Pizza

[Talk Host]

Back in Binghamton, New York, Cortese restaurant was said to have the best pizza for miles around. (I never really cared for theirs ::)) Is there one like that near here? I mean, one that rivals that kind of reputation. I have found the pizza shops in the Villages to be, "ordinary."

[ripwho]

Jan - now you've posed the most important topic of all!!! Definitely a huge requirement for any ex-nyc guy's relocation to Florida!! I'll be interested to see how this plays out!!

[Donna]

Hey guys,
If you find NY Pizza, please let me know..I am also from NY and have not found anything close...That is a very hard act to followl...
::)

[Talk Host]

Are you still here???? In TV I mean.

[Donna]

Jan,
I will be here till the 27th... ;D
Tonight we are going to the new Golden Corral...Hope it's good..

[bargee]

Little Joeys is the best around(Bay Lee Plaza;Sears ect)

[LG]

How does Paulies Pizza compare to the New York Pizza?

[Donna]

Where is Paulies Pizza???

[LG]

Where is Paulies Pizza???


There are two so far.. One in at the Spanish Springs square just down the street from the radio staion and the other is in Mulbery Shopping Plazza just off Hwy 42

[Donna]

Thanks LG.... :bigthumbsup:

[villager99]

pauley's is good new york style pizza.
the mulberry plaza location delivers within the villages but i'm not sure how far south of 466 they're able to go.
i like giovanni's thin crust pizza in southern trace. they'll deliver through the villages via go go gourmet. bravo's in sumter landing is decent but to salty for me but they'll also deliver through go go gourmet.

[Avista]

Who has the best Thin Crust pizza?

[villager99]

my vote goes to pauley's at mulberry plaza.

[ripwho]

I'm writing all this down for when I get there... keep those pizza recommendations coming! Now if you guys can find a good German restaurant for some Sauerbraten and potato dumplings I'll be all set (from the ex-New Yawker)...

[villager99]

for german food try dinner bell on 441 just 5-10 miles outside the villages or just stop by one of two toojay deli locations within the villages.

[ripwho]

villager99 - thanks... I have no choice but to move to TV now... did eat in sumter's toojay last april... did have some potato pancakes if I recall... didnt spot any sauerbraten on the menu but will check it out next trip! thanks again!

[zcaveman]

I like Snappy's Pizza.

[gingersmom]

The best NY pizza is at Goodfellas in Bellview (across from Ocala Ford) and not to be confused with Bellview pizza. The owner is from Brooklyn and really know how to make sauce. Try it!

[larrydube]

Hey villager99.....

Saco, ME here... TV on 10/06/2009 ;D (The day after my 62nd birthday)

[chuckinca]

OK - then where's the Chicago Pizza's at?

[poromo]

I live in NYC all my life and will be going to Gramaldi's (reputed to have the best pizza in the world) in Brooklyn for lunch today and I must say Pizza Hut pizza is as good, if not better, than Gramaldi's or any other pizza place in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Da Bronx or Staten Island.

Sometimes I think us New Yorkers have an unjustified snobbery about pizza. The same holds true for Bagels. Einstein bagels (a bagel chain) are as good as any bagel shop in NYC.

[MMC24]

After living in the New Haven, CT area for 38 years I have not found any pizza within driving distance from TV that compares to Pepe's. I believe that I am jaded for life. First stop when I return to CT in the summer is you know where even though we have to stand in line for 1hr+ just to be seated, but it is well worth the wait. Best pizza on planet Earth.

[Frank2]

MMC24...amen to that!!!!.. :agree:

You'll be pleased to know ;D that Pepe's has opened a second pizzeria in CT at the shopping mall in Manchester, Exit 62 off Interstate 84 North. Hopfully, the lines are shorter.

[bargee]

I can tell you guys haven't been to Modern"A Beets" on State St.

[MMC24]

[quote=bargee ]
I can tell you guys haven't been to Modern"A Beets" on State St.


We've been there and it is very good but we like Pepe's clam pie better.

[Frank2]

I can tell you guys haven't been to Modern"A Beets" on State St.


Bargee, been there, done that,,gimme Pepe's and noone will get hurt. :bigthumbsup:

[doowoper]

to poromo i think your taste buds are gone!!!!!!!!!!!

[kregski]

Hey Chuckinca,im with you chicago pizza rules!

[jtdraig]

I used to go to Cortese in Binghamton all the time when I was there on business...awesome stuff.

Personally, I like Bravo Pizza here..it has gotten much better since it opened...but it will NEVER beat New York City or Corteses.......

[F16 1UB]

So much for counting points tonight. Screw it. I'm gonna pig out on Pizza. Ya'll have made me hungry.

Steve :bigthumbsup: That's if I'm allowed.

[SteveFromNY]

I live in NYC all my life and will be going to Gramaldi's (reputed to have the best pizza in the world) in Brooklyn for lunch today and I must say Pizza Hut pizza is as good, if not better, than Gramaldi's or any other pizza place in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Da Bronx or Staten Island.

Sometimes I think us New Yorkers have an unjustified snobbery about pizza. The same holds true for Bagels. Einstein bagels (a bagel chain) are as good as any bagel shop in NYC.




Was this post a joke? I can't beieve anyone would make the comparison between Grimaldi's (aka Patsy's) to Pizza Hut.

[JUREK]

CHUCKINCA:

You're right. Give me any Chicago deep dish pizza, nothing arount TV compares :bigthumbsup:

[villages07]

There's a new restaurant, Big City Grill, being built near Walmart on 466...supposed to have authentic Chicago pizza. We'll see....

