A celebrity chef and master butcher are headlining a fresh crop of vendors transforming a Pennsylvania food hall, bringing premium Italian cuisine and old-world butchery techniques to the region’s culinary landscape.
Mangia Carne, the brainchild of master butcher Mark Citera and “MasterChef” Season 4 winner Luca Manfé, debuts Wednesday at Easton Public Market, with a grand opening celebration set for Friday morning.
The concept marries Citera’s renowned meat expertise with Manfé’s authentic Italian culinary pedigree.
“Mark has been a butcher for a long time, and I’ve been cooking for a long time, and we can’t wait to bring our passions together at this new location,” Manfé told local media.
The Italian-born chef has curated an expansive menu featuring traditional dishes like lasagna and eggplant parmigiana alongside fresh seasonal offerings and desserts made from family recipes.
The market will showcase premium meats including Certified Angus Beef prime steaks, alongside imported Italian cheeses, cured meats, and specialty groceries.
“We want to be a one-stop shop where you can get your groceries and fresh meats and cheeses and also a variety of prepared items if you don’t have time to cook,” explained Manfé, whose partnership with Citera evolved naturally from their professional relationship.
Jessica Plante, Citera’s daughter, rounds out the leadership team as general manager, bringing substantial food service experience to the operation.
Mangia Carne represents just one piece of a broader transformation at the Northampton Street market. Recent weeks have seen the arrival of Crepes at Casa, a concept from local entrepreneur Andrea Rincon offering sweet and savory French-inspired crepes with Latin American influences, and Houseplanted, a boutique plant shop owned by Alyssa Higgins.
“I love the Easton Public Market, and I feel like it attracts like-minded individuals – people who enjoy supporting small, local businesses,” said Higgins, who stocks over 50 plant varieties at her new location.
The market’s evolution continues with Centre Square Cheese, opening May 2 under the ownership of local couple Ron and Jennifer Rittenhouse. The specialty shop will feature artisanal cheeses, premium olive oils, and gourmet charcuterie.
Meanwhile, the space formerly occupied by Silvershell Counter + Kitchen will soon host a new concept from acclaimed restaurateurs Lee Chizmar and Erin Shea, who have promised the continuation of oyster service.
“Easton Public Market and GEDP are excited to welcome an incredible mix of new vendors who will enhance the market’s already dynamic offerings,” said Jared Mast, executive director of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, which manages the market. “EPM continues to be a destination for both food lovers and shoppers.”
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