Your Next Bite

Pitfire Pizza - don't settle for just Pepperoni

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I finally visited Pitfire Pizza a couple months back, after friends couldn't wait to take me somewhere new. Currently there are 7 locations in SoCal – we visited the one on 17th St in Costa Mesa.

Walk inside and there's an order-up line just like your regular pizza joint. However, the menu is entirely different. Feast your eyes on pies like "Greens Egg & Ham", "Burrata Pie", and "Big Sur" with Wild Shrimp. Then take a seat in the fancy dining area 'round back and get read to get served.

The Grubdown:

- by far my favorite, amazing combination of creamy Burrata with spicy-there's-so-much-of-it-it's-almost-a-healthy-Arugula-salad, The Burrata Pie with Wild Arugula, sweet Caramelized Onions, crunchy Hazelnut, Tomato Sauce & Pesto Drizzle $9.95

- simple, wish the Pepperonis were larger and that there were more of them, Zoe's Natural Pepperoni Pie with Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella (and Red Onions instead of Fresh Torn Basil - our order got mixed up) $9.75

- spicy Harissa hits you, wilted Spinach calms you, and the Lamb delights you, Huntington Lamb Merguez Sausage Pie with Feta, Red Onion, Wilted Spinach & Roasted Pepper Harissa $10.95

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Each pie is perfect for a couple to share. But I recommend ordering at least two different flavors to spice things up.

The dough is rustic, crusty, blackened, and light enough to not make you feel guilty for eating each last bite.

I'm not sure if it was their Pepperoni Pie blunder that left a sour taste in our mouths, but we definitely enjoyed their creative styled pies more. Perhaps you will too.

353 East 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. 949-313-6333.

D'Amores - the healthiest and #1 rated pizza in the nation

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Opening Day is approaching soon, and there's nothin' I love more than a freshly ordered Pizza plus a baseball game. In fact, ever since D'Amore's Pizza moved onto West 3rd St. a year and a half ago, I've made it a weekly tradition. This Friday, you should skip the hot dogs and do it too, especially since there's nothing to feel guilty about.

Check out the back of their take home menu and you'll see that – compared to Pizza Hut, Costco, Dominoes, Round Table, and Papa Johns – a slice of D'Amore's Thin Crust Cheese Pizza only has 3.8g of fat, 166 calories, 11g of carbs, and 3 Weight Watchers points. (The others range from 15g of fat to 46g, and the calories reach all the way up to a scary 840.) From the specially shipped in North End of Boston's Water in the Dough, to Grandma D's Spice Mix and July only's Tomato crop – whatever the secret is – D'Amore's cheese stands alone.

The Grubdown:

- thin 'n juicy, cheesy 'n spicy, runs down your chin in a good way Large Pepperoni Neopolitan Thin-style Crust$21.95

- way too thick crust prepared by The Sensitive Baker, but that's usually how gluten-free ones go, Vegetarian style 7" Gluten Free Pizza with Fresh Chopped Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Onion, Peppers, and Mozzarella Cheese

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Once you dive into your first bite, you're gonna get an overwhelming urge to eat 2-3 more slices. I'm not gonna lie, I've totally done it before (ok fine, every time). So I strongly urge you to order a Large if you're splitting it with someone else, 'cuz you just might finish the whole pie off.

If you don't feel like choosing your own toppings, D'Amore's serves 8 Specialty Pies like their Signature Pizza Bianco minus the Tomato Sauce with Fresh Spinach, Onion, and a Ricotta Cheese blend, as well as a BBQ Chicken and Meat Lovers.

If you're feeling crazy enough to skip their incredible pizza, they also serve Salads, Paninis, Parmigianas, Pastas, and even Burgers. To drink there's Boylan All Natural Sodas, Kombucha, old-fashioned Pepsi, and Harney & Sons Juices.

Follow @DamoresPizzaLA on Twitter for news on their brick-oven catered mobile truck.

Finally, and most importantly, did I mention D'Amore's is open until 4am?

Mangia Mangia after midnight!

8369 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048. 323-951-0070.

