2 minute read
Downtown Dish: Serving Family Traditions at Mezzogiorno
Downtown Dish: Serving Family Traditions at Mezzogiorno
BY: HANNAH BEARD | Community Engagement Manager
Mezzogiorno means ‘middle of the day’, but for owner, Chef Timothy Spangler, Senior, it is the product of 40-years of experience in the food service industry that stemmed from growing up in the kitchen with an Italian mother, to whom he gives all the credit for where he is now. A staple of Central Market, Mezzogiorno offers restaurant-style dining, with quick and casual eats around their eye-catching gold and purple bar, as well as off-site catering. The latest addition to their footprint at Central Market is a gelato shop with funky flavors like Maple Bacon topped with Caramel Corn. Chef Spangler’s mother grew up among eleven siblings raised by Italian-immigrant parents who made use of everything in the kitchen. From this, he learned how to put together simple ingredients in complex ways, while keeping up with the latest food trends, all with an underlying Italian theme to stay true to his roots.
Surf & Turf Vegetable Chowder
“We are a family business and we put our heart and soul into what we are doing because of that,” he shares. Chef Spangler’s mom worked part-time at the restaurant for eight years. The customers loved her and she helped to keep her son grounded. Now, Chef Spangler’s sons and daughter can be found at Mezzogiorno, hustling to keep orders flowing and customers happy. One could say the tradition of creating delicious dishes and serving others through food is just in their blood.
Among many of the recipes and techniques Chef Spangler learned from his mother are the classic Binulati sausage rolls. They are typically presented as part of a holiday spread but they can be dipped in Chef Spangler’s own specially crafted marinara sauce year-round. “The party didn’t start until the Binulati came out!” he shares, reminiscing about family gatherings growing up. Whether a customer stops by for a Saturday breakfast before shopping around Central Market, or a couple keeps up their weekly tradition of lunch at Mezzogiorno, Chef Spangler considers them all to be part of the Mezzogiorno family. He looks forward to seeing the repeat customers and familiar faces, though they may not always see him. Chef Spangler values connecting with customers during their visit, but is often in the kitchen connecting with people through the service of providing a traditional Italian meal with a twist, just like he was raised to do.
Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
DISHES TO TRY
Surf and Turf Vegetable Chowder: Beef, shrimp, crab meat, vegetables, Sherry, and Chesapeake Bay seasoning Pear and Gorgonzola Salad: Mixed greens with fresh Italian gorgonzola cheese, applewood smoked bacon, fresh pears, red onion, and house made dark balsamic dressing Caprese Panini: Grill pressed bread, packed with fresh mozzarella, house made pesto sauce, fresh Roma tomatoes, all drizzled with olive oil and Italian seasonings Chicken Salad Melt: This is not your typical York County chicken salad sandwich! This one is mild yet hearty and full of fresh flavors, and topped with Roma tomatoes, fontina cheese, bacon, and romaine lettuce.
