By Our Editorial Staff
The arrival of a new restaurant is always a reason for interest and curiosity. We are talking about Mammeglio, the new bar (and much more) located in the central Piazza Garibaldi in Castel del Piano. Breakfasts, aperitifs, music, herbal teas, platters, events, ceremonies. Moira, her partner Paolo and her father Massimiliano tell us everything.
A bar full of style: “We really wanted to create something completely new – they say – starting with a touch of pop-art on the walls, coloured paintings on neutral colours, paying the utmost attention to the search for detail, such as the lamps created with gin bottles or the paintings on the walls depicting David Bowie and Maria Callas”. Attention to detail, therefore, which is reflected in the work: “we specialize in aperitifs, which are absolutely varied, from classics to non-alcoholic drinks, accompanied by a rich buffet and excellent music (often played live)”. In this regard: «In addition to Mojito, Pina Colada, Cuba libre, Negroni, Bellini and various types of Bitter, we offer many types of Gin, many of which are Tuscan (from Montalcino, Monte Amiata, Isola del Giglio and Cortona).The aperitifs are enriched by our creations that are very popular (see photo, ed.), such as the Shot Medusa and variants of famous cocktails». But the one that is most popular is perhaps the Spritz: «we have the original one, the Venetian, which is prepared with the Select, a cross between Aperol and Campari, also for the taste, Many range from one drink to another asking us for advice.”
The bar is divided into various segments, so to speak. One of these is breakfast, which boasts a wide choice of sweet and savoury, pastries of all kinds, dry pastries, sliced cakes. While the savoury is freshly prepared by Massimiliano, with flatbreads stuffed with the best cured meats and cheeses of the area: «we always look for quality – they explain -, it is our distinctive feature, among the cold cuts, we offer finocchiona, salami, mazzafegato, capocollo, ham, pecorino, which can go in a mouth-watering cutting board (see photo, ed.), perfect for a lunch or a snack with friends, and also includes various types of croutons, with different seasonings… All accompanied by the best local wines, such as Banfi, Sasso di Sole, and others “in rotation”.
In addition to the wines, there are different varieties of whiskey, rum and spirits. Talking to Moira, you can sense the great knowledge of the subject, with proposals that are continuously enriched, where her partner Paolo has brought his entrepreneurial and communicative experience and his father Massimiliano the knowledge and preparation in the field of cooking. Everything is closely linked to the town, from the drapes of the districts of the Palio hanging on the wall – Borgo, Monumento, Poggio and Storte -, to the poster of the Vasco Rossi concert held in Castel del Piano in 1987. In this place, history, liveliness and life intersect.
Not only that: “Here – underlines Paolo – it is possible to organize buffet events and ceremonies of all kinds. A couple of times a month we call a group to play, often guitar and voice, and we organize theme nights, such as the recent Oktoberfest with DJ sets, “drop” beer, sauerkraut and frankfurters». Among the beers: «we use Olmaia a lot (outside the window it says: “Here we drink Olmaia”), while on tap we have IPA, dark, blonde or red, depending on the season, while the cans come from the “Granda” craft brewery, Italian, excellent». “In addition,” Moira takes the floor, “we have the exclusive on the Tana dell’Elfo liqueur factory: alcoholic infusions in 42 variations, all artisanal ranging from bitters to spirits and liqueurs of all flavours from the classic Limoncello to the most particular variants – heating them they resemble a punch and are excellent especially in winter -, as well as hot chocolates that can be corrected in many ways”.
Finally, the name, Mammeglio: “it is an intercalary widely used in these parts, which remains imprinted on you”. In short, the ideal place to have a chat in peace, with soft music, platters, aperitifs, and the strength given by tranquillity. «We often collaborate with the other places – Paolo, Moira and Massimiliano proudly conclude – the oranges come from the fruit and vegetables “Primizie” next door, the oil from the Frantoio di Montalcino, with the Mastro Oleario Daniele Lepori and their product “Brunera” – considered among the best oils in the world – the cold cuts from the butcher shop next door “L’ Arte della Ciccia”; We are thinking of many projects, tastings and new collaborations. We are waiting for you!”
Info: Bar Mammeglio, Piazza Garibaldi 6/A, Castel del Piano (Gr) / Tel 333 5616067 – 366 3030044