Staten Island style pizza from Rocco's Italian Kitchen

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It's October, which means it's National Pizza Month – as deemed by Congress back in 1987. So in honor of the pie, I bring you Rocco's Italian Kitchen with pizza made from Rocco's Staten Island recipe circa 1970. They have two different locations, Miracle Mile & Studio City, and sell their pizza at the famous USC "Nine O" 901 Bar & Grill 2 blocks from campus.

I visited the Miracle Mile location to simultaneously watch my two most important games of last Saturday – USC Football & NY Yankees Playoffs – and mangia on the following:

The Grubdown:

- string cheesy, light on the sauce, thin crust that's not too crispy or chewy Deluxe 10" Pizza with 5 Toppings ($8.95)

- lightly breaded, coulda used a little more crumb than fry, incredible chunky marinara Homemade Zucchini Sticks ($6.45)

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If you're a Yankees fan, you'll definitely feel at home walking into Rocco's. The guy at the register dons a NY Yankees cap, the tables are dressed in red & white checkered cloths, the TVs are showing the latest ball game, and the owners come from Staten Island.

The Pizza tastes like NY too. The Crust is thin and airy. The Cheese is stringy, the Peppers are crisp, the Pepperoni is spicy but limp, and the Sauce is incredible – so much so, I had to ask for more on the side. It's chunky, tangy, a little sweet, and I wanted to drink it up. The Pizza as a whole is not heavy in the least, so you might have that Garfield-Lasagna urge to keep on shoving it in.

The Homemade Zucchini Sticks (forgot to snap a picture) are lightly breaded and dusted with Parmesan. They're a little too crisp on the outside and limp on the inside, but the chunky Marinara Sauce definitely makes up for it.

Beers on Tap include Peroni, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Sam Adams, Sam Adams Seasonal, and Sierra Nevada all for $4.50. For a lighter beer that's crisply carbonated and flavorful go for the Peroni at 5.1% ABV.

Other items on the menu include Fried Shrimp Basket ($8.45), Rocco's Famous Wings ($4.95-$7.95), Tuna Salad Hero ($6.95), Vodka Pizza Pie ($18.95), Fettucini Alfredo ($8.95), and Eggplant or Chicken Parmesan ($10.45-11.95). They also have a "Kids Corner" Menu with Mozzarella Wedges ($5.95), "Italian Mac & Cheese" aka Baked Ziti ($5.95), and Spinach or Cheese Ravioli ($5.95).

Whether you wanna watch the game, cater your party, or just get delivery, Rocco's is your next friendly, neighborhood pizza place – unless you're a Red Sox fan.

Follow @RoccosTavern for game announcements and specials.

6335 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. (323) 655-0058.

Eating the Ocean State, Rhode Island

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Just because it's the smallest state in the U.S. doesn't mean you should overlook "Little Rhody's" bounty of tender sweet seafood, serene beach scenery, friendly faces, and hilarious accents – their r's sound like a's and vice versa, e.g. "Chowdah" & "Pizzer".

Last week on a family reunion trip from Newport Beach, CA to Newport, RI, my appetite definitely discovered why Rhode Island is officially nicknamed,  "The Ocean State" – let's just say I didn't feel the need to eat meat or poultry ONCE. But, since the last time I visited was 10 years ago, of course I found a way to stuff in my favorite Ice Cream & Donuts from my childhood summer trips, including a famous 50-year-old "Pizzer" place too.

After all the fried seafood, and 3 different Lobster Rolls from 3 different cities – stay tuned the next 2 weeks for my blog posts on Brant Point, Nantucket and Kennebunkport, Maine – I definitely felt like a Lobster Roll myself the last day.

