Wanda Tiburcio had a vision that became reality in March 2019 when she opened Wanda’s Mofongo House on Scranton’s South Main Avenue. Today, her vision continues to grow in a second location in the city.
At Wanda’s Mofongo House II, which opened earlier this year at 111 Wyoming Ave., guests can enjoy Caribbean-style food. Many items on Tiburcio’s menu highlight her Dominican Republic roots, such as the Mangu, Chicken Yaroa and Mofongo, which is not only the restaurant’s namesake but also one of its staples: a combination of deep fried green plantains mashed together with ingredients such as garlic and olive oil.
Chef’s Table recently chatted with Tiburcio, who runs the restaurant with her husband, Ivan Roman.
Q: When did you open the second location?
A: We opened in January 2021. We (had) a big demand and decided to open a second location that gave the clients a second choice.
Q: What kind of food do you serve? What are your most-ordered menu items, and why?
A: We serve Caribbean food. Our most popular dish is the Mofongo with Shrimp in Garlic Sauce. We tried different flavors and food that is traditional and combined all those flavors and gave it a little twist, and it worked for us. We have on our breakfast menu the popular Mangu, which is served with a side of green plantains and comes with eggs, cheese and salami.
Q: How did your menu come to be?
A: The menu is the same as the Main Avenue location, except that we do not serve empanadas at the Wyoming Avenue location because we open in the morning.
Q: How would you describe the restaurant’s atmosphere?
A: Our atmosphere is very familiar and friendly.
Q: What type of seating do you offer?
A: As of right now, we offer indoor seating.
Q: Do you offer catering, event space, etc.?
A: Yes, we offer catering for weddings, birthday parties, etc.
Q: Are you currently offering delivery, takeout or curbside pickup?
A: Yes, we deliver through DoorDash and Grubhub. Also, (customers) can call to order by the phone and pick up food at either the Main Avenue location, which is open Thursdays to Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on Wyoming Avenue, (where) we are open Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays we are closed. We are closed on Mondays at the Main Avenue location.
Q: Where do you see the restaurant headed in the future?
A: We would like to keep expanding to other places and areas.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
