Did someone say pizza?
For the last four months I have been on following a healthier eating plan and overall I am very pleased with the results. I look better and feel better, and I want the trend to continue.
I have no intention of undoing my hard work by returning to my old habits, but I still have to find ways to work in my favorite foods and stay inside my calorie-stingy limits. And one of those favorite foods is pizza.
I love all kinds of pizza: Deep dish, thin crust, flatbread, French bread, meat lovers, veggie lovers, Brooklyn, Hawaiian, hot, cold, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all points in between.
As long as it’s tasty crust topped with tomato sauce and gooey cheese, I am so there.
I know many people are passionate about pizza, and the debate rages between Chicago-style and New York-style. I remain a fan of both, although being from the Midwest I must admit that a good, Windy City-style deep-dish pie is like comfort food.
Growing up in Indianapolis, my favorite pizza was from a chain called Noble Roman’s. They served what they called deep dish, Sicilian-style pizza. It was not authentic Sicilian, which is more like bread with ingredients baked inside it, not on top of it.
But when you are a kid, authenticity matters less than taste, and this stuff was awesome.
The crust was thick, baked in a small, square pan. The best pieces were the corners, where you got the most of the tender, buttery, golden brown crust. Circles of tomato sauce were baked on top of the cheese and other meats and veggies.
With a side of thick, chewy breadsticks and fiery jalapeno cheese dip, it was heaven on a plate.
Another favorite is from a little place in Speedway, Ind., called Mug and Bun. This more of the New York-style thin crust, but it’s oh-so-good and a must-have when tailgating near the race track. The crust is crisp but not cracker-like, the toppings are fresh and cheese is gooey and plentiful. I can almost taste it now.
My typical pizza stops here in the Valley area are Bellacino’s in Daleville (the number is saved in my cell phone) Grace’s in Grandin Village and Goodfellaz on Brambleton.
Pizza for me now is like cookies for the Cookie Monster: It’s a sometimes food. The way I look at it, when I want to indulge myself, I want the best. So I am open for suggestions of other places to try.
What is your favorite style of pizza and where do you go for it here?
September 25, 2008 - 5:23 PM
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FRANKS is the best place for pizza in Roanoke!!! Everywhere my husband and I have moved (Rocky Mount, Bedford, Roanoke) there has always been a Franks Pizza nearby, thank goodness because we visit regularly. We always order with pepperoni & mushrooms:) Mmmmm Good.
Here in Charlie West, There is a place that makes pizza like Villa Sorento. I miss Villa Sorento.
NOOOO! The Deli on Walnut in Old Southwest is the best “local” pizza around. No confusing this pizza with chain stuff.
My favorite places locally for pizza are Gracie’s Pizzeria, love the Napolitana pizza there.
New York Pizza in Vinton, of course, for their sicilian style pizza(not to mention their excellent cheesesteak’s!).
Haven’t had it in a couple years but Jimmy V’s used to have a really great barbeque chicken pizza!
And there used to be this place on Main St. in Buchanan(bit of a drive for some, I know)that I think was called La Pizza and they had pizza just as good, if not better,than the places I already mentioned.
Anyone know if it’s still open? Or moved to another location?
The place in Buchanan is called Carini’s. It is still very good.
For those who haven’t had a pizza from PKs in Blacksburg, you are completely missing out. A little ranch to dip your crust in when you are done…sorry it doesn’t get better than that.
These days I mostly eat “high-end” frozen pizzas at home. But my favorite variety is pepperoni & mushroom, which for some reason is impossible to find in frozen brands even though it seems to be fairly popular among pizza-lovers… Anyone have any idea why?
Grace’s is very good, too bad it’s always slammed at the times we’d like to go. Humble Pie in Salem is not bad either, if you like specialty pizzas.
I’m a big fan of the small “brick oven” pizzas at some general-menu restaurants around here. Corned Beef, Fork in the Alley, and 419 West all have wonderful pizza offerings. If I had to pick a favorite style of pizza, this would probably be it. But of course variety is the spice of life…
We bought a pizza stone and make our own pizza. The crust is hard to make. You have to heat the stone, cook the crust and then pour on the ingredients.
But I’m a sucker for a thin-n-crispy from Pizza Hut or Dominoes.
Henry, I have a pizza stone, too. It’s a wonderful tool. It can make frozen pizza or store-bought crusts taste so much better, and it’s great for reheating cold pizza, too.
I just don’t have the patience to make my own dough, but I certainly admire those who do.
A tip I hear often on the Food Network is to stop at your favorite pizza place and buy uncooked dough. I have never tried that, not sure if very many places would even do it, but it’s seems like a good solution for the dough-challenged among us who still want to control our own ingredients.
At Sam’s Club, you can buy uncooked pizza dough – it’s on the menu at their little snack bar.