The Grubdown:

- classic New England style, thin not thick Clam Chowder & ridiculously packed with flavor Clams Casino at The Black Pearl in Newport ($4.50 cup/$9)

- insanely tender 'n sweet Famous Fried Clams, fresh 'n crunchy "Lobsta" Roll, and spicy Stuffed Quahogs at Flo's Clamshack in Middletown ($15.95/$14.95/$2.50 each)

- i-can-tell-why-they're Voted Best Fish 'N Chips, Clam Cakes, and Stuffed Quahogs at Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House in Narragansett (Mkt price/$3.75 half dozen/$2.25 each)

- the-best-I've-ever-had, whole chunks of fruit juicy Crab Cocktail with Ginger-Peach Dressing & Wasabi Mousse, spicy 'n hearty Rhody Royal Mussels in Tomato Broth with Chorizo, and simple Lobster Sliders on Silver Dollar Brioche Buns at The Grill of 41 Degrees North Hotel in Newport ($24/$17/$19)

- light, crispy, but a little too tangy 4-item Supreme Pizza at Caserta Pizzeria in Providence ($18.50 large with 4 or 5 items)

- a toffee love affair Butter Crunch Ice Cream at Newport Creamery in multiple locations ($2.89 2-scoop cup)

- seriously, it's my crack Chocolate Glazed Donut from Dunkin' Donuts in multiple locations ($0.95)

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1. The Black Pearl – Somehow, someway, us Californians brought our UN-summer weather and arrived to 3 days of cold, stormy rain in Newport, RI. I personally love the rain, so I didn't mind much. But we decided to cure the cold with a steamy hot cup of the best "Chowdah" from one of New England's top restaurants. Located on Bannister's Wharf since 1967, the always packed Black Pearl has two different dining rooms – the fancy green-walled, white linen table Commodore's Room, and the more casual, glossy black walled, nautical themed Tavern Bar. Whichever experience you choose, make sure you order the Clam Chowder – it's famous. Unlike Pacific Coast chowder, which is usually super thick, this New England style is much thinner, yet still has a creamy flavor. It's loaded with tender, not chewy, Clams, fresh chopped Dill, Clam Broth, and big chunks of Potato & Celery. And don't you dare "Fuhget About" the Clams Casino. These babies were invented by Julius Keller, the maitre 'd of the Little Casino in Narragansett, Rhode Island in 1917. Between the sweet Littleneck Clams, savory Bacon, chopped Green & Red Bell Peppers, Parmesan, Fennel Seed & Parsley, altogether they kinda taste like a sausage pizza, but it all works and I left wanting more.

2. Flo's Clamshack – You'll get a kick out of Flo's in Middletown because it really looks like a full-on Fish Tackle Box, Aquarium meets Clamshack. Despite the several eating areas – dining room, upstairs Raw Bar, and outdoor patio, there's no wait service, so you must order at the counter. They give you a rock with a painted-on number with your order, then call it over the loud speaker. Looking over Flo's paper menu, you'll see they've been written up in over 20 publications across the nation, especially for the Best Fried Clams. I've never had a sweeter, bigger, more tender, fluffy, lightly breaded Fried Clam in my life. In fact, we liked them so much, we went back for more, and you will too. The Lobsta Roll is refreshingly light and crisp with sweet Lobster meat and a big bed of Iceberg Lettuce Leaf. It's served on a traditional New England Style Hot Dog Roll, which is sharply cut on all sides like a rectangle, then toasted for extra crispiness – it really enhances the overall experience. We were saddened to get only one Stuffed Quahog – the largest clam found in the Atlantic – because they had run out. But their ancient Portuguese recipe definitely has a spicy, red peppery kick. I just wish there were more clams to be found.

3. Iggy's – Voted Best Fish 'N Chips, you can definitely see & taste why. Iggy's serves a hefty portion of flaky Fresh Cod that's lightly breaded and not overly fried. For years, neighbor restaurants Iggy's & Aunt Carrie's have had an ongoing Battle of the Clam Cakes – check out my cousin Ben Hague, comedian & TV host, reporting it on The Rhode Show. While I didn't have room to try both, I can say Iggy's Clam Cakes – a popular RI & Massachusetts Fritter with Chopped Clams inside – are fluffy, bouncy, and not too dry or greasy. They're also better than Flo's, since I found at least 2 Clams. However, while Iggy's Quahog is huge with a LOT of stuffing and big chunks of Celery, I prefer the spiciness of Flo's that really doesn't need hot sauce added on.

