Meet the O.G. of Italian eateries

Situated within the coronary heart of California’s Central Valley, the restaurant’s small however fervent following swears by its mouthwatering fare.

Its proprietor, Luigi ‘Louis’ Maglieri, says his household got here from Molise, Italy, and each chew of each dish within the restaurant will transport you to his nation.

“Our stuff is fairly conventional. My mother is a good prepare dinner and most of those are her recipes,” he says.

A few of his prospects’ favorites are the Hen Marsala and Hen Piccata, served with a facet of angel hair pasta, the Pan-seared Salmon with brown butter lemon caper sauce, and the Cavatelli Arrabbiata with spicy crumbled sausage with lean pork.

Oggi Cosi Si Mangia first opened in Fresno 16 years in the past.

Maglieri stated the identify, pronounced ‘Oh-jee’, means ‘Right this moment, that is eat.’

Every dish is made recent in-house, with the absolute best components, and Maglieri takes private satisfaction within the authenticity and taste of his dishes.

“A fella advised me as soon as within the restaurant enterprise – ‘You make meatballs? I purchase ’em!’ I stated, “If I’ve to purchase meatballs, I do not belong on this enterprise. Lots of eating places attempt to streamline their enterprise. We make all the pieces to order right here. Might take a few further minutes but it surely’s recent. I simply do not need to serve one thing I am not pleased with myself,” he says.

Previously 16 years, Maglieri has watched some prospects develop up, some age – however all nonetheless retain their love for his meals.

“The purchasers I’ve listed below are unbelievable…. I do not actually do that for the cash anymore. I’ve a ardour for this place and I think about the shoppers associates,” he says.

This story and video relies on reporting by Dale Yurong.