Their pizza is surprisingly good – you can get 2 slices and a drink for less than 3 bucks. Plenty of spicy pepperoni and other toppings and not too much sauce.
I’ve been partial to Franks since moving to Rocky Mount. We did enjoy the town’s Pizza Hut… until it burnt down. Deep dish pizza used to be my fav, but my hubby has me eating NY style whenever possible. I’m a lover, not a chooser. I’ll take both, thank you!
When I was a kid, in upstate NY, I used to eat at a place called, “Pudgies Pizza.” It was cheap and greasy. Also, there was a Pac-Man game in the back corner. What a hang-out!
Highlander’s in Oak Grove Plaza has great pizza. Try the Brooklyn Bridge, fresh tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, mozzarella. Their crust is excellent. Another fave is Mama Maria’s in Salem. Mama Concetta’s in Christiansburg as well, if only they weren’t so far…
Erin , has it always been called Carini’s?
The last time I was there was probably 12-14 years ago.
Yeah, long time ago.
Thanks for the info though! Much appreciated.
I’d like to know if anyone has tried the Food Network tip you mentioned. I do make my own crust at times, but would like to be able to buy something other than Pillsbury’s in a can or the Bobboli crusts.
Okay this is my area of expertise. I’m from Long Island, NY and grew up on pizza, still buy pizza once a week, and have made my own as well. Thin crust is my thing. New York Pizza in Vinton is okay, though a little expensive and I don’t live anywhere near there anymore. We discovered Franks at Hunting Hills a number of years back and knew the manager then. Joey was indeed from NY and we had great conversations with him. Then we moved to Fra.Co. and found Franks at Rocky Mount with two more authentic NY’ers running the show. It’s heaven to listen to their accents and gaze at the posters of Yankee Stadium and the NYC Skyline. It’s where we go every week. We usually just a get plain cheese as I have a vegetarian daughter and vegie hating son. If I get to choose my own pie though it is green peppers, tomato and onion. Yum! No Dominoes, no Pizza Hut. Flat, thin, cheesy, greasy heaven. I can throw in the NY accent still. How you doin’?
I have a stone, bake my own dough, make a wicked calzone, but prefer storebought, Franks. And I used to make my mom bring me a pie from NY when she came down to visit. Now all she has to bring is bagels.
Hey, it’s Friday, and I’m hittin’ Franks on the way home (for the kids’ sake of course!).
I’m not sure if it’s the same Noble Roman’s, or if it’s a chain copy, but there’s something with the same name in the Carilion hospitals. I never thought it was much good.
I’ve often wondered about that too, Nona.
Maybe when Lindsey finishes editing, we can con(vince) her to get us a list of local pizza places that will sell us their dough?
My husband loves Goodfella’s!
I agree with Henry, though – thin crust is my favorite and there’s none better than Pizza Hut or Pizza Den!
While living in Myrtle Beach, I became accustomed to a chain known as California Ultimate Pizza. They offer pies with choices of over 120 toppings, such as Filet Mignon, Artichoke Hearts, Sundried Tomatoes, Smoked Gouda, etc…. I wish there was someplace similiar here in the Valley.
While visiting Cinca Terra in Italy, I had a delicious pizza with Calimari (squid) and Cappicola (Salami type sausage). Nothing like American pies
I have a pizza stone too, ad love to make my own pizzas. I haven’t had the stone that long though and am still working on the wrist action to get the pizza from the paddle on to the stone w/out toppings falling off or sliding. I’ll have to try Henry’s suggestion and cook the crust first. That might make it easier.
Call me crazy…but I really like Chico’s Spinach and Feta pie…regardless of health reports…that which does not kill you…
Heather:
No doubt you are familiar with Ray’s in NYC, the best in the world. Franks is patterned after it, but there’s no place like Ray’s.
Hey, does anybody remember the name of the place tucked back in the left corner of the office complex (Lamplighter?) on Williamson Road kinda across from Happy’s flea market? I remember going there in the late 70′s and getting filled up on 2 pieces it was so thick…2″ minimum. I can still remember how good their pizza was, but the name escapes me…ain’t old age a B.
Since Chico & Billy’s closed on Brambleton, the only thing to really take care of my fix is Mellow Mushroom. Unfortunately, the closest one is in Charlottesville. Not cheap, but unlike every place else they don’t wave the toppings over their pizza. A loaded pizza there is LOADED.
The best thing about Frank’s in Rocky Mount is that they use the flat, sliced sausage. Love that kind…
Take my advice Heather, Mellow Mushroom is the bomb. Take a road trip up to UVA-land one weekend, you won’t be disappointed!
Thanks, Lindey, for the suggestions because I’ve never been to the pizza places in Rke you mentioned. When I visit I’ll have to try at least one. I grew up going to Carini’s and really liked it.
