About Mangia | Mangia - Authentic Italian Recipes

Benvenuti alla Famiglia

Welcome to Mangia – more than just a recipe collection, it's a heartfelt journey through the rich culinary landscape of Italy, told through the eyes of someone who carries both the heritage of the old country and the perspective of the new world.

From Calabria to America

Born in the sun-kissed hills of Calabria, Marcello Prattico's culinary journey began before he could even reach the kitchen counter. At just five years old, he immigrated to America, carrying with him the indelible memories of his nonna's kitchen – the aroma of fresh basil, the sound of pasta water boiling, and the warmth of family gatherings around the dinner table.

Though his young life took root in American soil, his heart remained tethered to the flavors and traditions of his homeland. Regular trips back to Italy became pilgrimages of taste, connecting him to family scattered from the northern peaks of Milan to the ancient shores of Sicily.

A Tapestry of Regional Flavors

Italy isn't just one cuisine – it's a beautiful mosaic of twenty distinct regional kitchens, each with its own personality, ingredients, and centuries-old traditions. From the rich, butter-laden dishes of Lombardy to the bold, spicy flavors of his beloved Calabria, Marcello has made it his mission to explore and document this incredible diversity.

Every recipe shared on Mangia comes with its story – not just the ingredients and techniques, but the history, the family memories, and the cultural significance that makes Italian cooking so much more than just preparing food.

A Taste of Home on the Waters 
"My favorite food in the world? Arancini – but not just
                    any arancini. The ones sold on the ferry boats that cross the
                    Strait of Messina from Villa San Giovanni to Sicily. There's
                    something magical about eating these golden, crispy spheres of
                    rice while watching the Italian coastline drift by, the Mediterranean
                    breeze carrying the scent of the sea and the promise of family
                    reunions on the other shore."
 — Marcello Prattico, Founder of Mangia 

La Nostra Missione

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Authentic Recipes

Share time-tested family recipes passed down through generations, with detailed instructions and cultural context.

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Cultural Stories

Document the rich history and traditions behind every dish, connecting food to its cultural roots.

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Regional Diversity

Celebrate the incredible diversity of Italian cuisine across all twenty regions of the peninsula.

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Family Connection

Bring families together through the universal language of food and shared culinary experiences.

Join Our Culinary Journey

Ready to explore the authentic flavors of Italy? Browse our collection of traditional recipes, each one a passport to a different region, a different story, a different taste of la bella vita.

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La Nostra Storia