The Woes of the “Whole 30”- Living without Pizza

I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in goals and fervent list making. One of my goals listed on my 2016 “you can do it” to do list is to read The Whole 30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom in its entirety, and to complete one full month of The Whole 30 lifestyle. According to the gurus/ authors, Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig, “the Whole 30 accomplishes all of this by specifically targeting people’s habits and emotional relationships with food. The program is designed to help break unhealthy patterns of behavior, stop stress-related comfort eating, and reduce cravings, particularly for sugar and carbohydrates” (http://whole30.com/whole30book/). So my Whole 30 journey is about to begin, and my relationship with craft beer and pizza will be put to a saddening halt. Pizza is the cure to all of my bad weeks and best companion during football season. It is also the origin and root to one of the biggest lies I feed to myself, “I’m only going to eat one slice of pizza.”

Pizza is just so comforting, and like body types, are all so different! Each pizzeria (nationwide and internationally) delivers a pizza that’s unique and special to them—they have their own distinctive flavors and attributes. Since moving to Scranton (4 years ago) I’ve been on the hunt for the BEST pizza pie. I however, am still searching…I have some favorites, but they’re still so many more pizzas to try.

Below are my favorite pizzerias and types of pizzas that I have found and devoured, and they’re in the order from my top favorites, to my least favorites. However they’re all so good, so try them for yourself, but read my descriptions to find the pie that’s your type.

1. Andy’s Pizza, Peckville http://www.menupix.com/scranton/restaurants/3800734/Andys-Pizza-Peckville-PA: Andy’s, Andy’s, Andy’s, it’s the bane to my existence since moving to Jessup, PA. I LOVE Andy’s pizza and yearn for it weekly. Andy’s is a deep dish style pizza with a very distinctive thick yeasty crust and is very cheesy (American) with an amazing signature sauce. I have had the pleasure in having and loving all of their Lenten specials, and am quite fond of their Hot and Sweet pie, and am quite partial to their plain pizza topped with sausage, onions, and peppers. Although Andy’s pizza is incredibly polarizing, I can’t personally say anything negative about it. Even the story behind Andy’s makes my heart pound a litter faster: http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/nostalgia-and-comfort-served-with-andy-s-pizza-a-midvalley-favorite-for-66-years-1.1226834

2. Maroni’s Pizza, Scranton http://maronispizza.com/: The infamous Maroni’s crafts an amazing deep dish square pizza with American cheese with an undeniably special sauce. Maroni’s is a classic Scranton/ Old Forge- style pizza and it’s definitely an acquired taste, but is one that is sure to please. In addition to Maroni’s pizza being remarkable, their sitting area is also humbling. There is an overwhelming sense of family and a positive feeling as soon as you enter, as well as an old school feel. It is also adorned with stacks (upon stacks) of pizza boxes ready to go, a RC filled soda case, and vintage juke boxes at the individual booths. Maroni’s is worth the wait, and the visit, and WILL be a family favorite; I highly suggest the plain topped with the pepperoni and/or sausage!

3. Kay’s Italian Restaurant, Lake Ariel http://www.kaysitalian.com/: When having difficulty deciding between a pizza and a chicken wing hoagie, Kay’s Wing Pizza is the way to go. Kay’s chicken wing pizza is served hot with gooey American and mozzarella cheese covered in a blue cheese drizzle with their homemade hot sauces. When I ordered Kay’s I was at a nearby elementary school, so I ordered take out and it was just coming out of the oven as I was arriving to pick it up. I ordered the mild hot wing pizza to share with co-workers and it was a big hit. The chicken wing pieces were hand cut and were most definitely hand battered and fried before topping the pizza. In my opinion, Kay’s chicken wing pizza is the BEST wing pizza I’ve ever had and is most definitely worth the drive to Lake Ariel!