Mellow Mushroom does make a great pizza. When I lived in Nashville, I used to go to the one near Vanderbilt whenever I was in that part of town. It would be great to get one here in Roanoke.
Being a former Yankee, I will not weigh in on the local pizza. But I was laughing when I read Amy’s comment about Pudgie’s. THAT bring some memories! Tell me what area are you from Amy? I was raised around Rochester/Buffalo, and boy do I know some GREAT pizza places there.
I still for the life of me do not know why some of those pizza joints or Italian restaurants don’t move down here. They would make a KILLING.
First, some comment on the comments. Mark, was it Paulo’s that was in LL Mall? Rigby and Erin, I’m pretty sure Rigby is talking about a place other than Carini’s, don’t know the name though. Carini’s in Buchanan has just been there for 1-2 years at the most. They moved there from West Salem Plaza in Salem when the owner of that mall was getting ready to sell it. Mark, I’m also a fan of those brick oven pizzas that you are talking about! I agree that “Fork” has a VERY good one! Surprisingly, T-Bone Jack’s in Salem (now closed) had a delicious brick oven pizza! That was my favorite thing there. I have tried Frank’s in a couple of valley locations but haven’t been impressed…esp. w/ the one in Salem! Mellow Mushroom does have great pizza, but like Mark said it’s in C’ville, two hrs away. I like Grace’s, and I like Mama Maria’s in Salem. But my very favorite pizza that is still available in the Roanoke Valley is from Mac and Bob’s in Salem. Hand tossed NY style pizza, it’s wonderful. Recently we learned that you can request a “thinner” crust. Not “thin” crust like a cracker, but a thinner hand tossed crust and it’s wonderful. We get it w/ pepperoni and anything and just pig out!
We’ve lived in all parts of VA from Richmond to Roanoke to Big Stone Gap and back to Salem, and I’d have to say Frank’s Pizza in Salem is about the best pizza in the Commonwealth!! Running a close second in our family is Pizza Hut.
Lentini’s Pizza on Hollins Road in North County has great pizza!
I believe Mark is thinking of Faroh’s, which was out that way and later moved down toward the Peter’s Creek intersection. Or he could be thinking of the Village Inn.
Carini’s is the new name. However, I believe it is in the same building. If you haven’t tried it, you might want to.
I don’t know about the local restaruants but whenever I go to a Trader Joes I pack a cooler and buy several bags of their refrigerated pizza dough. It freezes beautifully and is only 99 cents! We use it to make homemade pizzas, either on a stone or on the grill. I bet Frank’s would sell the dough – has anybody asked yet?
Also if you haven’t tried Tito’s on Brambleton they have awesome pizzas – better than Franks and I think theirs is great.
I like the Goodfellaz on Peters Creek Road… almost as good as my all-time favorite, Q-Pid’s Pizza in Vinton 20-30 years ago.
There are two pizza places in Buchanan. The one little one on the right as you get into town, which might be LA’s, near the theatre, and down almost at the bridge, the Italian place on the left, which is Carini’s.
WOW, this has been a very energetic discussion about the ‘za. If I may just throw in my opinion, I’d vote for New York Pizza and Frank’s pizza for homemade take-out. I also still have faith in El Buen Gusto, the Latin/Italian joint on Williamson Road. They once had too much cheese and not enough sauce, but the toppings are generous, they use real sliced Italian sausage instead of those gerbil bits and the crust is really not bad. For more chain pizza/delivery style I do like the Goodfella’s above the usual corporate pizza. They have a nice selection of toppings.
If it’s just a weeknight and I’m feeling cheap, I’ll buy a frozen pizza from the grocery store and doctor it up with artichokes, mushrooms, tomato, extra cheese and the like. It’s always a hit, too.
Highlander Pizza at Oak Grove Plaza makes excellent pizza, especially their thin crust pizza. Unfortunately, they will not remain in business very long due to terrible service. We have ordered about 7 pizzas since they opened and we always go down and pick it up. They do not even put the pizza in the oven until we walk in the door to pick it up. But when you call to order, they never ask for a name or phone number. Apparently, they don’t trust pick up pizzas but don’t have the sense to ask for info when it is ordered.
My husband and I stopped in for lunch a month ago and had subs. They were very good but as my husband was biting into the last of his, he found a plastic ring, the kind that are on the end of loaves of bread. We paid the bill first and then my husband offered the plastic ring to the cashier. He never said sorry, thanks for bringing this to my attention or anything else.
They have lost some good customers in spite of their good pizzas.
Esquisito’s (fromerly Rico’s) on Peters Creek and Cove in the Food Lion shopping center is incredible. Authentic Italian style. Great 2 pizza special, great Philly cheese steak also.
Goodfellas’ is also very good pizza.
MELLOW MUSHROOM! Loved it in Winston-Salem!!!!!!
