$4.99 Lunch Special at 'I Love NY Pizza' in Clermont, FL

I LOVE NY Pizza
 532 Cagan Park Ave, Clermont, FL 34714

Phone: (352) 432-3928

I was doing some shopping in the Cagan Crossings shopping center located right off of Hwy 27 in the Four Corners area of Clermont this week, and a sign caught my eye.  I'm always down to save some scrilla, and I'm definitely always ready to try out a new pizza joint, so I stepped in for lunch to give it a try. 

Two Slices for $4.99 and a fountain drink of your choice included (with unlimited refills).   Not a bad deal IF.. the pizza is up to par.

I ordered two cheese slices with no additional toppings. I often do this for two reasons.  First, I've drastically cut down on my consumption of meat, especially that of the processed variety.  Second.. there may be no better way to size up a pizzeria's skills than by ordering a plain cheese slice.  Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. There's nothing for them to hide behind with a plain cheese pizza.  Quite simply.. the crust, sauce, and cheese, are the three most important aspects in the crafting any good pie.  So how was it?  Here are my thoughts.

The slices were served on a huge plate, which doesn't do them justice in regards to how big they are. Upon first bite, I could instantly see that the crust was definitely the star of this pizza. You can tell they had a very good fermentation time on the dough, as it was full of flavor, crispy in all the right places, with a nice medium lift to the end crust. 

The cheese was of pretty good quality, with a nice buttery flavor that wasn't overly salty. The sauce was pretty good as well. I would have liked to seen a little bit more, but that's just personal preference.  in fact, I'm not sure if it wouldn't have thrown off the whole balance of these slices. In retrospect, I think the thin layer of sauce really worked. It brought together the contrast of the crust, and richness of the cheese. 

All in all, this is an incredible value for $4.99! Not to mention the stellar service I received. A lot of places will write you off knowing that you're only going to spend five or six bucks, and try to get you in and out as quick as possible.  However, my waitress Gabby was super attentive, never letting my glass a soda come close to getting empty, constantly checked on me to see if I needed anything at all. The sweetheart also offered me a to-go cup of soda when I was ready to leave.

Final thoughts

I wouldn't call this pizza straight up New York style. The signage outside of the building can be a little misleading, and I walked in expecting a authentic New York style pizza joint. This is not that. But rather, in Italian restaurant that makes is a pretty dang good pie. That being said, they've now got me on the hook, and I will definitely be back to try more of their Fare besides just their Pizza. 

Incredible value, great service, and dang good pizza. What more could you ask for? This place is pretty close to where I live, so I will definitely be visiting more often when I need my pizza fix, and will be laughing all the way to the bank because of the insane value.

Visit I Love NY Pizza Online

My 1st Cauliflower Pizza experience at Pienezza in Kissimmee, FL

So it's happened. Time has caught up with me.  As I push 50 years of age, check ups at the doctor have revealed I need to get my health in check.  I'm the kind of guy that likes to grab the bull by the horns and correct problems as quickly as possible.  After a consult with my physician last month, I've totally changed my eating habits. Surprisingly, it's not something that I mind at all.  I love all kinds of fruit and vegetables, as I grew up eating incredibly healthy thanks to my Mother.  However, one thing stuck in the back of my mind that worried me.

What the heck was I going to do about my love for pizza in regards to eating healthy? Well, I had been hearing people sing the Praises of cauliflower crust pizza for several years now. With gluten allergies and the diabetes on the rise across the nation, it's an option many people have switched to. For some reason however, I put off trying cauliflower pizza.  Quite honestly, it just seemed kind of sacrilegious to make a pizza without flour. However, my health is very important to me, and I decided to give it a try.

Pienezza Pizza

3236 N John Young Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 

Pizza Chap rating..

5 out of 5 slices

Pienezza Pizzeria is located at 'The Loop' shopping center in Kissimmee. I've been following them on Instagram for the last year, often commenting on their delicious looking pizzas and other food items they would regularly post.  Now, I've finally made it over to their side of town to try their fare.  I was good and ready to sink my teeth into some pizza, as I hadn't eaten any in over a month.  (Cruel and terrible torture I must say)

Pienezza's 'Hey Brooklyn' Personal Pizza

Pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic and extra cheese.

