On a beautiful random Tuesday we’re hanging out at a mansion, sipping a beverage on the lawn… yeah, I’d say that’s pretty cool.
This Tuesday our adventures brought us to Mangiamo, located on Lake Drive in beautiful Grand Rapids. Owned by the folks that bring you The B.O.B., Roses, and Kirby, the Gilmore Collection purchased the former Gibson’s 5 years ago and added a nice little piece to the Grand Rapids dining community.
We started our evening by having a few happy hour drinks in the back lawn and I have to say I think I may have found my new favorite place for summer libations. They have a slew of specials for $1.99 including sliders, pizzas, and a variety of beverages. I was quite pleased to find that they consider Founders to be domestic so you can bet I had myself a nice Pale Ale for a mere $1.99. At this rate, I might take two.
They also have ladder ball, lawn darts, and bottle on a stick, so you can just go ahead and make yourself at home.
For dinner we moved from the lawn to the deck, which was filling up rather quickly.
We started off with two appetizers, including the Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip with grilled pita bread, and the Calamari Fritti. I’m not a big fan of calamari so it wasn’t my favorite, but I asked the others in our party and they said it was top notch as far as calamari goes.
Four our main course we ordered a cheese pizza (yes, I know its lame to order a cheese pizza, but it sounded really good), Cheese Ravioli, and a Gorgonzola Burger. Our entire group agreed that each one was pretty darn tasty.
After dinner our server offered to show us around Mangiamo’s so we were able to see the first and second floors as well as the basement. The interior of Mangiamo seemed to have so many layers, and was so full of character that we were in awe at times. I found it fascinating to walk around and think of the family that once lived in this mansion. Were we dining in someone’s old bedroom? Were we photographing a well-to-do family’s parlor? I could only imagine what these walls would say if they could talk.
Stepping back into the present day, Mangiamo offers wine classes on Thursdays. When they can’t be conducted outdoors they reserve this fabulous little nook in the basement. I’d love to take that zebra rug home with me. There was a cellar door right off this room. Perhaps no one would notice…..
Overall, I’d have to say the food at Mangiamo was great, but the atmosphere in general is what sold me. From the fantastic happy hour on the lawn, to the many rooms and corners of the property, it was really a great experience. Next time you’re planning on going out for dinner, keep Mangiamo in mind. If nothing else, be sure and stop by for their summer happy hour specials to enjoy a drink and a game of lawn darts 
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