Me again. I LOVE this! What fun! I want to comment on Highlander’s Pizza after reading Rose’s comment. We went there about three weeks ago for lunch and had a young lady for our server. She was awesome! She really knew what she was doing and gave excellent service! My wife had a sub, I had a calzone, food was great along w/ the service. A week later we’re back w/ another person, and it was HORRIBLE!!! Our “server” barely spoke English, he didn’t pay any attention when we were ordering, all three of our meals were wrong and the food wasn’t good. And he didn’t even offer to fix any of the problems or say I’m sorry or anything. I’ll NEVER go back! And we were really talking the place up, too, after our first visit. Now all we’ll be giving out are bad reviews…stay away! At the end I just paid the bill and didn’t say anything, deemed it too much trouble to argue w/ this person. NO TIP at all, something I never do! I agree w/ Rose, if they keep that up they won’t be there long!
In my earlier posting I left out Humble Pie pizza place. I really like their pizza, and I like having all of the choices that you have, not only for toppings but for sauces as well. And it’s always buy one get one free pizza, a really good deal. I can get a really good “Greek” pizza there!
Dennis I hate it when that happens. Talk good about a place to someone then when they go there complete let down.
I vote for Original Italian Pizza in Bedford. Prices are great so are the toppings and you can get a pizza the size of those wheels kids like on their cars these days. Just realized I haven’t been there in a year.
Also Bella Pizza in Cloverdale has been good but haven’t been there in years. Had forgotten about them.
Carini’s in Salem was OK. Fair pizza at a fair price but never thought them to be clean.
See two votes for Humble Pie. I personally don’t like them. Sometime it’s just plain nasty.
The first pizza place in Buchanan is Marcello’s Pizza. Never been there haven’t heard much so don’t know about them. Hopefully someone here has eaten there and can tell us how it is. If it good I’m there next time I’m camping near by on one of those “I’m lazy and don’t want to cook days.”
Thanks Mike – that was it…FAROH’S. Man I loved that place. Are they still down near Peters Creek?
Tom Banks – Thanks! Yeah the place I was thinking of was near the theatre. Hope it is still as good as I remember!!
And in regards to the place at Lamplighter Mall, somebody had the name right, just not the spelling.
It was Ferro’s, and yes they did move on down Williamson to where Lew’s is now near Hollins.
Used to go there as a kid and they were the only place in town with square cut pizza at the time.Excellent thin crust pizza!
Mellow Mushroom is good! Wish we’d get one here.
Holy cow!! Are we still talking about pizza?
Great going…
Frozen bread dough will usually substitute nicely for pizza dough. I think Kroger’s will sometimes offer it. Will Ukrops or other grocery stores? Anyone know?
I love tossing a good pizza, but hate making the dough.
To Debbie — to get the dough from the peel to the pan, put cracker meal on the peel, put the dough on the cracker meal. Slides right off.
Well, since Papa is not around to make the pies at Villa Sorrenta, which was THE best there ever was, I would have to say their relatives (even though they may not admit it) at the Deli Shoppe on Walnut ave is one of the best. You always know when George is the cook, that is the best pie!
No, Ferros moved into the “then” new mall at the intersection of Peters Creek & Williamson, after they left Lamplighter Mall. The place that is now Lew’s previously was Bud’s Pizza King. They were the ones with the square cut pizzas (which by the way, were cut that way so you wouldn’t notice they used pre-made crusts.)
Mike, Mark – - It was Ferro’s in Lamplighter Mall. T-H-E best pizza I’ve ever had, before or since, and that includes stops at various places when I was in Yankeeland. The crust was fantastic; I don’t know what the secret ingredient was, but it tasted great. My pals and I used to hit the place at least once a week, from Bedford,in the 70′s. Some of them were big boys, & it was all we could do to put a Sicilian away. But we did! They re-modeled and enlarged the restaurant once, but then I think they just got out of the business; I was never sure of the reason. They were plenty busy. Man, I miss that place!
Pat, I remember Ferro’s too! My Dad used to take my sister and me at least once a week for a half cheese Sicilian…it was awesome!!! Like you, I believe it was the best pizza I have ever had!
It was Ferro’s pizza and the sicilian was pre made from scratch by my father, the dough was placed in rectangular pans, allowed to rise and then pulled from the walk in fridge when needed. This was all done to make it thick, fluffy and square, Sicilian style. The regular dough was made by scratch by him as well. However, as you all know, that dough is also allowed to rise before its used and is then manipulated in front of the customers “the show” to spread it from a small dough ball to a large flat round pie. I live in ny and his pizza is still the best!
OMG, Ferros had the BEST pizza I have EVER had. STILL miss that place!
2nd place would have to go to the lady’s at Davis Pizza, so greasy they had to give you newspapers for the ride home but OMG delicious!!