[golfnut]

v07, love Chicago style pizza (actually I too like pizza hut) any idea when Big City is supposed to open?

[zcaveman]

As far as I am concerned, Pizza is an acquired taste and texture piece of food. I was raised in Jax, Fl. Pizza Inn, Shakeys and Tony's were my choice. We had small, medium and large. I moved to NJ and they only had large. They were much more greasy or oily (pick your term). In Andover, NJ, Mario's changed from brother to brother and they had some great pizza. You could order extra crispy and it was to die for (along with a side of hot mussels). Now I am back in FL and cannot find a really great pizza. I like Snappies because they deliver and have good pizza with a nice spice to the sauce - but no mussels). Pauley's is doughy and a little greasy and limp. I cannot eat pizzas with the cheese inside the crust so Pizza Hut is out.

I went to Chicago and was not happy with the "deep"dish" pizza. How do you pick up a slice and eat it with out getting it all over you? If you need a knife and fork to eat a pizza it is not a pizza.

Besides Mario's in Andover, NJ, Mystic Pizza in Mystic CT had a GREAT pizza. The wife and I went there at least once a year - sometimes twice. It was a 240 mile trip but well worth it. That pizza would melt in your mouth - not too cheesy and never greasy. They even had a frozen pizza that we used to get at the local A&P. Not the same but just as tasty.

What do you look for in a pizza? Is it taste? Cheese? Add ons? Firmness?

[chuckinca]

That new Italian place near 466 Wal-Mart is supposed to have authentic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches ! ! !

I would kill for a Italian Beef Sandwich from Pimenti's from Roseland if it was still the 50' or 60's!

Same for a Rainbow cone from Blue Island or a hot dog from the road side stands on Western near 95th.

[MaryKayDiva]

:-*\\\OK here's my $.02, for what its worth. For new york pizza I think THE BEST around is Little Anthony's in Clermont..............a long way to drive.....but certainly worth it. All the new yorkers that I know say that the KEY to making a good NY style pizza is in the water they use. The owners use only the best water and I think it really does make a difference! Around here I love Giovanni's!

NOW I am fairly new here and I want to know where to get A GOOD HOT DOG!!!!!
Thanks in advance!!!

[rdhdleo]

Pizza is a very personal thing. I lived in Chicago all my life and of course love my Chicago Pizza. Deep Dish is great but I really like a good Chicago thin crust. The south side of Chicago has some of the best. For thin crust here so far we like Phil's in Belleview and Little Joey's' . The Pizza Hut is horrible, Snappy Tomato is ok if you're desperate.

I sure hope I heard right that some new place is going to have Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches!!! When I moved here it was the first time I found out it is a Chicago thing, everyone looked at me like I had two heads when I asked for it! Ok that's my 2 cents worth ::)

[chuckinca]

Could sure go for some Aurelio's thin crust Italian sausage, bell pepper and mushroom pizza!

[rdhdleo]

Aurelio's thin crust Italian sausage, bell pepper and mushroom pizza! :agree:
How could I forget Aurelio's!!!! Yum...I can't wait we will be in Chicago Oct.4th thru the 12th!

[REDCART]

This thread is all over the map but since we're talking about Pizza on TOTV, I'm surpised that no one commented about Bravo Pizza in LSL. It's as good as any that we've had in NYC in the last twenty years. In my youth, we used to go out almost every Friday for pizza. Then a small pie was .90 and large pie was $1.20. Now we're looking at $3.50 a slice. The only thing that has enjoyed a similar cost increase is a college educaiton.

[villages07]

For those of you familiar with the DC area/Univ of MD.... the best is Ledo's pizza...."it's square because they don't cut corners"; nice thin pastry crust. ummmmmm....heading up there later this week and will be sure to have some Ledo's.

[SteveFromNY]

This thread is all over the map but since we're talking about Pizza on TOTV, I'm surpised that no one commented about Bravo Pizza in LSL. It's as good as any that we've had in NYC in the last twenty years.


:agree: It's good pizza. I like their stuffed vegetable pie. One slice is like a 3 course meal.

[chuckinca]

Been to Bravo Pizza - done that.

[rdhdleo]

Hey does anyone know what happened to Phils' Pizzeria in Belleview. It is closed, totally empty!!!! They were always crowded and had some of the best pizza and Italian food around!!!

[chuckinca]

That's not good news - we were in there last spring with a group of about 15 and had great service and very good pizza.

[golfnut]

Tried Bravo Pizza last week, loved it.

[bestmickey]

I've been tempted to respond in this thread for some time, but held off out of fear ya'll think I'm crazy. Finally decided there's nothing bad about being crazy...sometimes it's even FUN!

My favorite pizza is purchased in the grocery store...Freschetta Pizza. I love the portobello mushroom and spinach variety, but the pepperoni and others I've had seem just as good IMHO. Fifteen minutes in the oven @ 425 and I'm happy!

If you prefer a thinner crust, you may just want to give it a try. Can't beat the convenience of just walking to your freezer when you're in the mood!

[Russ_Boston]

IMHO Freshetta is far and away the best store bought pizza you can buy. It rivals all but the very best parlors. I still prefer a parlor in RI called Twins in North Providence but Casertta's (sic?) in Prov is great also. Any other RI/Mass agree?

Heck i just like almost any pizza. Can't wait to try all the TV and local sites that have been mentioned in this post.