4. Bobby Mac’s Mobile Wood Fired Pizza, Scott Twp. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bobby-Macs-Mobile-Wood-Fired-Pizza/358896414193567: Bobby Mac’s wood fired pizza is gourmet pizza that is served on Friday evening’s in the Maiolatesi tasting room located in Scott Township. Bobby Mac’s Friday night menu is frequently changing and always features a wide variety of pizza choices and a few featured appetizers and salads. The pizzas are personal pan sized, so it is encouraged to order a few for the table. According to the waitress that waited on my boyfriend and I, The Blonde Bunny, Bad Bunny, Carnivore, Diablo, and Fresh Tomato Basil are customer favorites. We ended up ordering three pizzas for ourselves (don’t judge us) and they were ALL delicious and very memorable. We ordered the Fresh Tomato Basil, Pizza Pancetta, and The Angry Bunny. Our favorite, hands down, was The Angry Bunny. The Angry Bunny had a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and parm cheeses topped with shallots and garlic infused evo with an “angry” peperoncini piccanti red sauce—it paired nicely with the handcrafted Meritage red wine that we were also sipping on.

5. Nina’s Five Star Veggie Pizza, Scranton http://ninas5star.wix.com/ninas5starveggie: Nina’s 5 Star Veggie Pizza is a pizzeria that is inimitable and a vegetarian’s dream. However, don’t let that scare you, Nina’s Five Star Pizza is for all pizza enthusiasts. Joseph, the owner, is an accomplished pizza maker from New York City who wanted to create a unique pizzeria and restaurant for those with dietary restrictions in Scranton; he wanted to craft pizzas and other delectable cuisine that are fit for those following a vegetarian, vegan, and/or kosher diet. The menu is very diverse and consists of 19 distinct pizzas; it was so hard for my boyfriend and I to make up our minds. We were torn between ordering the Bianca with broccoli, Mediterranean, Tutta Verde, and the Eggplant Parmesan. We ended up going with the Bianca with broccoli and it was very fresh and oh so gratifying. The pizza crust was thin and crisp, like a New York style pie, but with an assortment of cheeses. We ordered our pizza for takeout, but while waiting for the pizza, we observed the spotless seating area, and witnessed Joseph’s zeal of making the most superb pies with the best ingredients that he can get his hands-on. In fact, WNEP (one of Scranton’s news stations) wrote an article highlighting Joseph’s zest and talents: http://wnep.com/2014/05/29/russian-owner-italian-menu-american-dream/.

6. Sabatini’s Bottle Shop & Bar, Exeter http://www.sabatinis.com: Sabatini’s Bottleshop & Bar is a great local watering hole for craft beer lovers and pizza aficionados. Sabatini’s round pizza pies are generously topped and baked to perfection. Their crusts are quite crispy, almost charred, but not burnt, their sauce is sweet and savory, and the cheese is stringy and greasy, but not in a “oh my god I need to blot my pizza” kind of way. I have frequented the bottle shop numerous times in the past year and have had the delight in enjoying 3 pizzas from there: a round plain pie topped with pickles, a round plain pie topped with meatballs, and an Avellino. My favorite of the 3 is most definitely the Avellino, a white pizza comprised of a blend of cheeses garnished with rosemary and garlic. YUM!

7. Armetta’s Pizza, Chinchilla http://armettaspizza.com/: Armetta’s is a family friendly restaurant that offers a wide selection of gourmet specialty pizzas. In addition to their robust pizza menu, they also have numerous appetizers, salads, and entrees, as well as a wide craft beer selection. Their pizza dough is made fresh daily, is hand tossed, and is baked on a stone hearth. I have had their plain NY style round, their Marsala (made for vegetable lovers…comprised of broccoli, onions, olives, mushrooms, spinach, garlic and peppers), and their Palermo (a NY style white pizza with broccoli, spinach, garlic, onions and tomatoes); each pizza was fantastic.

8. Rosario’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, Clarks Summit http://www.myrosarios.com: Rosario’s Pizzeria & Ristorante specializes in quality New York style pizza that is comparable to Basilico’s (in Dickson City) and Armetta’s (in Chinchilla). According to their website, their pizzas are made with top of the line imported Grande cheese and their sauce is tailored from the former Basilico’s restaurant. I am dying to try their plain Grandma pie, but I have fond memories of the Chicken Bacon Honey-Mustard pie that my boyfriend and I demolished. (For more info: http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/rosario-s-pizzeria-ristorante-expands-steadily-in-clarks-summit-with-recipe-of-fresh-ingredients-1.1345245)

9. Basilico’s Pizzeria, Dickson City http://basilicospizzeriaonline.com/: Basilico’s pizzeria is home to delicious traditional pizza pies and to die for specialty pies. Their specialty pizzas are phenomenal, and are respected by many. I have eaten a couple specialty pizza slices (in their seating area while taking a break from shopping) and have ordered a couple specialty pies for takeout. I always have difficulty in deciding between the Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard and the Chicken Bruschetta. However, when push comes to shove, the Chicken Bruschetta is my #1 choice—fresh diced chicken cutlet, red onion, roma tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese!

