You’ve probably heard of Mangia Italiano, an Italian restaurant located at 3145 South Grand Blvd., amidst a slew of ethnic eateries. Although Mangia has been around since 1983, evolving and expanding through the years, it recently unveiled a new menu, which boasts a plethora of vegetarian gourmet grub, including house-made pastas, pizzas, salads and sandwiches.
Before I start, let me just say: Mangia has Vegetarian Toasted Ravioli (pictured). Yep, that’s right. We meatless folk almost always get left out when it comes to the toasted ravioli party, so I couldn’t wait to bite into one of these fried triangles of joy. Packed with a spinach ricotta mixture and served with an Italian flag of sauces (verdant pesto, rosy red tomato sauce and white chipotle aioli), these crispy and crunchy t-ravs reminded me of why I’m a St. Louisan.
After a fried appetizer, sometimes a lighter entree is in order. The house-made pasta, Whole Wheat Radiatori, wasn’t heavy in the stomach, just in flavor. The tangy garlic oil drizzled over the noodles let the ingredients truly shine: sharp blue cheese, crunchy walnuts and sauteed spinach. The pasta was cooked to a lovely al dente, and the textured radiatori (Their shape resembles mini radiators.) made for the best hiding spots for the just-melted blue cheese to cling.
Sure, this hipster hideaway may get jam packed in the wee hours of the weekend as a watering hole, but on a Monday night, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a house-made meatless meal.
This article appears in November 2012.