4. The Grill – Stepping inside, or shall I say outside, to this open 4-wall restaurant right on the dock is like a nautical fantaSEA. It's part of the ultra cool new 41 Degrees North Hotel in Newport, surrounded by the ocean and yachts up to 250ft that you just wanna yacht-hop with the Mansion-Class. Off the Lunch Menu, a clams-down, must order is the Crab Cocktail. Huge, whole, and perfectly manicured chunks of Crab are sunbathing in a refreshingly cool Ginger-Peach Juice, then topped with a spicy, whipped Wasabi Mousse, and earthy Micro-greens. It's TO. DIE. FOR. Next up, the Rhody Royal Mussels – while tender and sweet, this dish is all about the tangy, spicy Chorizo & Sun-Dried Tomato Broth. The 2 Parmesan-Crusted Crostinis it comes with slowly melt as they soak up the broth, but are not enough. So make sure you order the Lobster Sliders – simple, sweet, yet a little watery – so you can use the buttery Silver Dollar Brioche buns to lap up the rest of the Mussel Broth.

5. Caserta Pizzeria – Apparently, this pizza place has been serving the "Best Pizza in Providence" for over 50 years. How did I not visit this on one of my many childhood summer trips?!? 20 years later I finally got to try it. We ordered the 4 ingredient Supreme Pizza – spicy Pepperoni, kinda bland White Button Mushrooms, crisp Green Bell Peppers, Black Olives, and Oregano. The Crust is "Wicked Auuwwwsome" – soft and pillowy with a fantastic crunch. The Pizza itself is pretty light, and if you're a Cheese lover you'll probably wish there's more of it. My Aunt and I both agreed that the Sauce is a little too spicy and acidic – perhaps a little sugar could help.

6. Newport Creamery – While there are over 10 locations in RI and MA, I visited the original location in Middletown that opened in 1940. It's a Burger 'N Fries joint that also serves award-winning Ice Cream, Awful Awfuls (an Ice Cream Shake I soon learned the meaning of when I spilled it all over our condo's carpet at age 9), and delicious "Cawfee" or Coffee Milk (the official state drink of RI made with Milk & Coffee Syrup). My absolute, spoons-down favorite Ice Cream flavor is Butter Crunch, which I believe used to be called Butter Brickle. It's thicker than usual, rich and creamy Vanilla Ice Cream with pieces of Toffee and ribbons of Caramel folded inside. I crave it at least 10 times a year and wish there was one in California.

7. Dunkin' Donuts – Just like my Butter Crunch Ice Cream addiction, the Chocolate Glazed Donut at Dunkin' Donuts is like my crack and is, in fact, the 1st thing I get as soon as I arrive in RI. Considering they're on almost every corner, and at one point up to 225 Dunkin' Donuts in Rhode Island alone, you can see why. It's got a crumby, rich & moist, Espresso-like Chocolate Cake that's dipped in a sugary Honey Glaze – Oh. My. Gawd! Please spread the love and come to CA soon, I beg you. Like seriously, I'll do anything. I need to feed the need!!!!!

As you can SEA, I've got you "Awl Set" for your next culinary adventure, discovering Rhode Island's sweet seafood and just desserts. But if I don't make it back for another 10 years, can you please ship me 1 of each of the above in gratitude for enlightening you? Ok fine, just the donut!

Stay tuned this week for my Food Truck Friday review update, comparing the Del's LA Food Truck to the original Del's Lemonade Shack & Headquarters in Cranston, Rhode island.

Your Next Bite in 2 weeks:

- Lobster Roll at Brant Point Grill in The White Elephant Hotel, Nantucket

- Baked Stuffed & Hot Boiled Maine Lobsters at Hurricane in Kennebunkport

Canaletto in Fashion Island features $29 3-course Venetian menu Aug 2nd-15th

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Canaletto, an Italian Il Fornaio restaurant in Fashion Island, whisks you away to Venice with lavish decor, polished silver bread trays, a white marble Raw Seafood & Oyster Bar, and tableside handmade pasta service.