I ordered up Pienezza's ten inch personal pizza, and was blown away.  The crust looked similar to a rolled thin crust, or even flatbread crust with no rise to it.   It charred quite nicely and consistently, and much to my surprise.. tasted and felt like an honest to goodness pizza crust!

Up and above the impressive cauliflower crust, the rest of the pie was equally as impressive.  The vegetables tasted fresh and savory.  The meats were flavorsome, the cheese was of high quality, and the sauce was neither too bold or bland, which served as the perfect blanket of tanginess that helped bring balance to the entire palette.

If the euphoria of the great tasting pie was grand enough.. it suddenly dawned on me that this was the least amount of carbs I had ever consumed in regards to a pizza!  This makes me happy to no end, and I will definitely be finding/making excuses to make it over to Pienezza's side of town more often to try more of their amazing creations.

Pienezza indeed has an incredible gluten free cauliflower crust, but they offer vegan options that I'm curious to investigate as well.  I haven't even mentioned their appetizers, sandwiches, salads and desserts! Take a peak at what they have to offer at Pienezza online

Also.. if you need to stimulate your hunger, visit their Instagram..

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Today’s a la vodka creation... #spinach #alavodka #pizza #bytheslice

A post shared by Pienezza Pizza (@pienezzapizza) on Jun 2, 2019 at 9:30am PDT

Review - Napoli's Pizzeria in Minneola, Florida

I stumbled upon a pizzeria the other day while I was out running errands called Napoli's Pizzeria located in Minneola Florida. It was pretty busy at the height of lunch time. 

I ordered a small 'Napoli Special' which sported Pepperoni, Sausage, Peppers, Mushrooms, and Onions.  It was a ten inch pizza cut with four slices, and was pretty darn good.  I wouldn't call it authentic Neapolitan style per say, but it's definitely in the family.  It's obviously more of an artisan style pie, hand crafted, with

Hot out of the oven the bottom of the crust was nice and crispy, and the end crust firm and not too bready.

The ingredients were pretty good.  The mushrooms were fresh, as were the peppers and onions.  The peppers were cut a little too thick for my liking, but they tasted great.  Pepperoni and sausage crumbles were of good quality, and the sauce had a mild but spicy pop to it.

All in all a good solid pie.  I will definitely stop back in if ever in the neighborhood, as I'm anxious to try some of their other offerings. In fact.. the person sitting at the table next to me ordered a mouth watering chicken parm sub that I definitely want to try out soon!

Napoli's Pizzeria

556 South, US-27, Minneola, FL 34715

Blackjack Pizza.. a Colorado staple since 1983

I'm a big fan of Blackjack Pizza. Open in Colorado since 1983, Blackjack focuses on quality pizza with the motto "Better Pizza, Better Price". Vince Schmuhl, an ex Dominos Pizza employee, saw plenty of room for competition in a market where Dominos was the major player for pizza delivery in Colorado at the time. Blackjack's entrance into the market was a welcomed one, and the chain is a Colorado favorite to this day with 45 stores now in operation in four states. While I have a real appreciation for the delicious quality pizza that Blackjack turns out, my admiration for the company runs a bit deeper than that.

Back in the 90s, I operated my own business, and experienced a slow streak during the span of one year. The business wasn't doing so hot, I had some family medical bills that were piling up, and I decided it was time to generate some additional income in my spare time. I popped in at the Blackjack in Loveland Colorado to see if they needed any pizza delivery drivers. They in fact did, and hired me right on the spot. I started that very evening delivering pizzas from afternoon to midnight.

 As the weeks passed, the manager started having me work around the store a bit more. After a few months, he started teaching me how to make pizzas. He taught me the intricacies of topping proportions, dough making, and taught me how to hand toss pizza dough (a skill I still utilize to this very day). While I originally dreaded taking on a second job, I found myself immensely enjoying the experience of being right in the middle of the busy and sometimes hectic pizzeria. I had loved pizza all of my life, and it was quite satisfying to know that I now had a part in making something that would bring folks the joy, happiness, and contentment that I had experienced so many times in my life.

