Written by Karen Pacifico

wners Damon Powell and Julie Pakula extend a warm welcome to their casual and homey restaurant that serves up great pizza and a whole lot more. These co-owners bring a strong business background and a career in the fine dining food business to this relatively new business celebrating its’ one year anniversary.

Almost everybody likes pizza. Anybody who has had an exceptionally good pizza loves it, and the sensation of taste of that one pizza slice has been permanently implanted into memory. Pizza ingredients are salty, sweet and acidic, so maybe a good pizza is like red wine that unlocks every taste receptor in your body and keeps you wanting more.

Damon and Julie are committed to offering the highest quality fresh products and want satisfied customers. Of course, any smart business owner wants that, but the driving force behind their success today is rooted in their commitment to these principles.

After Julie has brushed garlic honey butter on the pizza crust, our server Sarah who was their first employee delivers the pie with pride. Sarah went on to explain that there is a regular crowd that frequents the restaurant, some five days a week. For customers like that the owners spend what’s needed to purchase quality products. For instance, the dough is made fresh daily and the ovens used are the right type for baking great, tasty pies. As we waited for our order, a customer who was visiting the area made a point of telling us that “it was so good....I enjoyed the pizza so much ....it was made just like back home in Kansas.”

Monster Pizza is child friendly and you can be seated in the front where the action is or at tables and booths in the back where there is a full bar as well. Make a point to look at the originals and prints on display for sale by artist Karen Howard.

Monster Pizza refers to a 30 “ (16 slices) pizza that I’m sure you’ll agree is extreme. You can’t imagine the dimension of this unusually large pie until you view Julie’s arms tossing the ‘flying pie’ in the air. This pie is $27 and is also available as The Mega Slice at $3.50. If the size is intimidating, you can order a Medium pie in 16 inch (8 slices-$12) or Large 20 inch (12 slices-$17). Price is dependent upon your selection from an extensive list of toppings and variations to the traditional pizza and all pizzas are available with honey wheat crust.

Ted Huffman and I both ordered the Lunch Special that consists of one topping Mega Slice, a side salad and a fountain drink for $6.00. What a good deal. The slice is huge and the freshness of the salad ingredients is obvious. While we chose pizza, Donna Huffman enjoyed a delicious Classic BLT on a honey wheat hoagie. Other choices are cibatta or pita bread. The Gourmet Sandwiches are $8 and are served hot or cold with pickle and potato chips. You have six very different selections so you’re sure to find one to suit you.

In addition to appetizers, they also have a Monster Pizza Roll, which is their homemade pizza dough wrapped around mozzarella and your choice of toppings, baked to golden brown and served with a side of ranch and pizza sauce. Select any two toppings for $7 and each additional topping is $.50. For those who are looking to add ‘greens’ to your diet, they have six salad selections including a wonderful Chef’s Salad for $8. Another favorite is the Antipasto Salad ($8) with romaine lettuce, sliced monster pepperoni, salami, ham, onions, banana peppers, tomatoes, black olives, cucumbers, tomatoes and feta. Add grilled chicken to any salad for an additional $3.

Beer lovers should check out the Monster Beer List that includes domestic, imported, micro-brews and The Diesels, which have a high alcohol content, and a maximum limit of three per customer. Many wines are available by the bottle or glass. Also, ask your server about the dessert offerings. Next time I’ll try one of their many tasty sandwiches or salads and a Root Beer Float with two scoops of Breyers vanilla ice cream. Sure wish I had one now. Yummy!

What more can I say? Buon appetito!
(Enjoy your meal!)

Monster Pizza
142 A Burnt Church Park
Hours: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Closed Sunday
757-6466
Fax: 757-6469
Monsterpizza142@hotmail.com