Mango Tree owners to open new eatery in Rockledge
Five months after closing their popular Cocoa Beach restaurant because of a lease dispute, Luca and LeeAnn Filadi, former owners of the Mango Tree, are poised to open a new place in Rockledge.
Cibo Neighborhood Eatery, in the location formerly occupied by Domenico Italian Restaurante, should open within the next couple of weeks.
Earlier this week, the Filadis were surrounded by stacks of furniture in what will be the Cibo dining room. Walls that once were adorned with murals depicting Italian landscapes have been painted white. A tall counter has been situated in the restaurant's entryway for a takeout station.
For longtime fans, takeout might seem incongruous with Luca's high-end, contemporary Italian menu at Mango Tree. That's intentional.
Mango Tree closes after lease dispute
"We're going to do something completely different," Lee Ann said.
The plan is to offer good, fine-dining quality food in a casual atmosphere, Luca said.
Though he comes from Italy, Luca didn't want to open another Italian place. He has traveled and worked around the world, and that experience will flavor Cibo, which means food in his native tongue.
The restaurant will offer lunch and dinner, and its menu will include burgers, flatbread pizzas and pulled pork, Luca's version of international street food. But take heart, Mango Tree crowd. The menu will also include things like truffle foie gras.
The location couldn't be better, just a mile north of the Interstate 95 exchange on Fiske Boulevard. It's in Rockledge, and on the edge of upscale neighborhoods in Viera. There's plenty of parking, and the building has good visibility.
Domenico closes after 22 years in Rockledge
Luca is most excited about the kitchen. For starters, it's much bigger than his previous work space, with plenty of room for other chefs to work with him. There's a pizza oven, and an oven for baking bread. There's a grill, a fryer and a place to prepare sous vide dishes. And the air conditioning in the kitchen will keep it cool enough for baking pastry.
"At some point, we'd like to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner," LeeAnn said. "Luca wants to do a bakery, too. He loves to cook, and he would cook all day long."
While the menu and atmosphere will be more casual, Cibo will have similarities to Mango Tree. About half of the staff will be joining the Filadis in Rockledge, including guitarist Tom Houston. Walls will be decorated with the colorful artwork of Rockledge artist Phyllis Shipley. LeeAnn will greet guests.
And Luca will be in the kitchen turning out steaks, fries, burgers and pâté. He also plans to prepare his own sausage, marinate vegetables, craft house-made pasta and make pesce crudo, an Italian version of raw fish.
Health: Foods that fend off cancer
For five years at the Mango Tree, he built the trust of his guests. He plans to keep former regulars happy, while winning over new regulars.
Cibo will have a full bar, as well as wine and craft beers. LeeAnn said they hope to start wine dinners in January. An outdoor dining area will be dog-friendly.
"We'll have good food and a casual, low-key ambiance," she said.
Cibo Neighborhood Eatery
Coming soon: Owners Luca and LeeAnn Filadi hope to open the restaurant by mid-November
Where: 3100 S. Fiske Blvd., Rockledge, one mile north of the Interstate 95 interchange
Info: 321-206-8099 or www.ciboeatery.com (in the works)
Hours: 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Email Leonard at sleonard@floridatoday.com.
Facebook: /suzyflemingleonard
Instagram: @suzyleonard
Twitter: @suzyleonard