baby spinach, fresh strawberries and toasted almonds, and an Apple and Pecan In- salata with a mix of candied pecans, fresh ap- ples and topped with gorgonzola and raisins. Pizza and pasta range from a Margherita pizza and a Funghi Margherita-style version with mushrooms to a Capricciosa (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, artichokes, mushrooms, Italian ham, olive oil and fresh basil), Polpetta (tomato sauce, ricotta, homemade meatballs, sweet Peruvian peppers, olive oil and fresh basil), and Bianca pizza such as The Big Night (olive oil, fresh mozzarella, Italian sausage, Rapini, shaved parmesan and fresh basil) and Pesto Mambo (garlic, basil, pine nuts, olive oil, fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, Romano cheese and fresh basil). Pasta options include Chicken Romano and Spaghetti and Meat- balls, Shrimp Scampi and Chicken Piccata, Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo and Linguini and Clam, to name a few. Also on the menu are Dolci treats such as Nutella Pizza, Fruit Nute- lla, Tiramisu, Gelato, Cheesecake and Ricotta with honey and fresh berries. What led you to open Mambo Italia? [Robin Fernandez] I’ve been involved in the restaurant and beverage business for 41 years. It started with my grandmother’s Spanish restaurant in Donora. She opened it in 1950 and that’s where I fell in love with the business. One of my earliest ventures was in 1987 when I opened Metropol—a dance club in the Strip District [already managing night clubs across the country in Tampa and New Orleans, to name a few, Fernandez saw a void in Pittsburgh for such a venue]. I always believed that Sewickley had a void of comfortable, casual and affordable restaurants for families. This led to us opening Mambo Italia in 2014. We serve families and others looking for quality, homemade Italian dishes and pizza. Today, the emphasis of the success of our place is all due to my wife, Ann, who is the star of our operation. She’s responsible for the quality we serve here at Mambo—in all aspects Q A Ann Fernandez, Co-Owner, Mambo Italia. of the business. I’m really just the concept guy and Ann deserves the attention more than me. What was your influence growing up? My biggest influence was my family. They always encouraged me throughout my career. And the menu at Mambo reflects simple, family fare of peasant or southern Italian food made with fresh ingredients to classic or traditional Italian dishes where everything is prepared daily from fresh, non- processed ingredients. What’s your favorite quick meal to prepare at home? I like all food, no particular favorite, but I must say our pizza, Bolognese sauce, gnocchi and meatballs are the best. I’m not a cook so I don’t cook at the restaurant. At home, I leave the cooking to Ann, who is extremely involved with the restaurant and the products and dishes we carry. She’s the cook. She makes all the pizza dough and recipes as well as the homemade gnocchi every week. Other than your restaurant, where’s your favorite place to eat? My favorite places to eat are Mambo Italia and Bruneaux—our other restaurant. We work seven days a week and really never get to go anywhere. What is your favorite go-to ingredient? Garlic—I love it. What’s the next big food or dining trend? I think people today are really looking for fresh and affordable food, of any type—just as long as it’s in a comfortable environment. n Mambo Italia’s Lasagna 8 724.942.0940 to advertise ❘ icmags.com —Reese Randall