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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