One of my favorite places to dine for a quick sandwich or authentic, home-cooked Italian meal is Manganaro’s, located in Hell’s Kitchen. (Note: this is not to be confused with Manganaro’s Hero Boy next door, which is not affiliated with the older Manganaro’s.) This place is a delight — from the old-world butcher shop decor, to the wonderful characters working behind the counter, Manganaro’s oozes the charm of a family run deli and restaurant, reminiscent of shops in Italy (having spent a good portion of my life in Italy, I can vouch for the genuine Italian flair that this place has). Manganaro’s is old, very old by New York eatery standards, and the shop is full of history, from the creaky wooden floorboards that line the galley style shop, to the antique scales, vintage foodstuff posters, and tin roof ceiling. This shop feels warm and homey, and smells like a mixture of Parma ham, lasagna, and mineral wax, a winning combination, far from the sterile, clinical interiors of a Whole Foods. The sounds of a meat slicer and the chatter of the original owner’s family members who still own and run the shop are part of the appeal of this place. The moment you step in, the bustle of NYC is silenced and you feel like you’ve traveled back into a gentler, slower time. You can come here to buy all sorts of Italian speciality items such as prosciutto, Bresaola, and finely cured meats and cheeses, olive oil, vinegar, and baked goods. Just the same, you can also get a wonderfully filling sandwich prepared with care. They are a little on the expensive side, but also much more that you can eat in one setting, so you definitely get your money’s worth. You can also get a good ol’ classic plate of lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs, made from a family recipe. Take a few minutes to enjoy this with a beer or a glass of wine, and soak up the atmosphere.,You may even catch a celebrity or two. This place is a favorite of Anthony Bourdain (famed food writer and chef) and was featured on an episode of his show, “No Reservations.”
