Brian Forde: New York Pizza owner Monique Stevens adds another pinch of mozzarella cheese before inserting an uncooked pizza pie into the oven.
New York Pizza offers taste of the Big Apple in Kentwood
by Herb Woerpel
Monday October 13, 2008, 3:06 PM
West Michigan residents craving the thin, saucy and foldable taste of an authentic New York pizza may now do so without traveling across the country.
New York pizza differs from a traditional pizza pie in many ways. The slices are wider and thinner, and the hand-tossed crust is often crispy, yet chewy. Pieces are generally light on sauce, and traditional toppings include tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Owners George and Monique Stevens first tasted a New York pizza at the same restaurant under previous ownership several months ago and instantly fell in love.
After noticing the establishment was up for sale, the Stevenses decided to purchase the restaurant and, after revamping and renovating the building and making a few slight menu changes, elected to reopen the restaurant under the same name.
"We wanted New York Pizza's loyal customers to continue to enjoy the taste they know and love and we feel the changes we've made only improves the taste," George Stevens said. "The texture and flavor of our crust is what makes our pizza so good. It has a fresh, yeasty, bread-like quality and, though not paper thin, it's thin enough that you can polish off several slices without getting stuffed."
All New York Pizza's ingredients are fresh and do not come from a can.
"Our pizza is unique because the dough is made fresh every day and our ingredients include no chemicals and are commonly purchased from local farmer's markets," Monique Stevens said. "The dough balls are all rolled ourselves, the natural sauces are all homemade and our tomatoes are pulled right from the vine."
The restaurant offers much more than just its trademark pizzas. Also available are a variety of 10 oven-baked subs and traditional appetizers such as chicken wings and spiced fries.
The dinner menu includes spaghetti, lasagna, hamburgers, philly cheese steaks and more; and for dessert customers may enjoy a double layer chocolate cake, a New York cheesecake or other sweet selections.
As the community supports local businesses, the Stevenses wanted to stress their local business supports the community as well.
"We've had a lot of people come in and say they'd rather invest their money in local business than a national chain and we are very appreciative of that," George Stevens said. "We support the community as well and actually just finished hosting a fundraiser for a group from Kentwood Community Church that is traveling to Cambodia. We want to continue doing this with community foundations, charities and others."
New York Pizza offers catering and, with prior notice, will serve large group celebrations and parties. Wireless Internet is offered and a computer is available in the lobby for customers to use while dining. Delivery is available with a $10 minimum purchase and customers are encouraged to call for details and availability.
Monique Stevens said business so far has been wonderful and said they rarely see customers only once.
"I have not had one person walk away disappointed," she said. "People are always commenting on how much they love the pizza and they are almost always coming back wanting more."
New York Pizza is open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2a.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 12 p.m. Sunday. For more information visit www.newyorkpizzagr.com or call (616) 575-0303.
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