MANGIA: New Italian Restaurant Set To Open On Harmony In Fort Collins

Mangia, mangia. That's what my Italian grandmother always used to say when it was time to devour one of her famous feasts. And, from the looks and sound of this place, I'll be pulling a chair up to enjoy some of this Italian food quite often.

According to the Coloradoan, Marchitelli's Cucina Italiana, which is an offshoot from Marchitelli's Gourmet Noodle in Crested Butte, is slated to open in Fort Collins, with plans for a northern expansion later this month.

It's going to take up the spot that was once occupied by Zquila Mexican Restaurant over at 2400 E. Harmony Road, Suite 101.

If it ends in a vowel, chances are I'm going to be able to eat my weight in it (broccoli excluded) and it looks like this place is going to be a dream come true for me.

From mozzarella sticks, traditional lasagna, and chicken parm to things like lobster ravioli, elk cannelloni, and the pesto genovese, there's a little something for all kinds of pallets here at Marchitelli's.

Along with owner Michael Marchitelli, his sons Dante, Nico, and Rocky are also a big part of helping this family-owned and operated restaurant. Their goal has consistently been to make it feel like home when you're inside the restaurant and to combine the recipes that were handed down from his grandmother and mother. By doing this, he hopes that customers will become friends who will want to come back again and again.

The Marchitelli's moved to Colorado in 1997 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now are looking to expand their business into Fort Collins.

There's no official date for opening yet, but even with that said, I'm counting the days. And yes, I'll probably be THAT person driving by the location every other day to see if it's open yet.