[rbrozzetti]

I lived in the Triple Cities area most of my life and grew up making Pizza at Brozzetti's in Johnson City.

It is still one of the best in the Binghamton area. Cortese was always one of my favorites too.

I've tried Pizza around Florida at many places and there are none that are very good as far as I'm concerned - edible, but just ordinary.

[rdhdleo]

Just came back from a 9 day trip to my home town of Chicago...yum had Aurelio's pizza and it was so good. Also Had an incredible Italian Beef Sandwich, White Castle, good Polish bakery goods, Carsons Ribs and brought home a huge time of Garretts carameland cheese popcorn.... I am happy for awhile now :)
Has anyone yet heard what happened with Phils Pizza in Belleview?

[chuckinca]

Just got back from two weeks in Italy - Pizza's everywhere but not like the ones we eat in the US. Really thin crust, sauce, a little cheese sprinkled on and other toppings on request.

I'll stick with a Chicago Pizza!

[rsandstrom]

??? We always went to Phil's Pizza in Bellview & thought it was the best. They had a line outside to get seated, business & the food was great, now they are closed.

What happened???

[jadebox]

I like Pizza Hut because I can order over the intenet.

[chelsea24]

I'm so happy to hear of Big City. We just moved here from Chicago 3 weeks ago. Is there a Chicago club or Illinois club??? Just wondering. :o

[EYANKOWSKI]

Hey guys,
If you find NY Pizza, please let me know..I am also from NY and have not found anything close...That is a very hard act to followl...
::)
I'M FROM BROOKLYN NY I THINK PAULIES COMES PRETTY CLOSE TO NY PIZZA

[Reggie]

Has anyone tried the pizza a Mallory Hill CC?

[Opnmoooredoors]

I'm not a New Yorker, however we have discovered New York New York across the street from the Leesburg Walmart going into town on left side of 441/27.

They use bottle water and the crust is thin. Our eastern friends say it is very much like New York Pizza and we mid-westerners love it. Worth the drive.

[golfnut]

Opn, can I get there on my golf cart??

[aln]

Try Belleview Pizza. In Milwaukee WI there are many good thin crust pizza's that HOLD UP. Pauly's crust appears to be like a NY crust but a little blah for my taste. I've lived here only about 15 months and tried all the pizzas mentioned and never felt satisfied with taste or crust till I went to Belleview. THE SAUSAGE IS GREAT.

And, what did happen to Phil's ?? :dontknow:

[784caroline]

I found Bravo's in LSL had decent to good pizza but it was expensive....no very expensive for what I am used to especailly if I would have it most friday nights. They do have a crowd however. I would recommend Bravo's with a proviso concerning price.

[chuckinca]

Been to Belleview Pizza and Italian Restaurant a couple times - will go again


Click on Map on this link to find it


www.mytravelguide.com/restaurants/profile-33011705-United_States_Florida_Belleview_Belleview_Pizza_It alian_Rest.html

[REDCART]

New York has outlived its reputation for good pizza. Forty years ago when Catholics were allowed to eat meat on Friday, may have helped kill good pizza. Maybe that's too obvious. When I was kid growing up in the Bronx, we had plenty of both good pizza and kosher deli's everywhere. The kosher deli's dried up one by one because the children of the original owners all became professionals and didn't want any part of the deli business. Maybe that's what happened to the pizza parlor owner's children? In NYC, you really have to search out good pizza. The Albanians have taken over many pizza shops. Some places have Mexicans making pizza, and of course they no longer use real Mozzarella. So when I hear comparisons to NY pizza, I cringe. It ain't what it used to be, that's for sure! Bravo's, except for the price, is as close to NY pizza was in its hayday. George

[Taltarzac]

Looks like they are getting more done on the new Paulies Pizza location near the intersection of CR466 and CR101. It is in the same shopping center as Lil' Bits.

Glad to hear of another pizza place opening nearer to us than those around Spanish Springs Town Square, Mulberry Square, and Lake Sumter Landing Square.

[nONIE]

Greetings Brozzetti, from another Binghamtonian!

Yes :agree:Brozzetti's pizza is super delicious Also loved the old duff's pizza in Endicott.

Do you still make pizzas at home from scratch? With all your experience who needs to order out?

[dadspet]

Clearly the one thing missing in or around the Villages is GOOD Pizza! Its very personal I'm sure and an acquired taste but there is nothing here to compare to the Pizza we get in the Binghamton/Endicott NY area or Scranton/Old Forge Pa area. We've tried Pauley's (or favorite so far but has a way to go- Subs are great and beer is very reasonable) Bravo (OK but real expensive > try their pepperoni Calzones, reasonable and very good) and Giovannis (not much taste for me but their meals looked good). We also had the worst pizza we ever had anyplace at a recent meeting here, Domino's > Wow it was dry, paper thin and tasteless. If you have or find good Pizza please post it > Otherwise we may have to go back to NY/PA just for some Pizza.
I guess to be fair I should mention it took us 25 years, or was it 30, before we liked any of the Pizza in NY. Before that we would have to go back to our Hometown of Scranton PA and get Pizza in Old Forge. So perhaps in another 25 years we will grow to like the pizza here (I wish! )


BTW in NY we like Nurchi's by Binghamton University (Great Pizza with large tasty thick dough and you can get it by the piece and try several types since they sell so much -), OHara's in Owego (nice small bar ). Kids love Tonys in Endicott. We haven't tried Corteses Pizza in Bgm since their food is too good to have Pizza there. We do like Brozzettis for take out if we are near by or at the Hospital.

