Mamma Lucia Iverson Mall, Hillcrest Heights MD – Seemingly It’s Own Thing

This one was quite the interesting excursion, since Mamma Lucia “Italan Eatery” or “Mamma Lucia Pizza & Italian Food” here in Iverson Mall of Hillcrest Heights, MD, does not seem to be part of the very-well known local chain also called Mamma Lucia. The websites look completely different, with the Mamma Lucia I visited sporting this website, while the 7-store-wide chain most of the locals know has their own, completely different one.

The origin stories are completely different, menus too for the most part (Iverson offering 16″ pies while the chain offers 14″ or 18″ pies, for example). I can only assume that Iverson mall restaurant is it’s own brand, like Cantina Mamma Lucia in Hanover, MD. Little surprise here, quite honestly, since “Mamma Lucia” or as we would say, Mother Lucy, is a moniker used for quite a Italian spots here in the states. Maryland seems to have become the epicenter by sheer chance of luck.

So, the Italian Eatery that I got to shoot, was established by, “Biagio Carannante, came to America in 1977,” according to their story from their website. Location itself has a clean set of tables arranged in 2 rows and your open side of the kitchen with glass windows showcasing the oven and some of the hot bar items plus the ordering window, and both mall as well as street side entrances.

Now for the food you’ve been waiting for! First off, the slices and pies,

The sandwich stuffed slices weren’t something I’ve seen too often as an actual menu item – smash 2 slices together into a sandwich with topping sides facing each other. I’ve done this my share of times when the hunger was real, and I’m sure some of you have too. Sicilian pie was also a pleasant sight since not all that many pizzerias bother with these, and they honestly should!

The rest of the fixings were your standard fare of pasta, salads, sandwiches, calzones, fried apps, hot bar wings, and rolls-

And as almost any proper Italian spot, these was a galore of breads served with every dish that didn’t feature it predominantly-

Overall, this Mamma Lucia aka Italian Eatery aka Iverson Mall was a solid experience and I can easily recommend checking them out if you happen to be in the area!