Local Pizza
I've been meaning to continue my thoughts on local food in Central New York but I just haven't been able to pen anything due to my little boy's very busy schedule. Summer flew by just as it always does and my son is growing up way too fast! Can I just get a little breather?!
In Syracuse there are a ton of Italian establishments but I like to look for restaurants that use wholesome, local, and organic ingredients. Food not only should taste delicious but it really should be sourced locally from organic farmers in your area. This just makes sense environmentally and economically.
Take for instance kale that was grown in Half Moon Bay, California versus kale that was grown in Skaneateles, New York. Since I live in Central New York doesn't it make sense to choose the one from Skaneateles? But every day consumers are thinking of convenience first instead of how much gasoline was used to ship those greens from California, the innumerable benefits of local organic farming to the local community, and the vitamins and nutrients that have already been depleted from those greens grown in California because of travel time.
One of my favorite local restaurants in Syracuse takes these simple ideas to heart and incorporates them into their outstanding menu and business plan. That's why I love patronizing Apizza Regionale located right across the famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. They source their flour, meats, cheeses, and vegetables from purveyors of organic and local goods.
I've tried their pizzas, salads and pastas at Apizza Regionale. What I appreciate about the organic flour is that it is fermented for 72 hours to create a very light and delicious tasting crust. It doesn't make me feel bloated or overly full after eating a couple of slices. You know that feeling of "oh my gosh I ate too much!" Beforehand I usually have the Cavoletti which is comprised of some nice Brussels sprouts and pancetta and the Cavolo Nero which is a nice kale salad. I just adore the Salsiccia pizza because it has a wonderful bite to it and because I always love sausage (theirs is homemade) on my pizza. The Ruccolo is another delightful gourmet pizza topped with arugula and smoked prosciutto.
One rule that I have to follow when going to Apizza Regionale is to never miss out on dessert. They unfortunately do not make larger sizes of their Olive Oil Cake. I wish they did because I would seriously buy a large size and serve it for special parties and get togethers. They also offer the Chocolate Hazelnut Budino which is on the sweet side but if you're a chocolate and hazelnut lover, why not, indulge a little!
My family and I prefer going for lunch and sitting outside on nice days. It's more quiet and less crowded. It is a very popular place after all. Also, the staff is very accommodating. When I asked for the Cavolleti with Brussels sprouts they kindly informed me that the appetizer is normally served during dinner but they served it for me and my family when we went for lunch one afternoon.
Apizza Regionale offers the best pizza in the Syracuse area. Central New York friends, you are missing out if you haven't been. No one in town can beat their fresh, organic, local ingredients and their fabulous crust. Pizza never tasted so good!
“Food not only should taste delicious but it really should be sourced locally from organic farmers in your area. This just makes sense environmentally and economically.”