From Aug 2nd-15th, Chef Maurizio Mazzon has put together a special 3-course "Taste of Veneto" meal ticket to Venice. For $29.99 choose an Antipasti course like Heirloom Tomato Salad or Artichoke Baked Crab in a Lemon White Wine Sauce; a Pasta course like Housemade Prosciutto & Swiss Chard Ravioli in Porcini Mushroom Sauce or Gnocchi with Lamb Ragu; and a Secondi course like Whole Game Hen with Cream Cheese, Ginger Saffron Stuffing or Grilled Seafood Mix with Lemon Parsley Sauce & Polenta.  

If that doesn't fit your bill, Canaletto also has Happy Hour from 4:30-6:30pm with $5 priced Wine, Prosecco, Beer, Cocktails, Pizza, Pasta, and Appetizers like Calamari. 

I had the pleasure of dining here for a recent birthday meal on a lively packed Friday night. And while I was sad to see Tutto Mare gone along with some wonderful childhood dining memories of the 80's, I was happy to be introduced to Canaletto's new digs that by the end of the night had both my eyes and tastebuds Dancing in Heaven.

The Grubdown:

- fight-worthy, warm, fresh out the oven Selection of Olive Bread, Whole Grain Bread, Sourdough & Breadsticks

- spicy, salty, creamy good 'n plenty Burrata, Arugula & Prosciutto Appetizer Special ($11.99)

- lovely, earthy, refreshing Rosemary Gin Lemonade Cocktail ($13)

- creamy, fresh & tangy Sant'erasmo Risotto with Shrimp, Crab & Baby Artichokes ($19.59)

- had so much potential, but lacked proper seasoning Tagliatelle alla Castellena with Pork Tenderloin, Bacon, Shiitake Mushrooms with Grana Padano Cheese, Thyme & Brandy-Cream Sauce ($13.99 half / $18.99 full)

- hearty, tomatoey Pennoni al Ragu with Traditional Meat Ragu and Dry-Aged Ricotta Cheese ($9.99 half / $14.99 full) 

- i want one now and every day hereafter Columbina al Cioccolato Dark Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry & Kiwi Sauces ($7.99)

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Before ordering my insanely scrumptious, fizzy Rosemary Gin Lemonade Cocktail, my family and I were literally fighting over the fresh, piping hot Complimentary Bread Tray like Nasty Boys. We don't normally do this, but the selection of Traditional Venetian Breads – Olive, Whole Grain, Sourdough & Breadsticks – is so enticing we had no choice.

I ordered the Burrata Appetizer Special – one of my all time favorites – and this one definitely takes the cake! It comes with a huge, heaping portion of Burrata, which is plenty to split between 4 people. It sits on top some earthy, spicy Baby Arugula, and another heaping portion of silky, salty Prosciutto with a couple of Kalamata Olives for good merit. 

I honestly couldn't decide between the next 3 pasta dishes – they all sounded so good – so we ordered half portions of each and split: 

1.) The Sant'erasmo Risotto is creamy, peppery, and cheesy with buttery Crab & Shrimp, and tangy Baby Artichokes. I would definitely order this if you're a Risotto fan.

2.) I was sadly disappointed by the Tagliatelle alla Castellena. Bacon, Mushrooms & Cheese in a Brandy-Cream sauce – how could this go wrong?!? Unfortunately, it lacks proper seasoning. And I found myself doing something which I never do – taking out the salt shaker and laying it on thick with EXTRA PARM too, since the salt wasn't enough.

3.) Whenever I eat Italian, I must always order the Bolognese, or in this case the Pennoni al Ragu. And this one did not disappoint. I liked the fresh take with Thick Grated Strips of Dry-Aged Ricotta, and the creaminess of the cheese blended well with the Sweet Tomato Meat Sauce. For this one, I wish we ordered the full size, since the large Pennoni pasta tubes overwhelmed the volume of my usual bread-dipping, bowl-licking bolognese feast.

I ended my birthday meal with none other than my favorite dessert – Chocolate Mousse. While it looked like it came straight from the 80's – with sharp geometric Dark & White Chocolate Shavings and bright neon green Kiwi & red Raspberry Sauces – the richness & creaminess of the Mousse soothed it all away like a Smooth Operator. And just like the bread, we fought for every bite like a Cold Hearted Snake.

