|
|
|
 |
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine is St. Charles County's
exclusive direct-mailed community newspaper. |
 |
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine Restaurant Spotlight Archive |
|
|
The Pizza Stone Offers A New Taste In PizzaBy Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
You'll find no cookie cutter entrees at the Pizza Stone in Winghaven - just gourmet selections fresh off the stone from the creative mind of owner Jeff Pollard. Pollard believes in free thinking - and free enterprise. Pollard's Pizza Stone Gourmet Pizza is a slice above the rest, whether it's his spinach and artichoke pizza with a creamy spinach and artichoke based sauce, chicken and mozzarella cheese or his cheeseburger pizza with a unique creamy Dijon sauce topped with meatballs, bacon, red onions, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. It's just a matter of taste. "I worked in the restaurant business for years and decided it was time to break out on my own," said Pollard, who opened the Pizza Stone two years ago at the Boardwalk in Winghaven. Situated in the old-town atmosphere, just across the street from an ice cream parlor, The Pizza Stone is a welcoming spot with plenty of options. Eat in, dine out in the fresh air garden or run in for a quick carryout. The Pizza Stone can accommodate. The independent pizzeria is eons away from the typical pizza chain where red sauce is a staple and provel cheese is a calling card. "The Pizza Stone is a place for people who want to go back to the way pizza was supposed to be made," said Pollard. "People who come here from Chicago or New York say they feel like they're home again." The delightful restaurant features ceramic mosaic tile walls and brick fired pizza oven. If the aroma of baking pizza doesn't pull you inside, it will make you stay once you've got one foot in the door. "I didn't want a sports bar, and I knew I had a good recipe for pizza dough," said Pollard. "A couple of guys I worked with made the dough for a Westport Plaza restaurant and used it for appetizers. I changed a couple of ingredients, added a couple of ingredients and came up with what I believe is a pretty good crust." Pollard describes the crust as doughy, not thin, with a little chewiness and a certain crispness only obtained with a brick oven. Pizzas at the Pizza Stone are all "hand-formed." Dough is made fresh every day, and two sizes of pizza are offered. Pizzas prepared on their regular 9-inch crust will serve one to two people; a larger 14-inch pie will satisfy the whole family. "The 9-inch crust works well because it's plenty for one or two, or several people can order various types to share," Pollard said. "It gives everyone a chance to try different things." Of course The Pizza Stone serves appetizers like buffalo chicken wings, chicken tenders and garlic bread (about $5 or less), but try their pizzadilla, a quesadilla type pizza featuring a flour tortilla stuffed with marinara sauce, a special cheese blend and grilled chicken baked in the pizza oven ($6.29). "My favorite is probably the bacon cheeseburger pizza because I love the taste of the creamy Dijon sauce," Pollard said. Others might go for the Thai chicken pizza ($7.29 and $14.29) an entrée for the spicy at heart. Using a Thai peanut sauce, fresh mozzarella, grilled chicken, shredded carrots and fresh red peppers, Pollard creates a pizza like no other. For the manly men (those who don't eat quiche) or those who like a more traditional pizza, the "Manly Man" pizza features fresh Italian sausage, pepperoni, handmade meatballs, bacon and salami ($8.99 and $16.99). There is plenty to soothe your hunger at The Pizza Stone, including a selection of traditional Italian entrees, salads and a soup of the day. Party platters are also available. Lunch specials are served Monday through Friday. Children's menus offer smaller portions. Stop in and enjoy the afternoon or evening at The Pizza Stone tucked away in the quaint Boardwalk area of Winghaven. Follow the signs posted along Winghaven Boulevard to the Boardwalk. The Pizza Stone is located at 7333 Village Center Drive, (on the Boardwalk in Winghaven), in O'Fallon. For more information, directions or carryouts call 636-625-0500. Delivery is available.
The Pizza Stone Owner: Jeff Pollard 7333 Village Center Dr. (on the Boardwalk in Winghaven) O'Fallon, Missouri 63368 Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.; Sunday at 12 noon. Phone: 636-625-0500
|
|
|||||||
