Tony Sacco's at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor opened on Dec. 12, 2012, so to celebrate its first anniversary, the coal oven pizza restaurant has created the "Sacco's Philly Pizza."

The special pizza, available for all of December, includes "Sacco's thin crust dough topped with slices of sautéed beef, caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms and sweet peppers topped with a variety of specialty cheeses," according to a news release. Additionally, Tony Sacco's says it will donate $2 of every large Philly Pizza sold to Make-A-Wish America.

To look back on the year anniversary, check out the video Jean Bonchak produced when she wrote about the pizzeria's opening last December:

J's Pizza Market in Mentor has a couple of specials that are quite fitting for this week's holiday: The Gobbler and the Apple Pie Pizza.

Here's the email J's sent today with a description (and mouth-watering picture) of the pizza:

If you don't have a chance to get one before Thanksgiving, don't worry! J's said it will be available for a couple of weeks after Turkey Day. (Good news for those of us who continue to crave Thanksgiving dinner long after we've left Mom's house.)

The Zeppe’s name is a familiar one to Northeast Ohioans. Its latest endeavor, however, dips its toes into less-than-familiar waters.

Zeppe’s Tavern & Pizzeria in Newbury is the franchise’s newest concept: a full-service restaurant and bar with traditional Zeppe’s offerings plus an extended menu. The pizzas and calzones you’ve come to know are joined by burgers, steaks, seafood and more, and they’re served in a pub-style atmosphere.

A traditional Zeppe’s takeout-and-delivery place is adjacent to the tavern, which makes entry a bit confusing. Pull into the Newbury Center plaza at Kinsman and Auburn Roads, and there are three entrances that seem they could be where to go. The tavern’s is the one furthest east, by the way.

The business has been open only since December 2011, and the tavern smacks of newness. The dining room is open and lively, an entire wall decorated by framed album covers. The bar is one of those half-inside, half-outside set-ups, serving both the dining room and a nice patio area. There’s a fireplace outside, lots of woodwork inside, and a pretty decent flow between the two.

Read more of Correspondent Mark Koestner's review at Dining Out: Zeppe’s Tavern & Pizzeria in Newbury more than typical pizza joint.

Looking forward to this deal I just bought on LivingSocial. I snagged $20 worth of food and non-alcoholic drinks at Pizzazz in Mayfield Village for $10. The deal can be found here and is on for two more days.

Pizzazz has been pumping out delicious Italian fare since 1975. LivingSocial highlights the "overflowing salads topped with meat, cheese, and its signature house Italian dressing," homemade linguine, asiago-stuffed gnocchi, and "piping hot pizzas, cheesy calzones, and mouthwatering sandwiches."

A quick perusal of the menu shows offerings that are making my mouth water just thinking of them. And 25-plus toppings make the pizza combinations seem unending.

View Pizzazz in Mayfield Village in a larger map

-- Nicole Franz | NiFranz@News-Herald.com | @FranzOrFoe

Domino's has been advertising that the public try their new chicken -- and to sweeten the deal, they've been offering a pick-two-for-$5.99 deal. My boyfriend and I recently took them up on the offer, ordering a medium two-topping pizza and boneless wings.

I used to really dislike Domino's, eating it only when it was my sole option. But since the company changed the pizza recipe, I've enjoyed it a lot more. It's still not my favorite pizza, but I'll include it in my regular pizza-eating rotation. The two-topping pizza we ordered this time around (with pepperoni and onion) was just as good as the last time I had Domino's.

But the important part of the meal: the chicken. I was a little disappointed with the amount that we got (but then again, it was only $5.99 for that and the entire pizza, so do I really have much room to complain?). But the chicken was good. It didn't taste like mechanically separated meat paste that had been fried, but actually like fried chicken that you might prepare at home. The hot sauce that came on the side was great for dipping, and gives you the option for plain chicken or to choose your own topping.

We didn't get the wings, but now I'm tempted to take Domino's up on this deal again to see how those stack up.