For Dinner, Canaletto also serves specialties tableside like Vermicelli Cassopipa with Fish Ragu, Clams, Mussels, Scallops & Grape Tomatoes ($23.99) and Whole Salt-Crusted Branzino with Grilled Polenta & Sauteed Seasonal Vegetables ($29.99). Appetizers range from $2.59-25.99, Pizza & Pasta from $8.99-18.99, Entrees from $13.59-41.99, and Dessert from $6.99-12.99 (unless you're engulfing the entire Dessert Cart).

545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. 949-640-0900.

Where to get the Best Cheap Chili and Pizza in Mammoth for the 4th of July

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Even though summer's officially here, Mammoth Mountain Ski Season is still on thru July 5th. So while you're celebrating the 4th of July in Mammoth's Main St. Parade, at The Village's fireworks show, inside Hyde Lounge, or on the slopes, get your grub on at Broadway Marketplace Base Lodge & John's Pizza Works for the best Chili & Pizza on a budget.

Follow @MammothMountain for updates on festivities as we near the 4th. And check out SkiDazzle.com for deals on Mammoth hotels.

The Grubdown:

- the best body & soul-warming, totally tummy-friendly, addictive Beef & Pinto Bean Chili with Jalapeno & Cheese Toppings ($7.95)

- string cheesy, loaded with toppings "House Special" Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushroom & Olive 12-inch Pizza ($16.95)

- fresh, garlicky, zesty "The Pesto" Artichoke, Mushroom, Garlic & Feta 12-inch Pizza ($16.95)

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Chili:

Every time I go boarding at Mammoth, I make a point to get a steaming hot bowl of Chili at Broadway Lodge – I mean really, what more could your body want after Shredding the Gnar on the slopes all day? You can get it in a Bread Bowl for $2 extra, or just in a regular plastic bowl and pack on the toppings – either way it's enough to split, especially if you're knocking back a few Mammoth Pale Ale's (YourNextPint.com review on the brew coming tomorrow!)

The Chili has tender Ground Beef, hearty Pinto Beans, and a Peppery Tomato Sauce that has just the right amount of spice. But if you like to kick it up a notch, add some extra punch with complimentary sliced Jalapenos and crank up the cheese factor with as much Shredded Monterey Jack & Cheddar as you please. It's thick, filling, and won't leave you with an upset stomach like most chilis do. (By the way, my friend swears by the "awesome" Turkey Green Chili Verde they serve, too.)

Broadway Marketplace. 1 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. 760-934-2571.

Pizza:

On my last trip to Mammoth all I could think about on the 6-hour drive up was Pizza & Beer. So I got my fancy new phone out and started googleing some places in town. I came across John's Pizza Works – "Dough made fresh daily. 100% real cheese. Only the freshest meats & vegetables available." So a few friends and I decided to give it a try.

From the outside, humble John's Pizza Works located next to a liquor store off Main St. & Manzanita Rd. is easily passable. The inside isn't much better as they're in serious need of a re-design – they even have one of those ancient arcades. But after seeing the adjoining, attractive & modern Sports Bar next door, an upgrade certainly looks promising (pics of it will be posted tomorrow in my YourNextPint.com review)!

It was early May when we went, so the place was pretty slow with a One-Man Chef-Waiter-Cashier-Bartender-Show. We were all pretty impressed by his versatility and hospitality.

We ordered the House Special Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushroom & Olive Pizza. The tangy sweet Tomato Sauce to ooey-gooey Mozzarella ratio is On Point! The Pepperoni is tender 'n spicy, the Mushrooms are thick 'n juicy, and each slice was fully loaded.

Same goes for The Pesto Artichoke, Mushroom, Garlic & Feta Pizza. The Artichokes are tangy and fresh, the Feta gives it a nice zing, and the Pesto isn't overwhelmingly garlicky, but just right.

Both pizzas were served on a Pizza Stand for appropriate cooling. Two 12-inch pies were definitely enough to split between 4 people; we even took some home. The Crust was perfectly cooked – soft in the middle with a crispy finish. And each tasted super fresh and homemade, like a lot of love and care went into baking them.

