January 17, 2011 at 7:23am
I hope Europa Bistro's delicious antipasto plate pops up at the Mandolin Cafe.
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES >>>
Alfredo Russo is one of Tacoma's most admired and respected chefs and restaurateurs. His Europa Bistro, nestled in the Proctor District, is a five-senses restaurant offering excellent northern Italian cuisine with a European fusion. The kitchen aromas, the hearty meals, and the distinct colors all meld to create an out-of-this-country experience. Originally from Carinola near Naples, he and his wife, Justine, were responsible for the delicious meals at the former Luciano's on Ruston Way before opening their own Italian restaurant in Tacoma.
Today, Alfredo and Justine are the owners of the Mandolin Café, a dozen blocks or so from their beloved Europa Bistro. This isn't news to those who have visited the Mandolin in the last week as Alfredo has been weaving through the high-top tables, past the couches in front of the fireplace, and in and out of the kitchen.
The Russo ownership brings a sense of stability to the Mandolin Café. Veronique and John Morrison created the Mandolin in May of 2004. Their French upbringing and extensive European travels contributed to the Mediterranean flair of this beloved neighborhood hangout just off Proctor Street on South 12th Street. With Valhalla Coffee Company embedded inside the café, and a live music schedule, the Mandolin built a loyal following. Valhalla eventually moved into its own building on Sixth Avenue. In the summer of 2008, Creig Kostoff, former owner of Sofia Bistro in University Place, grabbed ownership of the Mandolin, updated the kitchen, changed the menu and packed the café. However, the economy messed with Kostoff's livelihood, forcing the Morrisons back to the Mandolin. There's a hundred other mini stories that occurred between the 2004 and today, but that's for another day.
The Europa camp says they'll maintain status quo at the Mandolin for now. There's rumor the weekday Mandolin breakfasts will return. And I pray some of the wine selections at Europa migrate down Proctor Street, as well as several of their pasta dishes.
Keep your eye on the Mandolin Café. Alfredo and Justine could give the European-style café an Italian bump.
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday
7 a.m. to midnight Friday
8 a.m. to midnight Saturday
8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma
253.761.3482
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Comments for "Mandolin Cafe joins the Europa Bistro family" (3)
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AP said on Jan. 17, 2011 at 9:06am
Glad to hear they're not changing too much. Mandolin following seems strong. A few more food options cant hurt.
Justine Russo said on Jan. 20, 2011 at 8:20pm
Thank you for the encouragement and enthusiasm. We are excited about being part of the Mandolin once again. We enjoyed supplying food for the Mandolin for it’s first few years and are happy to have the opportunity to be involved once again. Alfredo and I are so happy to have spent the last 10 years in the beautiful Proctor district, sharing the Southern Italian Cuisine he was raised with. Alfredo is from Caivano Italy which is a suburb of Naples. We are please to have the opportunity to unite a partnership with our beloved friends Samuele Lucchese and his lovely wife Sara, who is also a very talented pastry chef. Samuele is from Genoa Italy and worked at Europa Bistro in our beginning years, he has an extensive knowledge of fine wine and Italian cuisine. Sam and Sara have a successful fresh pasta business and have been selling their hand made pasta at Farmer’s Markets. Sara and I are looking forward to baking an array of desserts along with many other wonderful ideas the four of us have for the Mandolin. We hope the valued costumers at the Mandolin will have patience with us as we attempt to organize the take over and create a new routine. The Luccheses, also being restauranteurs, we feel are the perfect partners for us and together we hope to bring a world of flavor in cuisine and entertainment to the Mandolin and the South Sound. Buon Appetito! Justine Russo
mandolin picks said on Mar. 01, 2012 at 1:07am
One of the best things about The Mandolin Cafe is the nightly music played. It is good to know that the cafe has been given another chance to make its patrons satisfied with the good food, music and ambiance that make The Mandolin Cafe memorable.
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