EASTON, Pa. – A popular spot for classic Italian heroes, signature ciabatta paninis and other freshly prepared specialties has a new name, look and expanded menu in Northampton County.
Celebrated Italian chef and “MasterChef” Season 4 winner Luca Manfè on Wednesday unveiled a new chapter for his beloved Easton Public Market business.
Formerly known as Mangia Carne, the business – a combination sandwich shop, butcher shop and Italian market and kitchen – has been rebranded to Luca and Sons to reflect Manfè’s full ownership and personal vision.
Courtesy Greater Easton Development Partnership
“I’m a family guy, and I wanted the business to be more family oriented,” Manfè told 69 News.
“My sons are 9 and 11 years old, and I love my boys. It’s my hope that they will work with me within the next few years, but ultimately, they’re going to do what they want to do the most as they get older. There’s no pressure.”
Originally launched in as a partnership between Manfè and master butcher Mark Citera in April, the Easton business was built on a passion for quality meats, handcrafted sandwiches and authentic Italian flavors.
Now that Manfè has become the sole owner, he felt the time was right to make the shop truly his own.
“This place is my heart and soul,” Manfè said. “I wanted the name and brand to feel more personal, to represent my story, my family, and the future I’m building. Nothing is changing, except everything’s getting even better.”
Under the business’ new name, Manfè is maintaining all of the customers’ favorite menu items while introducing some new additions.
Popular gourmet paninis and classic Italian heroes include the San Daniele (Prosciutto di San Daniele, mozzarella di bufala, fig jam, truffle aioli and balsamic vinaigrette), Fuhgeddaboudit (Genoa salame, ham, hot capicollo, mortadella, mozzarella, lettuce, red onion, tomato and balsamic vinaigrette), Roma (porchetta, broccoli rabe, picante provolone and salsa verde) and Bologna (mortadella, whipped ricotta, stracciatella, pistacchi and truffle honey), Manfè said.
Ryan Kneller
The stand also offers homemade salads and sides such as coleslaw, chicken salad, potato salad and Italian pasta salad.
Under the business’ new name, Luca and Sons, customers also can enjoy a new lineup of Tuscan schiacciata paninis, expanded soups and salads and breakfast sandwiches and wraps available daily (no longer just on weekends).
Additionally, a new pasta menu, with selections of ravioli, gnocchi and daily specials, to enjoy on-site or take home, is available.
“We’re introducing more options to create more of a dinner menu, not just sandwiches,” Manfè said.
“So, some specials, like butternut squash soup and Italian wedding soup, are going on the regular menu. We want to have almost a small Italian restaurant, not just a sandwich spot.”
Luca and Sons offers a wide array of Italian imported cheeses and meats, including prosciutto, mortadella, soppressata and salami, along with specialty meats and cheeses from New Jersey-based Thumann’s.
Easton Public Market is located at 325 Northampton St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
For Thanksgiving, Luca and Sons also is accepting orders for free-range turkeys from Esbenshade Turkey Farm, the country’s oldest turkey farm, in Lancaster County.
A Thanksgiving catering menu, featuring homemade stuffing and green bean casserole, also is available. Info: 484-541-5529.
Dining and Cooking