John's Pizza Works has 5 other Pizza Combos like Vegetarian, Picante, and Shrimp, or you can Build Your Own. "World Famous Hot Wings" ($7.95-28.95), Salads ($3.95-10.95), Pastas ($5.95-10), and Hot Sandwiches ($9.25) are also served daily until midnight.

John's Pizza Works. 3499 Main St., Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. 760-934-4065.

$12.95 AYCE Artisan Pizza Sundays at Local - a Real San Francisco Treat!

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Whenever it's Sunday night in San Francisco, treat yourself to All You Can Eat Artisan Pizza for $12.95 and $15 Draft Beer Pitchers at Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant in Rincon Hill. My friends and I certainly did, even after spending a weekend getaway eating our way around San Francisco – and it was the best deal in town.

5 of us stuffed ourselves silly with 8 (maybe more) hand-crafted pizzas, made from whatever local ingredients the chef decided to craft together that night. Servers passed around the fresh out the wood-burning oven pizzas on a paddle from table to table, "grab 'n go" style. Here's what we liked most and least, in that order.

The Grubdown:

- earthy, wholesome Fungi Pizza with Fresh Wild Mushrooms, Crisp Arugula, Spring Onions & Roasted Garlic

- tangy, salty, scrumptious Proscuitto Gorgonzola Pizza with Crisp Red Onions

- super cheesy Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce & Parmesan

- surprisingly good Point Reyes Blue Cheese Pizza with Mozzarella, Sweet Oven-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped Garlic & Basil

- light 'n fresh Margherita Pizza with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmesan & Large Basil Leaves

- sweet, Asian-influenced Roast Duck Pizza with Chopped Cilantro, Caramelized Onions & Mozzarella

- slightly soggy & bland Shrimp Pizza with Pesto Sauce, Chopped Tomato & Basil

- looked divine, but not a fan of Roasted Potato Pizza with Green Olives & Caramelized Onions

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1. An all around favorite of my group was the Fungi Wild Mushroom with Arugula. The Spring Onions are caramelized, which gives a sweet balance to the pepperiness of the fresh 'n crisp Arugula. And the flavors and textures of all the different Wild Mushrooms make each bite unique.

2. I absolutely loved the Proscuitto Gorgonzola pizza! The creamy Gorgonzola balances out the salty Proscuitto, but with a tangy bite and crunch from the Red Onion. Definitely wash this one down with some beer.

3. The Pepperoni Pizza has so much ooey gooey Mozzarella that drizzles off each slice. Not to worry, all pizzas are served Flatbread style so bring on the cheese!

4. A couple of my friends didn't like the idea of eating Point Reyes Blue Cheese on a pizza, but the pairing of the Sweet Oven-Roasted Tomatoes & stand-out Chopped Garlic made them forget all about it.

5. The best part of this Margherita Pizza that separates it from other restaurants is the crispy, big Basil leaves and large chunks of Parmesan. The tomato sauce is light 'n fresh, same with the Mozzarella.

6. Our least favorites of the pack start with the Roast Duck Pizza. While I quite enjoyed the tender Duck and different flavor combination in my my mouth – Sweet Caramelized Onions, Chopped Cilantro, Soy and a touch of Sesame – the majority of the group did not.

7. None of us are big fans of Shrimp on Pizza, so we were already a bit biased going in. One friend said, "the Shrimp smells funky," another one said, "it's kinda soggy," and even though it has Pesto Sauce & Chopped Tomato, the flavors are quite bland.

8. Same goes for Potato on a Pizza, or in a Taco, or on any other Carb for that matter – one's enough for my waistline and my palate thank you very much! While the Roasted Potato Green Olive Pizza definitely looks divine, it's hard to get past the Carb on Carb action

I think we sampled a few more slices, but by that point my camera was pizza'd out!

Other Local Entrees include Pastas like Linguini with Manila Clams, Mussels & Tiger Prawns in a Spicy White Wine Tomato Sauce ($18), Fresh Fish of the Day (MP), Organic Whole or Half Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Sage Brown Butter Demi Glace ($15/20), and Braised Rabbit Pot Pie with Root Vegetables ($16). They also have a fantastic, enclosed Private Dining Room – fits 11 people – next to their Wine Shop with over 250 bottles.

