Mancino's, comets out of this world
Published 6:35 pm Monday, November 24, 2008
Ten years ago Japan discovered a new comet and the first Mancino's Grinders and Pizza opened in Bowling Green. The namesake of the comet, Yuji Hyakutake, was not concerned with notoriety, but humbly said: “If many people could enjoy that comet, that is the happiest thing for me.”
A few days ago I stopped in for a quick bite at Mancino's. There was a lively lunch crowd, but chatting with the young woman taking our order, I learned this was a mild day. Perhaps almost as many Kentucky residents now enjoy Mancino's, as comet watchers enjoyed the Hyakutake Comet.
The service was fast and courteous. I felt a little rushed ordering at the counter, realizing in hindsight that's why a menu is posted by the front door. If you're a first timer, I recommend perusing the menu, so you can take your time selecting from the wide variety of tantalizing pizza, grinders and other treats before stepping up to order. I finally asked for a recommendation.
Mancino's club included the perfect combination of turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Served on fresh, oven-baked bread, it was delicately toasted on the outside and moist, fresh and chewy on the inside. It wasn't greasy, as can be the case at some sandwich/pizza places, just flavorful.
While whole grinders are available, a half a grinder is a bountiful portion and more than enough for one person. I was so full after half a grinder, I had to wait a couple of hours before eating the fresh Pillsbury baked cookies I'd ordered for desert.
Mancino's also has eight salads and my dining companion ordered the taco salad. It was a generous portion of seasoned beef, tomatoes, olives, green peppers, cheese and lettuce, with sour cream and salsa. She enjoyed the seasoned beef, but once it was gone, what was left was a plain lettuce salad. I also enjoyed a veggie side salad with tomatoes, mushrooms and green peppers over lettuce with restaurant quality, packaged Italian dressing.
The menu has a bevy of Italian specialties including spaghetti with meatballs, fettuccine alfredo and garlic cheese bread, as well as french fries, nachos, soup and a kids menu.
Another pleasantry was the cleanliness. Even though it was busy, a table attendant worked constantly to keep a tidy dining room. Tables were promptly cleared and, as I watched him, he made sure condiments were well stocked, and that his work space - our eating space - was satisfying and well-kept.
Mancino's has two Bowling Green locations: Lost River on Nashville Road, and Greenwood on Scottsville Road, east of Interstate 65. The location at Hartland on Scottsville Road closed this week; a person who answered the phone at the Lost River location said the store is moving. You can dine in, carry out or take advantage of corporate delivery with orders over $20 and two hours advance notice.
From what I can tell, not only is the food appetizing, the business is efficient and compassionate. After endearing itself to the Bowling Green community, the slogan seems to have shifted from “Grab a grinder” to “I love that place.” That's about as truthful in advertising as you're going to get these days.
They also give back to the community; I see their logo on almost every T-shirt or banner as a sponsor for numerous events supporting local non-profit organizations. So when it comes to comet discoveries and Mancino's, “What's not to love?”
