Taste Mamma’s magic

August 5, 2011. When Marco Conte took the brave decision to open up a Mamma Luciana’s at the Glenore Centre in Glenashley, it was a huge step.

“I’d been thinking about it for a while. I didn’t want to move out of the Berea, but I was nervous, as it was a big change for me. I’d been in Morningside for 10 years, so moving north was a bit daunting,” said Marco. “When I heard from John Smit that this large restaurant was available, I liked the idea, but was a little wary – it’s a big place to fill.”

In the picture: Mamma and Marco Conte at Mamma Luciana’s

Marco decided to go for it. “John bought a share of the business and today we’re so happy we went ahead. This place is extremely successful and our strategy of providing affordable, home style Italian cooking, according to Mamma’s instructions and recipes, definitely worked.”

Nowadays Mamma is more a consultant than chef, “But she visits and keeps a check on what we’re doing. Plus I still employ members of her original team from Sandonatos back in the day.”

This continuity is crucial for Marco.

Mamma Luciana's: A taste of Italy

“Yes, I’m getting more involved in the kitchen, I love all the latest trends and have been on a few fact-finding trips to Italy, where I visit my relatives. There they live for food and are so knowledgeable about it – I’ve picked up so much from them.”

Some of the fun ideas Marco is playing with include duck ragu ravioli, oxtail and gnocchi, lamb shank and meat ravioli, or lango’s pasta. Yummy!

“I’m expressing myself a little, and have to say it’s going down extremely well. We’ve retained our core offering of home-made pastas, sauces, pizza and secondi piatti, but have also been a little adventurous here and there.

“What works in Morningside does not necessarily work here. Someone sitting on our deck, with the fresh sea smell in their nostrils is far more likely to eat fresh seafood. We’re being a little flexible.” Marco continued: “The secret of this store (Marco also owns Marco’s and Mamma Luciana’s in Morningside) is our traditional, affordable food, the fantastic sea views, a few new foodie ideas thrown in, plus the fact that my mates and well-known sports stars are regular visitors…so there’s a very big chance you might bump into someone like John having a quiet meal with family and friends.”

Marco Conte with Bok rugby star John Smit

Marco said John Smit enjoys his food and is extremely clued up on wine. “We built a cellar here, with wines on display, and when John recommends a wine to a table, it usually travels fast. He often signs a bottle or two.”

On the decor front there’s plenty of sporting memorabilia on the walls of the trattoria, particularly signed rugby jerseys and Premier League and Serie A soccer shirts. The subtle, Italian-themed decor and menus were all superbly overseen by Marco’s partner Bianca Warren of Bianca Warren Designs in La Lucia.

Open seven days a week, 12 noon until late, light lunch menu Monday to Thursday. Pop in to Mamma Luciana’s and see for yourself; it’s well worth a visit.
Also available for functions.   R

Useful info: www.mammalucianas.com
Tel: 031 562 1405
E-mail: glenashley@mammalucianas.com