[nONIE]

Dadspet,

Agreed, most pizza around here have far to go to compare to up north but........ Last night we did try Taki's pizza for the first time. We found it to be very good, not Binghamton Pizza but very good. Have you tried it yet?

[golfnut]

Still lovin' the Bravo Pizza at LSL.

[aln]

Where's TAKI'S ?

[nONIE]

On 441 in the Lowes plaza.Between Firehouse Subs and Coldstone icecream.

They have very good other Italian and Greek food also. One of our favorites!

[Taltarzac]

On 441 in the Lowes plaza.Between Firehouse Subs and Coldstone icecream.

They have very good other Italian and Greek food also. One of our favorites!


Thanks for the information, Nonie! :bigthumbsup:

[Gerard]

For real pizza you gotta go to the Jersey Shore, Ocean City to be precise. Mack and Manco's (with three locations on the boardwalk) makes an unbelievable pizza pie.......total thin crust not that thick stuff those heathens from Chicago believe is pizza.

[nONIE]

For real pizza you gotta go to the Jersey Shore, Ocean City to be precise. Mack and Manco's (with three locations on the boardwalk) makes an unbelievable pizza pie.......total thin crust not that thick stuff those heathens from Chicago believe is pizza.

Hey Gerard,

I resemble that!!! We heathens from Chicago also have experienced some really great thin crusted pizza in Chicago too!!

[Rokinronda]

Russ-Boston, Caserta's in Providence RI is numero uno in my eyes! They are always busy. Missing the cold tray pizza slices, also! Paulies is my favorite here, Bravo's good but $$$$. At Bravo's I like the baked ziti. Will try Taki's next....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm getting hungry!

[Russ_Boston]

Russ-Boston, Caserta's in Providence RI is numero uno in my eyes! They are always busy. Missing the cold tray pizza slices, also! Paulies is my favorite here, Bravo's good but $$$$. At Bravo's I like the baked ziti. Will try Taki's next....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm getting hungry!


I rank Twins and Caserta's as 1 and 1A in my book. For those that don't know it is more of a scilian style, thick but not Chicago deep dish, not thin like NY style. But heck I like almost any pizza - I'll try Paulies when I down there next month.

[SUNreporter]

Tony's Pizza seems like New York pizza to me. I had to fold my slice. That's New York style, right? They've been in business for 20 some years in Eustis, but recently opened up a Leesburg restaurant on 441, south of Leesburg, about 4 miles on the east side of the highway in a little strip mall. They also have a coconut encrusted chicken salad that is awesome, homemade garlic rolls and sticky cinamon rolls. I was very impressed and will be going back soon.

[rt]

Paulie's pizza in Spanish Springs and Mulberry are QUITE different. The one in SS has decent NY style pizza, the pizzas in Mulberry are always burnt on top because they have lousy ovens and are worse than Domino's.

Little Joe's has good NY style pizza.

Bravo's has a decent pizza

Naples in Leesburg has great pizza

Goodfella's in Bellview is also very popular

[rt]

What happened to Phil's near Bellview on 441? He had the BEST Pizza this side of Brooklyn and one day as I pulled into the lot a few months ago (salivating in anticipation) found the place closed!! This guy had a goldmine!

[zcaveman]

This thread is all over the map but since we're talking about Pizza on TOTV, I'm surpised that no one commented about Bravo Pizza in LSL. It's as good as any that we've had in NYC in the last twenty years. In my youth, we used to go out almost every Friday for pizza. Then a small pie was .90 and large pie was $1.20. Now we're looking at $3.50 a slice. The only thing that has enjoyed a similar cost increase is a college educaiton.


I think Bravo's is way overpriced. Went once and will never return.

[chuckinca]

What happened to Phil's near Bellview on 441? He had the BEST Pizza this side of Brooklyn and one day as I pulled into the lot a few months ago (salivating in anticipation) found the place closed!! This guy had a goldmine!



I agree - Phil's was great.

The place was always full. Maybe Phil retired and closed the shop?

Belleview Pizza further North on the left is good too.

[chuckinca]

Dadspet,

Agreed, most pizza around here have far to go to compare to up north but........ Last night we did try Taki's pizza for the first time. We found it to be very good, not Binghamton Pizza but very good. Have you tried it yet?



Nonie:

I think you are a stockholder in Taki's!

We'll be back in October for a ten day stay and based on your recommendations I will check it out. Will try the Greek food.

Chuck

[renielarson]

I was hungry for a gyro and remembered seeing Taki's sign (Greek advertising) while shopping one day. I gave it a try and was very impressed with the restaurant. It was lunchtime and the place was packed. It also had a steady stream of take out customers. The gyro? Absolutely wonderful! I plan on going back.

[bdevito]

Goodfellas in Bellview gets my vote. Good thin crust, just like NY/NJ pizza with an excellent sauce

[sschuler1]

I can see that no one here is from Detroit because no mention was made of Domino's and Little Ceasars pizza. (though I would be the first to admit that their pizzas aren't the best, just the cheapest!) But to be able to walk into a Little Ceasar's pizza place and plonk down five dollars and turn around and walk out with a large pepperoni pizza seconds later, there is nothing quite like that anywhere. GO REDWINGS!!!!

[nONIE]

Yes Bright, Taki's is one of our favorite restaurants for Greek or Italian food. We love the food and the price is right, and on weekends they even have a piano player. Im glad you stumbled upon it.

