Mangia ... Mangia ... Mangia

Submitted by Lorry Young, Granite State Ambassador
Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

Mangia Italian Restaurant recently re-located from Londonderry Turnpike in Hooksett to 33A Elm St. in Manchester, NH. Angelo Bruno is the proprietor, and a native of Campana, Italy. Angelo uses many recipes that have been in his family for years. 


The menu is full of authentic homemade Italian cuisine. One of his delectable appetizers is Bruschetta, the toppings are made daily with fresh ingredients. Quite a selection of salads are offered, you can also create your own salad. Zuppa del Giorno, soup of the day, the minestrone is wonderful. Ciabatta Bread Panino (sandwiches served warm and toasted). If you choose to make your own Panino, that is O.K., too. I counted at least sixteen Entree's meals to choose from. My choice was Pollo Valdostana, chicken topped with Italian ham, asparagus, and mozzarella cheese baked in a demy glaze sauce. The Portions are huge, so you will be bringing a doggie bag home. A variety of desserts are offered as well.
Mangia, is a small cozy place, seating twenty five customers. The restaurant will be BYOB until Bruno is approved for a liquor license.

Hours are: Lunch is served Tuesday through Thursday. 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Friday noon-2:00p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5:00p.m. -9:30p.m. Reservations are recommended.

To see the recommendation on the previous location of Mangia, please visit NHGSA Louise's blog post!

Visiting “Arts Heaven”: The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters

Andy Mack Jr. - GSA, League of NH Craftsmen Class 2012
Did you know that one of the top organizations for fine craft in the country can be found right here in New Hampshire? Formed in 1932 to help craftspeople make a living during the Depression, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is now widely recognized for its high standard of craft, the creativity of its members and the excellence of their work.

An arts destination, the League headquarters is on Main Street in Concord, NH, right in the midst of an art “heaven” of sorts; sharing the same city block as the Capitol Center for the Arts and the independent Red River Theaters. Housed inside a beautiful, green-engineered building, called the “Smile” building, League visitors will find plenty to smile about inside and out. Impressive artwork is everywhere. A towering, totem-like moose figure made of interwoven sticks stands guard in front of the entrance. Inside, ever-changing galleries display some of the very best craft New Hampshire has to offer. On a recent visit an arching bench, made from a single piece of wood by master woodworker, Jon Brooks, was among the many extraordinary pieces on display. In the museum rooms, pottery, glasswork, metal work, carvings, furniture and mixed media celebrate the true art that comes from the hands of master craftspeople. It’s hard not to “ooo and ahh” when you visit the gallery, which also hosts numerous educational events, demonstrations and exhibits.

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen may be best known for holding one of the largest and most prestigious craft events in the country: the Craftsmen’s Fair, held each year in August, at the foot of Mount Sunapee.

Should you want to take home some of New Hampshire’s finest craft, two-tenths of a mile north of the Smile building is the League’s Concord retail store, one of 7 such stores that can be found around the state.To find out more about the League, the Fair, or for news of new gallery exhibits, openings, and demonstrations, log onto www.nhcrafts.org

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Andy Mack Jr. is not only a Granite State Ambassadors and NH native, but he grew up on his family apple farm in Londonderry NH. He is a former radio broadcaster and program director with over 25 years of experience in marketing and promotions. He runs workshops on social media, marketing and promotions...and constantly works on creating local connections where small businesses, artists and charities can join forces to their advantage. www.andymackjr.com

Best Western in Hampton Convenient and Hospitable

Submitted by Kelly Bryer
Granite State Ambassador, Museum of NH History Class of 2003

I recently visited the Best Western Inn at Hampton with a group of families. We were in town for a school competition and I was charged with locating the ideal hotel. Being a GSA, the first thing I did was call a seacoast GSA for a recommendation. Thank you, Paul L!! The hotel was great and everyone in our group was very pleased (phew). From the first phone call I knew all was going to be perfect. The desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.

Once we checked in and dropped our gear in our room the kids changed and we headed off to the pool. The indoor pool went from 3 feet to 9 feet and had plenty of comfortable seats for the parents to unwind while the kids played and wore themselves out.

Even dinner was relaxing. The local Dominoes delivered right to our door. Perfect ending to the long day -- eating pizza (that I didn't have to make), sprawled on a comfy bed, watching HBO… ahhh.

In the morning we were excited to see that the complimentary hot breakfast was filled with yummy choices. They had it all from eggs & sausage to waffles & pastries to yogurt & cereal. The staff was again very accommodating and friendly, especially important since all of the competing teams swamped the dining room when they opened at 6:30am.

The Best Western Inn at Hampton had exceptional hospitality. Our room was clean, elegant, quiet and just the right size. The beds had down comforters and loads of pillows. The TV was big and I especially loved the high, wood ceilings the second floor rooms had. It was appointed with air conditioning, free Wireless Internet, cable television, complimentary HBO, MicroFridge and individual heat control. They have 72 rooms total that included 51 double queen/king rooms, 20 executive suites with efficiency kitchenettes and 1 suite with a large kitchenette. There was even a gym if I thought chasing around a team of kids wasn't enough of a workout.

The Hampton Inn was located right on Route 1 in downtown Hampton. It was easy to find and get to and was near everything. The main beach was just a couple miles up the road. Being early spring, it was empty and had just the right amount of wind for a morning of serious kite flying before heading home again. I can't wait to go back again and visit. When I do, I will definitely be calling the Inn at Hampton!