Page 67 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2023

Pizza is the perfect choice when you need a simple meal for one, but I think it’s best shared with family or friends. There’s truly no other food like it. Restaurants up and down the Coast showcase a variety of pizzas, each with their own special flair, while paying homage to regional specialties and time-tested techniques. Check out a few of my favorites!
First stop... Brooklyn! And by Brooklyn, I mean Brooklyn Pizzeria in Gulfport. Owners Mark and Darlene Cruthirds have been serving authentic New York style pizza since 1993. Celebrating 30 years in business this month, Mark is amazed by the success of his pizza – a small dream that blossomed into a booming reality. Mark explains that New York pizza
is all about the balance between the three main elements: the cheese, sauce, and crust. If one element overpowers the other, then you’ve lost.
Brooklyn Pizzeria features a skim-milk mozzarella, a house-
made sauce, and hand-tossed dough prepared daily. Classic
pepperoni is a customer favorite and many are quick to request a side of French dressing. Mark believes people love the New York style pizza because you can get a quick slice and be on your way. It’s easy, filling, and most importantly, convenient. I think people love Brooklyn Pizzeria because of its incredibly consistent and delicious taste!
Is a heavier crust more your style? Check out The Sicilian II’s take
on the Chicago-style deep dish on their signature pizza menu. A Chicago native, owner Chris Drake, II wanted to showcase a traditional Chicago-style pie to his Biloxi audience, while applying a little finesse
to this classic recipe. The Lanford is Drake’s tribute to a pizza that reminds him of a simpler time in life, boasting a thick-dough and
14 inches of pizza goodness. The puffy, tavern-style dough is square
cut and topped with an array of garnishes blanketed in whole-milk mozzarella.
Drake wants his customers to have an authentic pizza experience. He believes that by putting his heart and soul into each pie, customers can experience a tiny, but significant taste of his time growing up in the windy city. An experience that will have you saying, “Now that is Chicago.”
Looking for something a little more personal? The Pizza Bagel at
Lil’ Market Deli and Bagelry in Ocean Springs is about as personal
as it gets. Owner Oren Zweig has been hand rolling and kettle boiling epically delicious bagels for a hungry crowd since 2018. As a self-taught chef, Zweig wanted to bring his love for chewy bagels to the Ocean Springs community.
Regularly selling out each day is a testament to Zweig’s notion that he was definitely on to something. Zweig’s pizza
Brooklyn Pizzeria.
The Sicilian II.
Lil’ Market Deli and Bagelry.
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bagel is a recent menu addition