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I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a particularly adventurous eater. Don’t get me wrong, I love food, but many textures and flavors just rub my picky palate the wrong way. I consider myself the food writer of the regular Joe; your unpretentious captain of culinary delights that don’t involve squid ink or foie gras. I won’t quote the French and I won’t educate you on proper oyster-eating etiquette, this I promise. I will, from time to time however, wax poetic about cheese.

Saint Paul is widely known as foodie’s paradise, home to some of the most buzzed-about gourmet restaurants in the state. And while I’ll certainly delve into those kinds of places now and then (complete with tips on how to avoid eating curried goat bladder without being labeled a wuss), my main focus will be filling you in on tasty tidbits that everyone can relate to. My first post, in fact, will deal with a staple, signature favorite: Pizza.

For the first 16 or so years of my life, I’d only eat cheese pizza. I eventually branched out to pepperoni, then olives, then sausage, and at some point I even graduated to the occasional jalapeno or Hawaiian pizza. Risky, eh? Despite my particulars on the eclecticism of pizza toppings, I think one thing can be agreed: No matter what’s on it, a good pizza is a good pizza. The crust, the sauce, the cheese…any of these things can easily win or fail. In my inaugural post, I’ll detail one of my favorite Saint Paul pizza/Italian joints, Grampa Tony’s in Highland Park. Feel free to chime in on the comments section with your own personal faves. After all, the world can always use another good pizzeria recommendation, if you ask me.

I actually consider myself an expert on this joint, because back in the late nineties I waited tables there. But make no mistake, I’m unfortunately not receiving any delicious kick backs — I was a terrible waitress and I’m pretty sure they all high-fived each other when I left. Despite the constant running, bending, lifting and such that I was subjected to at that job, I didn’t lose a pound — most likely due to the fact that I always left with something that had at least a pound of cheese on it. Damn you, employee discount. At any rate, pretty much everything on the menu at this cozy nook is worth a chomp. From sandwiches to pastas to pizzas, Grampa Tony’s is a Saint Paul classic.

GT’s keeps it real with fresh, non-blended mozzarella cheese — and they most certainly don’t skimp on it. To me, cheese is key. A pizza with a chintzy application of cheese that does not hint at early heart-failure isn’t a good pizza in my book. A decent piece of ‘za ought to “spread,” which means the cheese is so abundant that is slides greasily off the edges of the crust once it’s cut. Delightful, right? Grampa Tony’s pizzas definitely achieve this. Each style of crust here is a first place winner in its own right as well. From the crisp, delicate thin crust to the perfectly chewy traditional crust, to the outrageous “Stuffed pizza” (we’ll get that later), each crust allows its toppings to take center stage while still providing a notable foundation. I went on a slight cheese tangent above, but trust me, Grampa T’s doesn’t go light on their other toppings either. For instance, a pepperoni pizza is a multi-layered endeavor stacked with more super-thin circular meat-discs than you can (almost) handle. And the spicy sausage is the cook’s own special blend of fresh, herbed meat that’s torn off in raw tufts and sent into the oven atop a signature mound of mozz.

The Stuffed Pizza is another matter entirely, and in fact, ought to come with some sort of disclaimer relating to possible “death by cheese.” Basically a pizza version of lasagna, this ridiculous Chicago-style deep dish pizza requires 45 minutes to bake and consists of layer upon layer of cheese, your choice of “toppings,” and sauce — with an additional crust layer to keep everything in check. Definitely not for the faint of heart — fork, knife and bib required.

Grampa Tony’s is not just about the pizza, however. They’ve also got a pretty solid pasta and sandwich menu. One of my ultimate favorites is the Italian Roast Beef Sandwich, which comes on a toasted hoagie bun sopped in garlic butter and mounded with savory, paper-thin slices of roast beef. The option to include an ungodly amount of mozzarella cheese is less an option and more of a requirement in my book. Served with a side of salty au jus sauce, this monster pretty much demands to be eaten with a fork and knife, unless, of course, you can unhinge your jaw.

Pasta dishes here are also nothing to scoff at. Heaping helpings of carb-fueled favorites come paired with buttery garlic bread and a side salad, and are almost always under $10. Stand outs include old-school Spaghetti with dense, spicy meatballs, liberally doused in a tangy red sauce; lasagna packed tight with flavorful meats and more mozzarella and ricotta than any human should consume in one sitting; and simple but hearty mostoccoli baked under a crusty layer of stringy cheese. Of course, for the heart-healthy wimp there are plenty of non-threatening, yet still tasty selections such as signature salads, veggie sandwiches and non-cheese-laden pasta dishes.

In regards to ambiance, Grampa Tony’s is a conversation piece in itself. The owners, longtime pop culture aficionados, have literally covered the walls of the restaurant from floor to ceiling with autographed photos of legendary celebrities, sports figures and rock icons, as well as playbills, ticket stubs and other such fascinating tidbits of Americana. The intimate dining room is one part neighborhood pizzeria and one part cute date spot. Dinnertime on the weekends is usually a loud, boisterous affair, complete with screaming children, but if you’re looking for a more chilled out dining experience with a glass of vino, I’d recommend hitting them up after 9pm on the weekends or after 8pm on any given weeknight.

For more info visit www.grampatonyspizza.com

Grampa Tony’s, 631 Snelling Avenue S., St. Paul 55116

Did you ever have the burning desire to run away to join the circus when you were young? Circus Juventas provides that opportunity — minus the having to run away part — for youth ages 3 to 21. For 15 years this Cirque du Soleil-style troupe has been crafting artistic visual marvels and feats of agility that delight and amaze people of all ages.

Head to the CJ Big Top in Highland Park between May 13th-17th to experience Circus Juventas magical Spring showcase. Comprised of the group’s beginning and intermediate students, this performance will be one part adorable (think little kids in sparkly costumes) and one part impressive (i.e.- ways you could never imagine bending). A blend of physical grace, theatrical energy and thoughtful production design is what keeps this group on the lips of the greater performing arts community.

See the show at 7 p.m. any day between the 13th and the 16th, or make it a matinee with the fam at 1 p.m. on either the 16th or 17th. Call 651-699-8229 to order by phone, or click HERE to print off the order form and fax to 651-699-4395.
You’ll already be in the Highland area so why not grab a bite to eat while you’re there? Head up Snelling Avenue to family-friendly pizza parlor Grampa Tony’s, where the walls are adorned with hundreds of fun autographed photos of celebs and sports heroes. The menu boasts some of the tastiest Italian fare this side of the river, with fat slabs of cheesy lasagna, loaded pizza pies with all fresh ingredients, and my personal favorite, the Italian beef sandwich piled high with thinly sliced roast beef, smothered in gobs of fresh, melty mozzarella and served with a savory Au Jus sauce.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale but still fun and affordable, try out the award-winning Highland Grill on Cleveland Avenue. Stand out treats include the tempura green beans served with a sweet, delicate plum sauce for dipping; the Yellow Fin Tuna Melt, a seasoned tuna steak served on thick, grilled sourdough and topped with pepper-jack cheese, pico de gallo and poblano peanut pesto aioli. And don’t forget dessert! The Highland Grill always goes the decadent route with homemade desserts that will definitely please your sweet tooth.