About Us

Ciao a Tutti! — Welcome to A Tavola.

Our story begins in Italy.

Both of my parents were born there, and in 1954 my father sailed to America from Molise, eventually settling on Chicago’s historic Taylor Street. In his twenties, he returned to Italy, where he met my mother. They married, moved back to Chicago, and opened their first restaurant, Mancini’s, in 1976, which still stands in Oak Park today. Eventually, they started a family — three daughters, with me as the youngest.

My mom stayed home with us and filled our house with love, warmth, aromas of Italy, and the comfort of a homemade meal every single evening. When dinner was ready, she’d call out, “Bimbi, venite a tavola!” — kids, come to the table.

That invitation, unexpectedly, began a tradition. Those words, yet simple and loving, became the heartbeat of our home, shaped my childhood, and inspired my passion for cooking

Today, it is an honor to share many of the recipes that come directly from my grandmother’s kitchen, prepared with care and authenticity by Chef Enzo Cullotta, who honors our traditions while adding his own thoughtful culinary touch.

With deep gratitude to my father for his guidance on this new journey, and to my mother for the inspiration and childhood that shaped me, I am proud to bring the spirit of our family table to yours.

As my mother always said, I now say to you:

A Tavola… dinner is ready.