Today I got a sneak peek of the new Centerville restaurant, that’s about a month away from opening. Manna Uptown, as it will be known, is Chef Margot Blondet’s newest creation that will feature a menu that is about 80% French inspired with a 20% Peruvian influence.   Chef Margot was looking through the dictionary for a name  for the new business when she came across Manna which means “food from the gods to feed the soul,” and knew that was it.  What was originally conceptualize as a bar has morphed into a restaurant with multiple dining rooms, 2 bars and a patio, that was created by joining 2 houses together.  One of the dining rooms will be the Versailles room, complete with a mural on the ceiling, mirrors and chandeliers. The main dining room, pictured below, will be upstairs and service by a 7 seat bar.

As described on their website, “Manna offers a taste of modern Europe and South America to any who extend a wanting hand. We aim to honor the artistry of the chefs and bar makers who’ve inspired us while defying tradition alongside.” expectation.

Inspired by the taste of modern Europe and the ambiance of the late 19th-century Victorian era, Chef Margot Blondet set out to create a sexy, sophisticated dining and cocktail experience.

Upon entering off the parking lot behind the building, you’ll enter the double doors and be greeted by staff as this antique desk.

Salar GM Brandie Perrine

Nestled in Centerville’s historic Uptown neighborhood, Manna offers its guests a journey through time and culture. The property maintains its original, historic architecture while housing Manna’s sleek, sensual cocktail bar and modern Victorian-era dining room both peppered with carvings, sculptures, chandeliers, and marble from Blondet’s travels across the globe.

The main bar has seating for 26, while the restaurant will seat about 150.

Chef Margot has again brought in Creative Cocktail Consultant Brian Van Flandern (who was the original trainer of the Salar bar staff) to create a menu of exotic cocktails, as well as train the staff in fine dining service standards, most commonly referred to as  Michelin Three-Star service.

Brian was named America’s Top Mixologist by The Food Network as well as one of the top ten bartenders and mixologists in the world. He’s worked at Michelin Star restaurants, has a top-selling cocktail book and been featured in notable publications such as the New York Times, USA Today and beyond!

Perrine shares, “we are lucky enough to have Brian in town this week training the Manna Uptown Front of House staff.” He started by teaching liquor history, sharing the backgrounds on the spirits, and paring theory and as I was leaving today the staff were arriving for service training that will allow Manna to offers a luxury experience to their guests.

It will be up to bar manager Jackson Wolph to maintain the standards Van Falndern is creating for the bar.  The bar will end up staying open a couple hours later than the dining room and having upscale cheese and charcuterie boards to serve once the kitchen is closes.

Chef Donivan Preston, who originally opened Table 33, has spent the past 4 1/2 years as the Sous Chef at Salar and will lead the kitchen at the new place.

He teased me with few menu items, including butter seared filets, prawns flamed in Hennessey and Beef bourguignon.

He also shared their pastry chef will be making a dessert using a recipe from Chef Margot’s grandmother- as well as a Lucuma ( a native fruit of Peru) Profiterole.

Perrine shared that they are planning a fundraising party for the leukemia and lymphoma society, where ticket proceeds will be donated to the charity.

Chef Margot has created a very upscale eatery and I can’t wait until they are serving! See you there!

Manna Uptown

61 W Franklin St.
Centerville OH 45459

937-972-1215

Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday 11am – 10pm

Bar will stay open an hour (or tw0) after dinning room- still working on details.