10. Nina’s Pizzeria, Dunmore & Blakely http://ninasdunmore.com/: Though known for their fierce freshly made to order wing bites, Nina’s also delivers a mean square fresh dough pizza. I haven’t tried their diverse pizza menu, but their plain square is mouth watering!

11. Roma Pizza, Dickson City http://www.romapizzascranton.com: Roma’s Pizza formerly located in the food court of the Viewmont Mall is now located on Business Route 6 in the old Entenmann’s store front. Roma’s pizza is available in NY style round and Sicilian, and in my opinion is one of the best pizzerias in town and is criminally underrated. Their savory sauce, fresh cheese, and crispy crust combine for a perfectly balanced pizza. My preferred take out from Roma’s is a large NY style round pie half plain and half Vodka. The vodka sauce on their Vodka pizza is hands down the best vodka sauce I have ever hand on pizza or pasta. Definitely try it!

12. Angie’s Pizza, Dickson City http://angies1951.com/menu.html: Angie’s Pizza is the definition of a Mom and Pop pizza shop. It was established in 1951 (by Angie) and has been known as a family favorite in the valley. The inviting family atmosphere is as comforting as the pizza itself. Angie’s is comparable to Andy’s in many respects; however what distinguishes it is its delectable Porketta Pizza.

13. Duke’s Legendary Pizza & Sports Bar, Peckville http://www.menupix.com/scranton/restaurants/380011641/Dukes-Legendary-Pizza-Peckville-PA: Duke’s Legendary Pizza is a rare gem in “the valley” with an impressive double crust steak and cheese pizza. I personally like ordering the double crusted sriracha steak and cheese pizza with sweet and hot peppers…so good, so filling, and oh so satisfying!

14. Amberdonaia Bakery, Dickson City http://www.amberdonia.us: Amberdonaia is the quintessential Neapolitan pizzeria, which prioritizes only the freshest local ingredients, house made mozzarella, and imported olive oil from Italy. Their wood fired Neapolitan pizza has a fresh, crisp, and authentic flavor. Mangia!

15. Old Brooke Inn, Moscow http://www.oldebrook.com/food: The Old Brooke Inn serves delicious gourmet authentic Italian Wood-Fired pizza (with fresh dough) that is extremely noteworthy. I have had their Margherita (made with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil) and their New Haven Clam (made with fresh shucked clams, roasted garlic cream, parmesan, and bacon with olive oil drizzle), and their plain round; all 3 were delicious! Their pizza crust is pleasantly crispy served with a golden hue and a smoky wood flavor, and their cheese and sauce pairs together to create a well balanced pizza pie. The sauce on Margherita in particular was very good, and the herbs that were added created a flavor that was harmonious.

16. Colarusso’s Coal Fired, Dickson City  http://www.colarussoscoalfiredpizza.com/: Colarusso’s serves a beautifully thin, crisp, charred wood fired pizza, with a tangy tomato sauce. Their traditional pies are the way to go with fresh mozzarella and basil. They’re very gratifying!

17. Libassi’s Restaurant, Scranton- Libassi’s Restaurant has a warm welcoming family atmosphere. It is owned and operated by a father and son duo that has a passion for what they do and sling some very delectable pizza pies. The NY style pizza features a uniquely tasty spicy/sweet sauce, a crunchy crust, and freshly made (in house) mozzarella. Unfortunately, it has recently come to my attention that they have closed permanently.

18. Samario’s Pizza & Restaurant, Scranton http://samariospizzaandrestaurant.com/ordereze/home.aspx: Samario’s is a traditional Italian restaurant with old world charm. Samario’s pizza menu is beyond diverse and offers a variety of pizza styles—square, round, NY style round, Chicago style, and stuffed Chicago style, specialty and gourmet pizzas. I have only dined in Samario’s once and had a very respectable round pizza that was half pepperoni and half cheese.