I would order the boneless wings again, but probably only as a side. I don't think the amount you get would be filling enough for a whole meal, so the chicken might best serve as a side to pizza, allowing everyone to share. And the pick-two-for-$5.99 option is a pretty good deal that you might want to consider taking up.

Click here to see the Domino's menu and find a location near you.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

After reading the article on newly opened Pizza Plus in Wednesday's News-Herald, I was really looking forward to trying a pie from the Eastlake eatery. So on Friday, my boyfriend and I ordered a deep dish with cheese, pepperoni, onions and tomatoes for take-out. We called our order in early and still had to wait, but it was sooo worth it. I have never tasted better pizza crust, and the toppings were all fresh and delicious.

Pizza Plus will likely be my go-to pizza place now. While I might be paying more and waiting longer than I would with a national chain, the quality and taste make the extra time and expense worth it.

Want to see more of the pizza? Check out Jean Bonchak's video (below) or click the above link to read her article from Wednesday's Food section:


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Several of my co-workers and I frequent Willloughby Brewing Co. (4057 Erie St., Willoughby) for the happy hour specials of half-price appetizers and pizzas, and $2.50 pints of the brewery's own brews. I have difficulty deciding each time which appetizers I want because they are all. so. delicious. Seriously. So I have made my Top 5 list of my favorite menu items, which I would recommend trying next time you make it to the Downtown Willoughby establishment:


5. Milano (pizza)

"A classic combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, provolone, zesty red sauce, and oregano."

The classic, Italian pizza is a good standby and a tasty choice if you can't otherwise decide what to have for dinner.


4. Old World Bavarian Pretzels

"Two freshly baked pretzels sprinkled with garlic salt. Served with both honey mustard and spinach con queso dip."

Better than your average soft pretzels and incredibly delicious in honey mustard.


3. Bruschetta (pizza)

"Garlic oil, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, provolone and fresh mozzarella cheeses."

I like this for the savory Italian flavor, without the bite of meat.


2. Buffalo Chicken Dip

"A blend of pulled chicken breast, hot sauce, spices, provolone, parmesan and cream cheeses served hot with tortilla chips and celery sticks for dipping."

Buffalo Chicken Dip might be my favorite dip ever, and it's kind of hard not to enjoy it when you don't have to make it yourself.


1. Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls

"Three of our signature eggrolls stuffed with chicken, zucchini, pepperoni, and cheese. Served with Louisiana hot sauce, crumbled bleu cheese and sweet chili sauce."

If you haven't had these, you must try them next time you are at the Willoughby Brewing Co. There's a reason these won Best Entree 2008 Taste of Cleveland.


Honorable mention:
Bruschetta Dip

"A creamy blend of parmesan, provolone and cream cheese with garlic, tomatoes, red onions and fresh basil. Served hot with tortilla chips and fresh bread."

Bruschetta pizza as dip.


California Pizza

"Garlic oil, cracked black pepper, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, goat cheese and provolone."

Something different that I likely wouldn't try anywhere else.


Mashed Potato Pizza

"Roasted garlic mashed potatoes, bacon, green onions, and cheddar and asadero cheeses. Served with sour cream."

Potato skins on a pizza.


The beer menu changes, so it's best to check the website to see what's brewing. My favorites are the Wild Irish Red and Railway Razz.


