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Today:
Two for $20: Brozinni Pizzeria
Posted: Jul 15, 2008 in Dining
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VENUE INFO
After doing so many of these Two for Twenty features -- or "Twomps," as is the vernacular in the office -- one could easily get tired of the same old cheap food. That "one" being me . . . and I am.
So, when the e-mail advertising a new pizza joint popped up in my in box, I was less than thrilled. But, pressed for time, I grabbed Friend Jen and set out for Brozinni Pizzeria.
The mood
Surprise, surprise -- another strip mall restaurant. Great.
Well, it was a surprise.
A little mood lighting hit us as we walked in and realized that every sleek black table, except one, was taken.
The walls were host to framed photos of the New York skyline, the Chrysler Building and a peace sign-flashing John Lennon in front of Lady Liberty. Not limiting the feeling of New York to the walls . . . or the pizza itself, the big boss with the big booming voice, including appropriate accent, checked on each table. He even gave out a free soda, claiming, "Eh, I'll get you next time. I know you'll be back."
He deserves to be confident. This was truly the best pizza I've had in all my twomping.
The food
The counter in the back was piled high with enormous pizzas. The standard pepperoni, cheese, sausage, etc. were ready and waiting, along with a few specialties.Before I get to the good stuff, let me air my one complaint: It's obvious that you order at the counter, but the only visible list of food is a chalkboard menu (listing the price of a slice) and the foodstuffs that lie in front of you.
Only after we had completed our order did I find a paper menu with the rest of the yum-ness.
Various breads and salads start off the menu. Broccoli calzones, stromboli, Trump Italian subs, lasagna, and homemade desserts are on the pages that follow.
But, who cares? What about the pizza!
The other guys' "extra large" is Brozinni's "regular." These pies come as big as 20 inches with slices requiring two plates to contain them.
The day's specials were a taco salad pizza and a white garlic pizza. Jen chose the taco pizza. I got the other ($3.75 each).
Hers, loaded with beef and topped with fresh romaine, tasted exactly like a taco salad.
Mine, with whole garlic cloves, whole basil leaves and ricotta cheese, was pure heaven.
Sigh. We were so full -- I made it only about halfway through my single piece. I did, however, cram in two pepperoni breadsticks. Now, I'm a breadstick purist, but these herbed fresh sticks (four for $4.99), dripping with pepperoni ooze and dipped in cheese (or marinara) made my meal. Jen also ordered a "small" house salad ($2.99).
Come to think of it, the only thing we ordered off the coveted paper menu was the salad.
The drinks
Self-filled, and refilled, fountain sodas ($1.79) each.
The damage: $19.50
If only lived closer... I would probably weigh a lot more.
Oh, and feel free to add "twomp" to your own lingo. As in, "I can't wait for Kate's next twomp!" Until next time, kids: Go eat at Brozinni.
Brozinni Pizzeria
Where: 8810 S. Emerson Ave.
Telephone: (317) 865-0911.
Parking: Lot.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
You know, this is the first pizzeria where I've had a calzone that didn't taste like a microwaved Hot Pocket. Great food and great service, too!
Ate at Brozinni's Sat evening and it was great! I had a stromboli--the veggies were fresh (no canned shrooms)and the bread was obviously homemade (and made well) on-site.
I've been looking for a great lasagna place and I think I've found it. My friend's lasagna came out in a large serving bowl and was basically a small casserole size. It was saucy and cheesey and the meat sauce was very good. It was obviously made for reheating and will easily make two or three lunches.
Also, we had an order of the "knuckles" talked about and pictured in the review. Absoultely garlic heaven!
Thanks for letting us know about this place!
James knows what he is doing.
I am not sure the chain type mentality in this city can appreciate true NY Style pizza, but if you do......Brozinni is as good as most of the haunts that I go to when I am in NYC.
Now the city has 2 legitimate NY Style Pizzerias. Eh Formaggio gets bumped to #2....as Brozinni uses higher quality incredients. Try the Spicy Sausage Pizza. Its a sliced link sausage. They also use the authentic east coast "mini" pepperonis....way better than the typical Hormel garbage you find in most shops around town.
I have been twice since the spread came out in Indy Dine. Business seems good, I hope that they become a fixture in Indy.
Other independents to try in INDY:
Mediterranean Cafe - Avon Dynojacks (Hot Dogs) - Clearwater Gumbo a Go Go - 86th Street GW Grinders - Meridian - Carmel Eh Formaggio - Lafayette/56th Street Papa Joes - Italian - Avon/Brownsburg Hog Heads - BBQ - Broadripple/Pittsboro Ta Ta - Cuban - Market St. St. Elmo - Steak - Illinois St. Red Key - Cheesburgers Athens on 86th - Greek
wow I can't believe that my cameraphone picture turned out so well! I'm glad it finally worked for you!
How I miss our twomps!