Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Manca's Catering and its iconic predecessor, family-owned Manca’s Cafe, have left an indelible mark on the local culinary scene. The Manca Family's long, local restaurant history in the Bellevue area begins with the opening of Manca’s Cafe in the late 1800s. This charming eatery quickly became a local favorite, renowned for its cozy atmosphere and outstanding dishes. Among the restaurant's specialties was the signature Dutch Baby pancake, invented by Victor Manca, a dish that would later become the stuff of legend.

 

While running a successful business in Seattle, the Manca family settled in Bellevue. Andrea Manca, the current proprietor of Manca's Catering, attended Bellevue High School; the same school where her parents had met while students. Building on the success of Manca's Cafe, Andrea’s mother, Linda Manca, decided to take their culinary expertise to the next level by launching Manca's Catering in the 1980s. This catering service allowed them to bring the same level of excellence, innovation, and flavor from the now-closed family restaurant to various events including weddings, corporate gatherings, and special occasions.

 

Andrea, however, was determined not to go into the family business. Living with Manca's Catering operating from her home, Andrea was often tasked as performant sous chef for the many events booked through the business. Andrea wanted a different career, so after graduating from Bellevue High and receiving her degree in business and economics from Western University, Andrea took off to explore the globe. She became a dive master in Thailand, picked up odd jobs wherever she was, and traveled to over 20 countries during this time in her life. Eventually, she came home to a desk job - which she endured for a full four months. This was the catalyst that propelled her back to the restaurant business from which she tried so hard to deviate. She took a life-altering position at Michelin-rated Hotel + Restaurant Le St James in Bordeaux, launching her own culinary career.

 

After her internship was complete, Andrea moved back to the Seattle area, landing a job at Tom Douglas Catering. It was there, standing across the prep table for hours slicing and dicing, where she and her husband Taylor met and fell in love. When they started dating, Andrea left Tom Douglas to take over her mom’s catering business in Bellevue, WA. Now married with a son of their own, Taylor and Andrea run the family business together.   

 

Manca's Catering menu offers a diverse range of options, from themed appetizers and large event catering to elegant, intimate, in-home dinners for two. The commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients has been a hallmark of Manca's culinary philosophy, ensuring that every dish is a memorable experience. As time has passed, the Manca legacy has evolved but it remains rooted in the principles of her great-grandfather’s restauranteurs values: exceptional food and warm hospitality. Manca's Catering continues to be a beloved fixture in Bellevue's culinary landscape, catering to the evolving tastes and preferences of its patrons.

 

Starting with her great-grandfather’s vision of neighborhood dining with Manca's Cafe (1898 - 1956), her grandfather’s culinary contribution of the Dutch Baby (trademarked in 1956), and continuing with Manca's Catering, the Manca Family has left an enduring mark on the culinary scene in the Seattle area. And with a client list boasting the likes of Martha Stewart to Joe Biden and Barack Obama to Elvis Costello, Manca's Catering has catered to some of the most discerning palates in the United States today, excelling at every level.

Whether enjoying a prepared intimate dinner in one's home or savoring Manca's Catering at a special event, the Manca name represents a tradition of culinary excellence in the Pacific Northwest.