Big Tony's is No More

Alas,

As so often happens, another great establishment closes its doors.  I will always miss The Mad Italian's garlic rolls, the CornerStone Diner's coffee that could eat through chrome, and Uncle Lonny's phenomenal frozen custard.  Now Big Tony's old faithful pizza joins that list.

The website may still be up at Big Tony's Pizza and Ribs, but the place is vacant.

Please allow me a moment of silence to say goodbye to the place where you could "Eat where the Fat Man eats!"  Your 5-Star Diamond Review is now diamond dust.

...Big Tony, if you're out there, grant me the recipe for your cheese dip.

Now the hunt begins for a new pie.  No nation wide chains allowed.  Please post your favorite local pizza joint to the comments.

Big Tony's Pizza & Ribs - Holly, MI

I usually make my own pizza but sometimes you just want to order out. Having scoured many pizza joints in the area, I couldn't resist trying Big Tony's Pizza & Ribs where the slogan is "Eat where the Fat Man eats". I was not disappointed.

They have a very extensive menu including numerous varieties of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, chicken, seafood, ribs and pasta. Big Tony is not afraid of toppings and LOADS them on their pizzas. I usually order the "Old Faithful" specialty pizza that comes with pepperoni, ham, bacon, mushroom, onion and green pepper but substitute jalapeno for the onion. Quite a deal at $13.25 for a 16 inch large. Sometimes I'm really in the mood for toppings and order the flavor your crust for you like some other pizza chains "Too Much Stuff" which features... everything (pepperoni, ham, bacon, Italian sausage, chicken, ground beef, mushroom, onion, green peppers, black and green olives, pineapple, tomato and mild pepper rings at only $3 more than the Old Faithful.

Big Tony's also has the option to flavor the crust but does so where the flavor is present and not in your face. I usually opt for a simple garlic crust.

For sides, an absolute must anytime we order is breadsticks with their cheese dip. The dips is a cream cheese base with garlic and herbs. We usually fight over who gets the last of the cheese dip. Irresistible. So far, I've only had the pizza and breadsticks although my mother tried the jumbo shrimp and was very pleased. She is not easily pleased.

Big Tony had big plans to open a full service restaurant in Holly but due to difficulty with zoning laws/permits, they have abandoned this endeavor and stick to carry out/delivery. Service has always been fast and very friendly. After only a year and a half, they know me by name and by my usual order. Do not overlook this local specialty when you need pizza and toppings and you need them now.

Big Tony's Pizza & Ribs
3521 Grange Hall
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 634-3900

Dining Gem Score: Diamond (5 star)

Pros: Outstanding pizza. Not afraid to load pizzas with toppings. Fair prices.
Cons: Carry out/delivery only.

Via Bologna - Clarkston, MI

A spontaneous stop for lunch finds another Dining Gem. Via Bologna in Clarkston, MI is a quaint Italian restaurant in a shopping plaza on Dixie Highway near Blockbuster. Don't let the exterior fool you. Inside is a beautiful and relaxing Italian eatery replete with the required Sinatra soundtrack.

According to their website at www.joebologna.com:
Established 1996. This restaurant specializes in traditional Italian pastas as well as veal, chicken and fish entrees. Good wine selection too. Known as a local gem, this location reminds customers of the cosy romantic atmosphere they may encounter dining in Europe. The snug dining room is also decorated with Italian photographs and landscapes from Italy. Relax and unwind. Enjoy a glass of wine or martini at the bar before you eat. Delicious temptations by Chef Mike Miller."

Our waitress recommended one of their signature salads with homemade dressings or either the hot chicken parm or eggplant sandwich or even a combination chicken and eggplant sandwich. Mrs. E opted for the chicken parmesan sandwich while I went out of my normal comfort zone and tried the individual 6 inch "Tuscan Pizza", a flatbread pizza topped with artichokes, blue cheese, prosciutto, tomatoes, and truffle oil. Being a tuesday, we missed the famous Wednesday lunch buffet. We'll be sure to come back and try it out and post an additional review here.

While we waited, our waitress brought out the usual bread and dipping oil you come to expect at an Italian restaurant. Via Bologna surprised us with a full size loaf of homemade crusty Italian bread that was perfect. Not too hard, great chewy interior. Their olive oil was blended with finely shredded (not grated) parmesan that was full of flavor.

Mrs. E described her sandwich as good but said she usually prefers her chicken parm sandwiches a little more "messy". My tuscan pizza was simply outstanding. Perfectly cooked. I felt a little like Remy in Ratatouille when he has flavor fireworks in his mouth.

Dining Gem Score: Emerald (4 star)

Pros: Delicious food, large menu choices, excellent atmosphere.
Cons: A little pricey but well within reason for a casual lunch/dinner out.

www.joebologna.com