[renielarson]

sschuler

We live north of Ann Arbor and I agree...Dominos and Little Caesar's are NOT the best! They are cheap but you get what you pay for.

[carolynpage]

Best Pizza is in BOSTON, MA! But close, here is Bellview Pizza on 441. But remember, they only take cash! :bigthumbsup: ;D

[dolpterry]

Living in the south all my life and loving pizza, can someone explain just what new york style pizza is? Is it different crust or type of sauce that makes it different.

[inda50]

Like to go on record that pizza hut pizza is an awful, probably just slightly better than frozen, no, I take that back it's the worst.

[renielarson]

inda...I don't agree

My favorite all time pizza is the Pizza Hut pan pizza...especially with everything on it! YUM!

[mnchshadow]

We found the best NY pizza right in Lake Sumpter Landing. Bravo Pizza. :#1: It's the best Pizza we have found since moving to Fl. :bigthumbsup: We currently live in Miami, but bought a home in The V 3 years ago. We visit often and our favorite place to eat pizza is Bravo. They have the right formula of cheese sauce and oil. The crust is thin and chewy. Makes my mouth water just to think of it. Can't wait to get back up there in July. 040

[Muncle]

Just like there is absolutely no Barbecue as good as that with which you grew up (in my case, that's true cuz I'm from KC), there is no pizza quite as good as the one back home. In my case, it was Balistreri's at 5050 Main in KC. I've spent the last 40 years trying to find one close to it.

To each his own. Some people love a NY slice, others hate it. Some love Chicago deep dish, others can't tolerate it. Such is taste and tradition. Now if y'all had Balistreri's, you'd realize your mistake, but that's not going to happen.

[renielarson]

Muncle

There are so many different types of bbq and I get confused! Not sure if my favorite is KC, Memphis, Texas, Carolinas or what.

I like my bbq ribs saucy...not dry...has to have sauce covering them. The sauce needs to be somewhat sweet.

So...where do I find this type...Memphis? KC? Where? Anywhere in TV's?

[Muncle]

Muncle

There are so many different types of bbq and I get confused! Not sure if my favorite is KC, Memphis, Texas, Carolinas or what.

I like my bbq ribs saucy...not dry...has to have sauce covering them. The sauce needs to be somewhat sweet.

So...where do I find this type...Memphis? KC? Where? Anywhere in TV's?


During some of my lost years of the 70's, I worked in a BBQ place in KC. First of all, we didn't use those fancy babyback ribs, just big ol slab of pork ribs. We'd rub them down with a fairly spicy dry rub and hickory smoke them for several hours. As soon as we took them out of the smoker, we'd spread a bit of honey on them. Before serving, we'll slather them up with a good, tomato based sauce, kinds sweet with a bit of a tang. That method is still my favorite. I've had them where the place soak 'em in sauce and pretty much ladles them out to serve. Some places (and individuals) put the sauce on while the meat is still cooking on a grill or even in a smoker. Just leads to burned meat. For heaven, just give me a short end laid out on a couple slices of fresh white bread with a decent sauce flavoring 'em but not drowning them. And then there's beef brisket. . .

Around TV, probably the best is Oakwood. They're not Gates or Bryants or Smoke Stack or Rosedale, but if I have to, they're not bad. And Sonny's is acceptable. When Bonos closed, we lost a landmark. That had to be the worst BBQ known to man.

[Number 6]

I love the Binghamton references. I am stuck up in Elmira for a few more weeks, so yes it appears that Nirchi's is winning all of the awards. We have one down the street and I really don't care for it, I much prefer Pudgie's or Wegman's. That's the great thing about this this topic, there are no right or wrong answers.
I just have to say that I was shocked to find my favorite pizza (of all time) in the Villages! Yes, better than Bocce Club in Buffalo or Capt. Tony's in Rochester. I give you..... Mallory Hill!

[junglejim]

Stravos is pretty good. They have two locations in Leesburg. The closest is near where 466A meets 27/441. They are Greek and do Italian pretty well.

[chuckster]

Suffered "sticker shock" last night :o. Ordered take out from Bravos in Sumter Landing. A medium 2 topping regular crust pizza, nothing special, medium pizza with the 2 toppings. I had to emphasize the order. My fault for not asking "how much" when ordered, I had to ask twice when picking up my pie since I thought I hadn't heard the price correctly the first time. :o :o $18.72 :o :o.

When the tip jar was placed conveniently near as I paid, I'm sure hoping for the balance of my 20, I made it obvious I was pocketing my change. Didn't feel like tipping the cashier after being overcharged.

Can't say as I will return soon. Oh, the pizza was just OK not great. Have been there several other times for single slices. Can't compete with Nirchis, Bocces, and several other places in Central/western NY. My favorite here for Sun. night take out in the villages (Giovannis) was closed for vacation for the week. IMHO, far and away better for considerably less money.

[travelstiles]

Chuckster - you got off easy! See my post on the Pauly's Pizza thread. We paid $27.50 as naive new residents for a regular pie, no toppings, and 2 sodas (cups, not bottles) delivered to us while we were waiting for our furniture to arrive in January. TOTV friends have made suggestions for more reasonable service.
[BTW, if you call any of the local pizza places for delivery, they refer you to a third party delivery service to place your order.]

[chuckster]

OUCH!! They definitely got in your pocket. Incidentally mine was not delivered but picked up on my way home. From your comments doubt if I will ever go for home delivery.

[pili]

Yes, where is some good "Chicago style pizza" for us Chicagoans who have moved to the Villages? We also need a deli with some good German brats.