So next time you visit San Francisco, make sure to schedule a Monday departure, so you can take advantage of Local's unbelievable $12.95 All You Can Eat Artisan Pizza & $15 Draft Beer Pitcher deal.

If only they delivered to L.A., but that wouldn't be very Local now would it?

P.S. Happy Hour is every Tues-Fri with $3 Beers, $5 Wines, Half Off Pizzas, and other Bar Menu Discounts. Fridays and Saturdays are $1 Oysters.

Della Terra in LA serves Tuscan Italian with New York looks and California vibes

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Unique vibes and fair prices make LA's new Italian New York-like spot, Della Terra, a great place to throw a private party, dine al fresco, belly up to the bar, and brunch (prix-fixe Champagne menu coming in June).

The Grubdown:

- addictive, refillable Complimentary Olives Topped with zesty Orange Rind, warm Flatbread & not-too-garlicky Pesto Sauce

- fresh, delicate, a bit under-seasoned Tuna Tartare with Fennel, Shaved Capers & Microgreens 

- perfectly al dente, tasty tomato meat sauce that's heart-warming but a teensy tough Penne Bolognese

- eye-candy rich Black Truffle Spaghetti Tartufi

- farmers market fresh Melanzana Pizza with Eggplant, Broccolini, Garlic & Pesto

- might be too light Fresca Margherita Pizza with impressively large caneles of fresh Burrata Cheese

- tart 'n sweet Berry Bread Pudding with Dulce De Leche Gelato

- huge, chunky apple strawberry Sangria

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I visited Della Terra, located on the corner of Beverly & Spaulding near The Grove, for a monthly Girls Dining Night. Owner Franco Brunetti describes it as a "Tuscan trattoria with a unique blend of New York sophistication and California casual." Walk through the enclosed heated patio, and you're immediately greeted by a tall red brick wall to the left, and a 15-seater dark wood wrap-around bar to the right. Sounds of Lounge music fill the air, as well as the aroma of fresh-baked pizza from the imported wood-fired oven in the distance. To the left of the oven is a small wrought-iron door, which opens into a 16-seater private dining room called The Cellar. Back towards the front, a large table and booth allow parties to enjoy views through the floor to ceiling windows.

Promptly after being seated in the booth, all 5 of us experienced some great service from our server, Lea. She showed us the list of wines from South America, Spain, Italy, France, and U.S., and let us taste as many as we liked until we found the right one. (By-the-glass prices range from $7-25). Two of us decided to go with the Sangria ($8) and we were glad we did – it's got big chunks of apples and strawberries and is served in a HUGE goblet. The bar also has 7 beers on tap, including Belgian favorite Chimay ($8).

Regarding the "Mangia, Mangia," an assortment of Olives topped with Orange Rind, warm Flatbread, and a finely chopped, not-too-garlicky Pesto Sauce are served complimentary – and refilled too. The Tuna Tartare ($12) appetizer with Fennel, Shaved Capers, and Microgreens is fresh and delicate, but could use a little more seasoning.

For the pasta dishes, the Penne Bolognese ($14) is perfectly al dente, the hearty Tomato Sauce is a tease, the Meat's a little tough, but it's still super satisfying. The Spaghetti Tartufi ($22) has a mind-blowing eye-candy display of rich Black Truffles, but unless you eat it hot, all you'll taste are oil-bathed noodles. 

From the 9 types of 6-slice baked-to-order pizzas, the Melanzana ($10) served with Eggplant, Broccolini, Garlic, and Pesto is light, farmers market fresh, and addictive. The Fresca Margherita ($12) with impressively large caneles of fresh Burrata cheese, for me, leaves a bit to be desired since the Bruscetta-style sauce is too light – but that didn't stop the girls from gobbling it up.

And, the berries in the Bread Pudding ($6) give it the perfect tangy zing needed to counter balance the sweet Dulce De Leche Gelato.

Della Terra's excellent service, high quality ingredients, and fair prices make this welcoming location a definite go-to or take-out.

Stay tuned @DellaTerra_LA for updates on their new prix-fixe Champagne Brunch coming soon this June.