19. Vincenzo’s Pizzeria, Scranton http://www.vincenzosscranton.com: Vincenzo’s Pizzeria serves a bona fide traditional NY style pizza. Their pizza and service are impeccable. Their crust is doughy, yet crispy, and their sauce is uncomplicated, yet flavorful, and their mozzarella cheese is of high-quality. There is some spice with hints of basil and perhaps oregano, but it’s not too over powering.

20. Jessup Pizza, Jessup http://jessuppizza.com: Jessup pizza dishes up a pretty standard (greasy) pizza with zesty sauce, mozzarella cheese and crispy crust. It’s a good pizza that can please all pizza lovers.

21. Granteed’s Pizza, Scranton http://www.granteedspizza.com: Granteed’s pizza is one of my favorite “simple” NY style round pies. Granteed’s pizza is just so soothing with its greasy cheese, tasty sauce (that’s on the sweeter side), and it’s perfectly baked crust. Granteed’s is a safe bet and is very economical!

22. Nerra’s Pizzeria, Scranton http://nearraspizza.com: Nerra’s serves a classic NY style round pie. It’s very similar to Granteed’s Pizza in Scranton and my stance on the two are alike—a straightforward, yet good pizza pie. My only suggestion is to order in a well-timed manner so it’s hot and fresh for your arrival!

23. Armenti’s Pizza, Olyphant http://armentispizzeria.com/: Armenti’s Pizza is located in an industrial park in Olyphant. Armenti’s makes gourmet styled pizzas loaded with exotic toppings, while the dough and cheese are rather pedestrian, the toppings are anything but.

24. Library Pizza, Jessup https://www.facebook.com/pages/Library-Pizza/117421304950281: Library Pizza is an unrivaled locale with a distinct panache; it’s one of a kind with old photos and vintage books adorning the walls, and offers a pizza that’s perfectly balanced with succulent flavors. The pizza is served as a deep dish square, and is reminiscent of the Old Forge style. The pizza is composed of a thicker more substantial sauce, a blend of cheeses, and a doughy thick crust. It’s an all around interesting experience.

25. Albi’s Pizza, Archabald https://www.facebook.com/albispizza: Albi’s Pizza serves a traditional NY style round pie. It’s a solid no frills delight that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning of pizza pallets in a pinch on game days or when unexpected company arrives famished. Nothing particularly remarkable about this pizza, which in this instance is not necessarily a bad thing. Solid. Reliable. Consistent.

26. Colarusso’s Café, Jessup www.cafecolarusso.com: Colarusso’s Café is a quaint Italian restaurant located in Jessup, PA, a predominately based Italian borough. I have not had the opportunity to dine in, but I have taken out pizza and hoagies a few times. Though not my favorite Old Forge style pizza, their pizza is good. I like their red plain (made with fresh dough and a hearty homemade sauce) and their fresh tomato pizza (with bursts of zesty oregano).

27. Tony’s Pizza, Peckville https://www.facebook.com/TONYS-PIZZA-374890132824/: Tony’s is a very unique pizza eating experience; the sauce takes center stage in this culinary ensemble. Tony’s uses a sweet red sauce for its square or round pizzas. The sauce is not only prepared with the cheese, but also drizzled over the top of the cheese (optional) after it comes out of the oven. Now the flavor of this sauce is divisive and may not be for everyone, but it does certainly separate itself from the crowd. Tony’s would be a fantastic introductory pizza for young children to get them acclimated to the world of pizza.

28. Fratellis Pizza & Pasta House, Scranton www.fratellispizzaandpastahouse.com: Fratelli’s pizza is available in square or round and is also available in a Sicilian style. Though I have heard good things about their NY style round pizza, I am routinely disappointed by their (old forge style) square. I have had their square pizza a couple times since a friend of mine orders from their often, but it’s nothing special and does not stand out amongst all the other pizza offering in the area. In my opinion, the crust of the pizza tastes like a premade shell, and the cheese and sauce are just so basic that it’s not worth the carbs!