[Mallory]

No deep dish Chicago-style in TV. We bring frozen Malnati's back with us on each trip.

Try Big City Grill for Home Run Inn pizza if you have a taste for Chicago-thin.

[efrahin]

These merchants in TV think the residents are all rich. Besides the tremendous rent they have to pay.

[Midge538]

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o480/midge538/P4050023.jpg

[Midge538]

As I am a widower, I make my own pizza. It really is better than a few of the locals that I tried. Thin, crispy with a nicely flavored and chewy crust.

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o480/midge538/P4050023.jpg

[tkret]

As I am a widower, I make my own pizza. It really is better than a few of the locals that I tried. Thin, crispy with a nicely flavored and chewy crust.

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o480/midge538/P4050023.jpg


Midge538,
Save me a slice, PLEASE!!!!
Gene

[travelstiles]

Share the recipe, please!

[Rokinronda]

MMmmmmm, looks good Midge!!

[zcaveman]

Living in the south all my life and loving pizza, can someone explain just what new york style pizza is? Is it different crust or type of sauce that makes it different.


Not sure you will get an answer. Everyone likes their own area's pizza. Be it sauce or crust or apparently price. I was raised in Jax Fl and liked a local place but also liked Pizza Hut and Shakeys. When I went north, I found out they did not have small, medium or large (at least in New Jersey). It was all large. I frequented the same pizza place in Andover, NJ that went through three different brothers as owners and had three different tasting pies. The last brother made the best.

As far as I am concerned, the pizza you like is the pizza you want. No matter what restaurant or chain it is from. Taste, adequate topping selection, and crust texture are the thing to me.

[renielarson]

My all time favorite is Pizza Hut Pan Pizza. No matter where you go it's always the same! YUM!

Question? ???? Does anyone know when Ci Ci's is scheduled to open in Colony Plaza? ???? I'm hoping it will be open before I leave for up North in 2 weeks.

[KathieI]

As I am a widower, I make my own pizza. It really is better than a few of the locals that I tried. Thin, crispy with a nicely flavored and chewy crust.

Midge, you've got my mouth watering!! Looks fantastico!! Thanks, Kathie

When are you gonna share that recipe?

[Midge538]

Kathie/TravelI

I will put up some of my 'pizza notes' when I get back from the National Scrabble Tournament over in Orlando. "Nowwwww, let's see, 'M K I Z U P X' .. must be a word in there somewhere. Oh no, ZA would have been pizza!"

[villages07]

Bright,

I rode by Cici's today....a guy inside walked out and handed me a copy of their menu (5.49 for buffet...pizza/pasta/salad/soup/dessert).

He said they are going through final approvals and hope to open on/about August 12. Hope that timing works out for you.

Large to go pizza (15") with 2 toppings ... 8.75. Also, it will be open til 10pm most nights and 11pm Fri and Sat.

Looking forward to trying this out.....I'm still searching for "good" pizza down here.

[sschuler1]

Cici's pizza is not what anyone would call good pizza, it's just cheap. Here in Detroit Cici's is $4.99 for their buffet. There price varies depending on the area and competition. The only pizza that they make that I enjoy is their buffalo chicken. It's super spicy!!! Their crust is fairly tastless, and they don't put a lot of toppings. But it's a quick, cheap meal.

[gemorc]

Cici's pizza is not what anyone would call good pizza, it's just cheap. Here in Detroit Cici's is $4.99 for their buffet. There price varies depending on the area and competition. The only pizza that they make that I enjoy is their buffalo chicken. It's super spicy!!! Their crust is fairly tastless, and they don't put a lot of toppings. But it's a quick, cheap meal.

Also, the salad bowl is usually better than the pizza.

[Midge538]

MY PIZZA ‘BASICS’

I USE A PIZZA STONE (TARGET OR BELK) AS IT CREATES AN EVEN HEAT TO MAKE FOR A CRUST THAT WILL BE: THIN, CRISPY, DARK AROUND THE EDGES AND CHEWY WITH A NICE BREADY FLAVOR. PRE-HEAT THE PIZZA STONE IN THE OVEN AT 450 FOR 15 – 20 MINS (WHILE YOU READY THE DOUGH …. AND ALSO SIP SOME VALPOLICELLA).

YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN DOUGH OR TRY PUBLIX’S BUT I PREFER TO BUY DOUGH FROM GIOVANNI’S. THEIR DOUGHS ARE FRESH, EASY TO WORK WITH AND TASTY … (PLUS THEY HAVE SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE SIZES).

ROLL OUT AND SHAPE THE DOUGH ON A PIZZA PEEL OR A BOARD WHICH HAS BEEN SPRINKLED WITH CORNMEAL. (THE CORNMEAL WILL MAKE IT EASY TO SLIDE THE READIED PIZZA ON TO THE PIZZA STONE …….. WHICH HAS BEEN HEATING IN THE OVEN.) PINCH THE EDGES OF THE DOUGH UP A BIT.

ON THE DOUGH: RUB SOME OLIVE OIL (PREVENTS THE TOPPINGS FROM LEAKING INTO THE DOUGH BOTTOM); RUB SOME PIZZA SAUCE AROUND THE DOUGH TO ABOUT A HALF INCH FROM THE EDGES; PLACE SOME CHOPPED OR SLICED MOOZARELLA CHEESE; PLACE YOUR TOPPINGS; THEN SPRINKLE A BIT OF YOUR FAVORITE SPICES (SALT, PEPPER, OREGANO, BASIL); THEN ANOTHER SMALL SPRINKLE OF OLIVE OIL; AND THEN A GOOD SPRINKLE OF PARMESAN CHEESE. (A ‘LITTLE’ OIL ON THE CRUST WOULD ALSO PROMOTE A FLAVORFUL, GOLDEN BROWN CRUST.)