--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

My wife and I were out shopping last Saturday. On our way we decided to stop for lunch at Crostata’s Pizzeria at the corner of Bishop and Highland Roads. We had been watching the transformation of this location from a coffee bar/shop into a rustic looking building. Upon exiting our car, we were received by the smell of baked bread and wood fire. We knew we were in for a treat! Entering the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by the hostess who seated us at a table. There is a full view of the kitchen area. Our server greeted us almost immediately and asked for our beverages. Soda and ice tea are bottled here. They also have a complete wine list. We looked over the menu. Appetizers, salads and soup were listed on one side. Pizzas and dessert were listed on the other. Since it was lunchtime, they also had a sandwich menu. Everything looked great! We ordered the Pizza Classico and a Caesar salad. The salad was delivered by the chef, Anthony Pilla (who happens to be a nephew to the former Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland). The salad had fresh toasted homemade bread croutons that were still warm, shaved mozzarella cheese slices, and a wonderful dressing. It was served with wonderful warm homemade bread sticks. We devoured our salad and bread and were almost too full for pizza. Then the pizza came, again delivered by Chef Pilla. Pizza Classico had a wonderful blend of buffalo mozzarella, roasted Roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms. Chef Pilla stated each pizza is a work of art. The tomatoes were roasted there. The caramelized onions were sweet and delicious. We took about half of the pizza home. We had no room for dessert, but they serve many Italian delicacies.
Crostata’s is a restaurant in the Quagliata family. Many Mentorites may remember the White House. The Quagliatas also operate Giovanni’s in Beachwood. Chef Pilla grew up in Mayfield Heights and studied in Chicago.

We would definitely recommend Crostata’s . Go there if you want a delicious wood-fired pizza!

Crostata’s Pizzeria
585 Bishop Road
Highland Heights, OH 44143
440-449-7800

Hours
Monday – Thursday
11:30 AM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday
11:30 AM - 10 PM
Closed Sundays

Website in development:
www.crostatas.com

--Chuck Hogye
chogye@news-herald.com

Taking advantage of the warmer weather last weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to walk around downtown Willoughby to find a place to lunch. We made our way into Fanucce's Italian Imports and Pizzeria, which opened in November. Immediately we were greeted with the smell of fresh Italian food and friendly faces behind the counter, who told us to take a seat anywhere.

The food preparation area of the long and narrow restaurant is in full view behind a counter and glass, so you can see the staff making your meal. The atmosphere is totally casual, and the staff was professional. I was impressed that they genuinely seemed interested in how we were enjoying our meal.

I loved the real Italian taste of the pizza we ordered. The seasoning in the dough made it seem authentic and not just doughy, like most chain pizzerias. The pepperoni was spicy, and the cheese and chicken tasted so fresh. The best part of the meal was DEFINITELY the pizzafries. Never heard of them? I hadn't either. Put together fries, sauce, sausage and cheese, and you have pizzafries. It's like the Italian version of cheesy fries, and they're much better than their American counterpart. I had never seen pizzafries before, and they're the perfect reason to stop in and try Fanucce's.

My only regret about the visit is that I filled up so much on pizzafries and pizza that I didn't get to try dessert.

Fanucce's offers dine in, carryout, delivery and party trays, and the eatery also has a deli counter with fresh meats, cheeses and other Italian fare. I'll definitely keep it in mind next time I'm getting lunch meat or a pizza.

Fanucce's Italian Imports and Pizzeria
4125 Erie St.
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-946-3939
Fax 440-946-3959
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday
11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Without much to choose from in the kitchen, my boyfriend and I decided to pick something up for lunch Saturday afternoon. We turned to the "Our Town And All-Around Dining Directory," which has become our guide and determinant for where to dine recently. The coupon for free cheesy bread with an extra large pizza led us to order from Marco's Pizza.

Neither of us had ever had Marco's before, and we were both pretty happy with our choice. For $13, we had more than enough food for the both of us. The pepperoni pizza we ordered was tasty, and I particularly liked the cheesy bread and the marinara sauce for dipping. I also was a big fan of the cold leftovers. The cheesy bread box proclaimed that Marco's tastes great cold, and it really does.

Marco's Pizza
Locations in Chardon, Euclid, Mentor-on-the-Lake, South Euclid, Willoughby and Willowick
Visit Marco's Pizza Store Locations to find the restaurant closest to you

If you're interested in your own "Our Town and All-Around Dining Directory" coupon book, you can get one when your News-Herald subscription is set up for EZ Pay, which is the automatic deduction from your credit card every month. You can also order one online at www.ourtownandallaround.com.

-- Cheryl Sadler