My business finally picked up once again in the spring, and I found myself somberly parting ways with Blackjack Pizza. I had a standing offer to come back if I ever needed a job again, but that would be the last time I would work in a Pizzeria.  My experience of working for Blackjack was a very positive one. It had such a strong effect on me, that I even considered opening my own pizzeria for awhile some years later.

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A post shared by The Pizza Chap (@thepizzachap) on Aug 30, 2016 at 1:15pm PDT

Blackjack is still going strong, and will most likely always be the Colorado favorite as far as local pizza places go. I believe it's because they focus on the things that matter, like pleasing their customers, and giving back to the community.

Back when I lived in Colorado, Blackjack was always my go-to pizza place for delivery.  Now that I live in Florida, I was incredibly shocked to learn a Blackjack Pizzeria has opened up in Bonita Springs!  It's nowhere close to where I live, but it gives me hope that the chain will catch on out here, and I can once again enjoy the pizza my family and I loved and enjoyed for so many years.

Visit Blackjack Online

Review - "Supremus Maximus" from Screamin' Sicilian Pizza Co.

There are some great things happening in the world of frozen pizza.  Consumers are demanding higher quality and healthier options, and companies are listening.  Pizza's made with all natural ingredients and no preservatives are becoming ever more available, and I for one am loving it!

Enter Screamin' Sicilian pizza.  I've sing their praises to anyone who will listen and am going to do so again.  So without any further delay, here's my review on the wonder that is the "Supremus Maximus".

Retro Dad rating..
5 out of 5 slices!

Screamin' Sicilian's Supremus Maximus is a Supreme pizza made with incredible whole milk mozzarella cheese from Wisconsin, heaping piles of rough-chopped pepperoni, enormous orbs of Italian sausage, strips of fire-roasted onions and red & green bell peppers, and black olives.

Before I cooked this pizza, I had to snap an up close picture of the toppings.  I knew this was going to be a special pie when I took a gander at the roasted peppers and onions you see above!

As soon as I pulled this beauty from the oven, I sampled a few of the roasted peppers and onions.  I was shocked to find how crispy the onions were, and how incredibly sweet the peppers tasted. 

The rough-chopped pepperoni was of the utmost quality, and I can't say enough good things about the sweet Italian sausage! Not only were the pieces huge, but the sausage is steeped with seasonings and spices that make it incredibly delicious.  I'd even go as far to say that the sausage is better than many pizzeria's out there.  No surprise, as a multitude of pizzerias use mass produced sausage bought from food distributors.  The Zesty Italian tomato sauce played against the Wisconsin whole milk mozzarella perfectly, and was laid on in perfect proportion.

What really continues to impresses me about Screamin' Sicilian frozen pizza's however, is how much they do not taste like frozen pizzas. This is largely in part because of the crust, which is usually a dead giveaway that a pizza is of the frozen variety.  Made from individually rolled dough balls made of wheat, water, olive oil & yeast, it represents a nice stone baked crust that reminds me of past homemade pies I've crafted over the years.

What more can I say?  The Supremus Maximus was a hit with my family, and once again had me ecstatic that I can dine on a frozen pizza that tastes nothing like a frozen pizza.  I have went ahead and bought a few more varieties of these pies, and will review each one as I cook them up, so keep an eye out for the reviews!

Visit Screamin' Sicilian Online

Review - Sal's Pizza and Pasta House in Sarasota Florida

Sal's Pizza and Pasta House 

6582 Gateway Ave Sarasota, FL 34231

Pizza Chap rating..

5 out of 5 slices

Before I officially moved to Florida, I took a few scouting trips to research what part of the state I wanted to live.  On one of those last trips, I discovered a great New York style pizzeria in Sarasota called Sal's.  Being from Colorado, it was at the time, the best New York Style Pie I had eaten in years.  Here are some thoughts on their pizza.

The crust
The crust on this pie was everything a New York style crust should be. Thin and slightly crispy.. but not cracker crispy. A nice puffy and bready edge crust, but nowhere near thick or chewy. The fellow behind the counter hand stretched the dough and hand tossed it in under two minutes. The modest yet incredibly efficient deck oven had the pepperoni pie cooked in about 7 minutes, and it was absolutely cooked to perfection.