SLIDE THE PIZZA OFF OF THE PEEL AND ON TO THE PIZZA STONE IN THE OVEN. (IF MY OVEN WAS BETTER QUALITY , I WOULD COOK THE PIZZA AT 500 FOR 10 MINUTES, BUT BECAUSE THESE VILLA STOVES ARE ‘CONSTRUCTION QUALITY) I COOK THE PIZZA FOR 7 MINUTES AT 450 AND THEN TURN THE OVEN UP TO 475 AND COOK FOR FIVE MORE MINUTES … WHILE I RUN AROUND FANNING MY BLARING SMOKE ALARMS

TAKE THE PIZZA OUT AND LET IT SIT AND SETTLE FOR FIVE MINUTES BEFORE YOU CUT SLICES.

“EH, PIZZA ON EARTH, AND GOOD WILL TO MEN .”

[aln]

Was looking for a new pizza because most of what I find around here is not very good. Many are tolerable such as Naples, Belleview, Pauly's, Takis, even Katie Belle's & Cane Garden. But I continue to search.
The week before Superbowl 44, THE LEGENDS CAFE ran some ads in the Daily Sun. So we went there for lunch to check it out. They sell whole or slices of thin crust pizza at lunch. Freshly made, and very tasty.
So, for our small Superbowl party, we ordered their version of a Chicago Deep Dish. Now it's not the best pizza I have ever had but I will return for more. It was again very tasty and they use all fresh ingredients. We had cheese, sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion & black olive.
Legends Cafe is on 441 in Fruitland Park just a mile south of Phillips Pontiac.
You might want to give them a try. Small restaurant with pizza, subs, calzones, wings & a few other sandwichs.

[Bosoxfan]

We found the best NY pizza right in Lake Sumpter Landing. Bravo Pizza. :#1: It's the best Pizza we have found since moving to Fl. :bigthumbsup: We currently live in Miami, but bought a home in The V 3 years ago. We visit often and our favorite place to eat pizza is Bravo. They have the right formula of cheese sauce and oil. The crust is thin and chewy. Makes my mouth water just to think of it. Can't wait to get back up there in July. 040

:yuck::eek: I can't believe it...you're not from anywhere that has good pizza..Are you? Bravo to me is one of the most boring pizza's I've ever eaten.The sauce is bland ..the cheese has no taste..I asked for garlic and couldn't even tatse that!! The crust was o.k. Mouth watering? I agree with the post about pizza in boston...now that's pizza !!:22yikes:

[gemorc]

Everyone has their own opinion as to what is, or who makes the best pizza. Almost without exception, it is usually from your hometown. Myself, being from southeastern MI, grew up with Domino's and Little Caesar's. Laugh as you might, both of these large chains started out as neighborhood pizza shops in the Ann Arbor and Detroit area.

[Russ_Boston]

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

You said laugh - so I did:laugh:

There had to be better pizza places than that. Or the originals were much better than the franchise result. Heck Domino's even realized it and completely changed their recipe recently. And is Little Caesar's even around anymore? All of them near me went out of business.

[Whatever]

Locally, Little Joey's on 441 and Giovanni's.

[ssmith]

Here I sit In Fort Wayne, Indiana and am getting hungry for Gino's East pizza in Chicago. Well at least I won't have to count those calories...next to impossible.

Good post TH

SSmith

[Sally Jo]

SSSmith--- Hi, fellow Ft. Wayner. Gino's East is our favorite pizza, too. Whenever, we are in Chicago, we make sure it is one of our stops.

[beartrack]

Boy oh Boy, huge thread about Pizza. As a man born and raised in Brooklyn NY and spending my entire working life in Bklyn, Queens and " DA CITY " and by the way, in the restaurant business. I have the answer to all of your queries. If you crave great Pizza, Chinese, German or really fantastic Jewish Deli here in The Villages. May I suggest " JET BLUE " to LaGuardia or Kennedy. Rent a car and go through the Mid-Town tunnel. Turn right for the best Steak Houses anywhere or turn left for all the rest. ENJOY...MANGIA

[ssmith]

Whaaat, another Fort Wayner who loves Gino's East Pizza?!?! You certainly have good taste. Not everyone would understand!!!

[Chi-Town]

Lou Malnati's has one of the best Chicago style deep dish pizza. It is right there with Gino's East and Pizzeria Due. And you can have it sent to your home using this link:

http://www.loumalnatis.com/About/ship%20it.aspx

I used to have them shipped to friends who moved. Now I will be a recipient. They claim to ship 250,000 pizzas a year.

[Russ_Boston]

Almost cheaper to fly there and get it in person:)

Hmmm, maybe I'll do that!

[beartrack]

I guess Chicago pizza is okay, If you like that sort of thing but, this thread started out talking about " New York Style Pizza ". In The Villages or any other place in the state of Fla. I promise you, " It aint gonna happen " You see, A slice of Pizza made in New York is so big and so heavy you have to fold it and then eat it with two hands. Then the cheese follows the slice all the way back to where you started and you have to separate it with your fingers. You never, never, eat Pizza in New York with a knife and fork. You might find yourself getting arrested or worse. Well thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

[gemorc]

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

You said laugh - so I did:laugh:

There had to be better pizza places than that. Or the originals were much better than the franchise result. Heck Domino's even realized it and completely changed their recipe recently. And is Little Caesar's even around anymore? All of them near me went out of business.

