Mano Bella Artisan Foods is now open at The Market at 7th Street in uptown Charlotte
You may have become familiar with Mano Bella Artisan Foods during its time at The City Kitch in University and finding its products at Charlotte farmers markets. And we told you it was going brick-and-mortar. Now, its storefront is finally open for all your Italian grocery needs.
The specialty foods business is in a soft opening phase at The Market at 7th Street, while owners chef Raffaele Patrizi — who was born and raised in Rome — and Madison Patrizi add more items. You’ll find it in the former Orrman’s Cheese Shop space. (But never fear, Orrman’s moved its fresh and creamy offerings to a new location within the market.)
The space was set up to resemble an Italian bottega, complete with with rustic wood finishes and a chalkboard menu. In keeping with that vibe, the Patrizis plan to continue offering goods at farmers markets, as well.
“It’s all about connection — to our food and to the people who grow, shape, and sell it,” Madison Patrizi said.
The food
Fresh pastas for sale by the pound will include organic semolina, whole wheat and gluten-free options. Mano Bella’s signature Risotto Mixes — which use Carolina Gold Rice from Tidewater Grain Co. — will be sold, as well as kitchen staples like breadcrumbs and dipping oil seasoning packets.
Mano Bella works with local farms and food artisans, such as Garden Window Farm, Coldwater Creek Farms, Windy Hill Farm and Blue Goat Dairy to create its offerings and provide goods for the store. Local seasonal produce, freshly milled flour, eggs and cheese will be available for sale.
“In Italy, there is not as much mass production. Farm-to-table is just your everyday table. Food tastes richer, lasts longer and hasn’t been in transit for weeks or months to get to your table. It’s a proper ecosystem: You eat where it grows and only in season,” Raffaele Patrizi said.
Pro tip: Watch for the Pasta alla Routa, a dish common in Italy that’s rare in Charlotte. Staff will toss freshly cooked pasta on a wheel of aged Parmigiano Reggiano to coat it with a melty layer of creamy cheese. And pick up a cannoli kit for dessert.
The store hours will be 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday.
Mano Bella Artisan Foods
Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: First Ward/Uptown
Instagram: @manobellaartisanfoods