The sauce
The balance that a New York style sauce requires is a delicate one. The ingredients call for little more than tomatoes, garlic, and some oregano. Too bold of a sauce will take away from the taste of the cheese, while a weak sauce makes for a bland and uninteresting slice. Sal's sauce was spot on as well as perfectly proportioned to the pie.  It served as the perfect buffer between the rich cheese and the wonderful crust.

Toppings
The high butter fat mozzarella was absolutely amazing, and the mouth watering pepperoni was of the utmost quality.

Their pizza was incredibly and utterly delicious.  The stuff dreams are made of.  Well.. my dreams anyway.  The dining experience at Sal's to me personally was a bit surreal.  The staff, food, and general vibe, made it evident that I was sitting in an honest to goodness New York style Pizzeria. However, once you look out the storefront windows, you see that the pizzeria is juxtaposed with a beach town view complete with palm trees.  At the time, I had never experienced anything like it at a pizzeria, and it was quite fun and refreshing.

The fellow behind the counter knew his way around the kitchen, and for sure around his deck oven. He made an absolutely perfect pie in under ten minutes and didn't resort to cracking the door once.  He knew his oven like the back of his hand, and didn't open it until it was time to pull the pizza out.  I was wondering if it needed a turn or two, or even another minute or so, but the young Pizzaiolo crafted a great tasting pie cooked to perfection.

He hand rolled some bread sticks for us that were both beautiful and tasty.  He also put together a pig in a blanket with pizza dough for my son, which housed a 1/4 lb hot dog and cheese. He was quite friendly as well, asking where we were from (must've been obvious we were out of towners) and was more than happy to shoot the breeze with us, answering our questions about the local sights.

Our visit to Sal's was everything a great dining experience should be.  Rest assured that when I visit Sarasota again soon, I will definitely be popping in for more great food and exceptional service.. all set in the backdrop of a beautiful Florida beach town.

Visit Sal's Online

Review - DiGiorno Crispy Pan Pizza

Our rating..

4 out of 5 slices

I hadn't eaten a DiGiorno frozen pizza in quite some time, but heard some good things about their new Crispy Pan Pizza.  I must admit that I was never a real big fan of DiGiorno's pizza over the years.  I did however take a gamble a while back on trying their Garlic Bread Pizza and was pleasantly surprised, which in turn created a gateway for me to try this one.  I always like to keep some frozen pizza on hand for emergencies, so I figured I would pick one up so I could give it a try next time a late night craving hit.

This three meat pizza comes laden with pepperoni, sausage, beef, and loads of Mozzarella.  The pie comes with its own single use pan which I must say, did an excellent job of crisping up the pizza from edge to edge.  The cheese actually creeps over the edges and helps in creating a crispy and caramelized crust.

I was doubtful that DiGiorno could pull off a crispy pan pie, but they proved me wrong.  The edges and underside of this pizza were nice and crispy, with the interior of the 1+ inch of crust being soft, airy and tender on the inside. I wouldn't quite say it's the same as a homemade or fresh baked pie, but it most definitely tastes closer to homemade than frozen!  More pepperoni and a better sauce to bread ratio would have garnered a higher rating from me, but the pizza was by no means unenjoyable to eat.

I baked the pie at 22 minutes and really should have rotated it once, because I have a hot spot in my oven.  Totally my fault, but I could definitely see cooking these pizzas at 24 minutes plus, being too much for these pies.  Every oven is different, so I would start checking on it at around the 20 minute mark.

As for size, I'd say three to four adults could dine off of these pies (depending on their appetites).  If you're feeding a family of four or five, make sure to buy two of them.  Cutting it up into slightly smaller pieces would make it ideal to put out for party snacks.

All in all.. definitely a bargain for under seven bucks, and I can honestly say that it beats the heck out of anything Papa's, The Hut, or Domino's cranks out.  And THAT my friends, is no small feat for a frozen pizza company to pull off!  DiGiorno's made this Crispy Pan work, and I hope they keep putting the research and development into new products they release.

Visit DiGiorno online