I agree with Dennis Miller. Your opinion just might be wrong.

[zcaveman]

I like Pauley's in Mulberry and Snappy's pizza in Plaza Grande. I used to love Snappy's 2 mediums for $13 on Tuesday but they stopped that promotion a while back.

For Pauley's pizza I can take the cart to pick it up and bring it home to eat.

[Russ_Boston]

I agree with Dennis Miller. Your opinion just might be wrong.

Actually Dennis Miller said HIS opinion might be wrong:)

[joannej]

Whenever we're at the Jersey shore in Ocean City NJ, we love Mack & Manko's pizza. The pizza has thin crust and is very cheesy. Mmnn makes me hungry just thinking about it now. Haven't found any place close to that in Pittsburgh area or here in the Villages. We go to CiCi's pizza because it's close to where we live here in TV.

[Whatever]

So far as I'm concerned this is totv and I don't realy care about comparing your pizza in Chicago, NY, KC, LA or anywhere else. What have you found to be the best pizza in, around or near the Villages?

[Bogie Shooter]

So far as I'm concerned this is totv and I don't realy care about comparing your pizza in Chicago, NY, KC, LA or anywhere else. What have you found to be the best pizza in, around or near the Villages?
:agree:

Wanted to say that for a long time!

[Russ_Boston]

So far as I'm concerned this is totv and I don't realy care about comparing your pizza in Chicago, NY, KC, LA or anywhere else. What have you found to be the best pizza in, around or near the Villages?

This thread has 133 replies - many of which talk about their fav in/around TV. You'll never stop people from talking about their regional bias.

[Pturner]

So far as I'm concerned this is totv and I don't realy care about comparing your pizza in Chicago, NY, KC, LA or anywhere else. What have you found to be the best pizza in, around or near the Villages?

I enjoy reading about where TOTVers live(d) and descriptions of their favorite pizza.
:beer3:

[Chi-Town]

So far as I'm concerned this is totv and I don't realy care about comparing your pizza in Chicago, NY, KC, LA or anywhere else. What have you found to be the best pizza in, around or near the Villages?
Follow this link and wait for UPS. Then you'll have the best pizza in TV.

http://www.loumalnatis.com/About/ship%20it.aspx

[zcaveman]

Pizza is pizza. I have had pizza in Chicago, New York, NJ, and Florida to name a few places. Pizza is only as good as the person who eats it thinks it is.

To me the crust must be a little crisp and the tomato sauce zesty and the cheese hot and firm. The onions, peppers, and mushrooms ingredients should be semi crisp. I do not like ground beef or sausage on my pizza but I will take pepperoni.

But then that is me.

[gemorc]

Pizza is pizza. I have had pizza in Chicago, New York, NJ, and Florida to name a few places. Pizza is only as good as the person who eats it thinks it is.

To me the crust must be a little crisp and the tomato sauce zesty and the cheese hot and firm. The onions, peppers, and mushrooms ingredients should be semi crisp. I do not like ground beef or sausage on my pizza but I will take pepperoni.
But then that is me.

Totally agree. I like ham on mine also.

[GatbTester]

The best Pizza I have found, near the New York taste and style, is at Belleview Pizza and Italian Restaurant on 441 North, just past the 301 split. The Pizza and Italian dishes are hard to beat. Get there early because a line forms after 5PM.:crap2::crap2:

[otherbruddaDarrell]

For pizza here at TV where you can set down and eat.....Pauleys in Spanish Springs.
You can also get a 75 cent beer!
Over the years I have had better pizza....including at the place we owned, but that is past history.
For the here and now.....we get it from Pauleys or Snappy Tomato.
Support the local businesses first.:thumbup:

[elevatorman]

I like Little Joey's on 441. Best Italian I have found in this area.

[Taking it easy]

Just responded to someone yesterday about their experience at Taki's and realized maybe I should put something under Pizza as well. If you like Greek style pizza which is not like New york Style and not deep dish like Chicago style it is right in between then this is the place for you. Only, I highly recommend you go to the location in Leesburg where the owners take great pride in their food as well as the management who are also Greek. Located on 441 after it splits off from 27 on the left hand side of the road. If this is your kind of pizza or just looking for something new, you won't be dissapointed. They have an extensive menu if you are looking for something else too. Thought I would throw that in because I saw a few bad write ups about Taki's but they are referring to the one in the Villages in front of Lowes. Totally different owners and quality. Hope this helps!

[chuckinca]

Belleview Pizza - best around these parts!

[chuckinca]

Just responded to someone yesterday about their experience at Taki's and realized maybe I should put something under Pizza as well. If you like Greek style pizza which is not like New york Style and not deep dish like Chicago style it is right in between then this is the place for you. Only, I highly recommend you go to the location in Leesburg where the owners take great pride in their food as well as the management who are also Greek. Located on 441 after it splits off from 27 on the left hand side of the road. If this is your kind of pizza or just looking for something new, you won't be dissapointed. They have an extensive menu if you are looking for something else too. Thought I would throw that in because I saw a few bad write ups about Taki's but they are referring to the one in the Villages in front of Lowes. Totally different owners and quality. Hope this helps!

Was in Taki's by Lowe's for dinner two nights ago - place was packed.