Bradenton Foodie: December 2013

Monday, December 2, 2013

Gio's Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar

Over the years Gio's has transformed itself from a sit down Pizzeria to an upscale Italian restaurant with numerous face-lifts and decor changes. They are now known as a Martini Bar, they do make some great cocktails, and they have a nice small bar area which is perfect for while your waiting, but don't be fooled, they still do the basics justice and the price hasn't gone as upscale as the surroundings.

They've always had some of the best Pizza around, and that's still true today. They use an Italian thin crust recipe that will keep you coming back time and time again. The menu has changed but they will generally accommodate your order to your liking. Below is their delicious cheese pizza substituted with their house "La Vodka" sauce instead, which used to be a menu item but they have no problem making. No need to add Parmesan now, just a little crushed red pepper and we're good to go! They're house marinara is equally amazing and good on everything from their pasta to their pizza and great for dipping, I seem to always end up with a side of sauce when I'm there.

They also have a revolving soup list with a different soup made fresh for every day they're open (Monday: Cream of Tomato Basil, Tuesday: Focaccia Onion, Wednesday: Tortolini in Brodo, Thursday: Pasta Fagioli, Friday: Shrimp Bisque, Saturday: Potato Leek) I am personally a huge fan of the Focaccia Onion (Essentially an Italian "French Onion Soup", but with focaccia bread and Italian seasonings) and their Shrimp Bisque, very rich and creamy with chunks of fresh shrimp. But don't stop at their soups, they have a great list of appetizers and salads. And besides their pizza they have great entrees like hand rolled lobster ravioli and some of the best chicken Marsala in town. And of course any of their Parmigiana's will win you over, made with their delicious marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella, you can't go wrong. I'm not a vegetarian but I'll eat their Eggplant any day of the week!

I definitely recommend you give Gio's a try, if not just to give their Fabulous pizza a try, to give some of their classics a go, with flavors and quality that will blow many of the local big chain restaurant's out of the water!

Restaurant Info:

Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar Website
Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar Facebook Page
Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar Foursquare Page

Gios Fabulous Pizza & Martini Bar
4805 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, FL 34210

Phone # (941) 792-3388

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: Noon – 9:00pm
Friday: Noon – 10:00pm
Saturday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Closed Sunday

Menu:

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Eleni's Pizza Works

What can I say about Eleni's? How about great food, very reasonable prices and combo platters for a start! Eleni's is a Greek inspired restaurant that features excellent pizza, pasta, gyros, wraps, grinders & subs. You can view our full menu below at the end of the article. They've also spent some time updating their interior with stunning wall art.

There's really no one else to even get a Gyro from around here, but after having Eleni's, you won't want to look anywhere else anyway. A fabulous house made Tzatziki sauce makes everything blend and the meat is carved fresh off the spit just for your gyro! Your choice of steak, chicken, or classic as well. Get your Gyro as an platter for just $8, comes with fries and a Greek salad ,also with house made Greek Dressing, it's enough to fill you up and not empty your wallet doing so!

All their burgers use Angus beef, so you know you're heading in the right direction with one of these, but next they use fresh baked ciabatta style / greek rolls and top it off with all sorts of tasty goodness. Below is a simple Bacon Cheeseburger, just pic your cheese and get ready to be satisfied.

They also have tons of pizza loaded with toppings. Their crust is mixture between thin and NY Style but it definitely works. As they put it, you're lucky we don't charge by the pound! They aren't lying, they pile on those toppings in a big way, I walked out with all 5 pounds of my small meat lovers one time. Very satisfied, no complaints!

Go give Eleni's a try, great Greek Inspired food in a good atmosphere, with an affordable menu. (See prices on menu below)