subs – the suite life of travel

The Catanzaros have been a family name from my hometown of Springfield, Ohio since the late 1880s. It wasn’t until I had visited Springfield’s Heritage Museum that I learned how well connected the family had been in the community.

I learned that the Catanzaro’s had once rented a booth at the downtown City Market until it was later converted into a museum and they also owned a corner Fruit and Vegetable stand. Our family would stop by the outdoor stand on our way home from church when I was growing up. I remembered hearing about their submarine sandwiches from a friend of mine and stopped by their shop on the west side of town to pick up some lunch.

Guaranteed the best pizza in town and serving overstuffed subs, their specialty is the 3 Meat Italian Grinder. This sandwich includes a hearty serving of hickory smoked ham, Italian Salami and sweet pepperoni, topped with aged Provolone cheese, onions, sweet bell peppers, garden fresh tomatoes, crisp shredded lettuce, light herb, creamy mayo and Italian dressing.

I decided on an overstuffed sub with ham, turkey and bacon on a homemade Italian roll. At $10 for a 12-inch sub or $7 for a 6-inch, I could have lunch for the next couple of days.

In addition to my sandwich, the store also offered a variety of chips and soft drinks so I picked up the jalapeno kettle chips and a Diet Coke.

I looked over the menu while my order was being completed and checked out the pizza menu for some of their gourmet pizza selections such as the Rosario’s Original Mediterranean Wonder, the Catanzaro’s Deluxe, Meatball Explosion, Hawaiian Delight and the Philly Cheese Pizza. Additional meals and sides include several salads, breadsticks, Italian Bread Pizza, homemade lasagna and chicken wings.

Of course a take out Catanzaro’s meal wouldn’t be complete without one of their amazing cannolis on display.

Have you visited Catanzaro’s Old World Style Pizzas and Subs? What did you order? What will you order on your next visit? I would love to hear about your stop at Catanzaro’s if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my lunch experience at Catanzaro’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Catanzaro’s Old World Style Pizzas and Subs
433 Dayton Avenue
Springfield, OH 45506
Telephone: 937 322 3791

Where to Stay:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Springfield, OH
1751 W 1^st Street
Springfield, OH 45504
Telephone: 937 322 2200

Where to Eat:

Catanzaro’s Old World Style Pizzas and Subs
433 Dayton Avenue
Springfield, OH 45506
Telephone: 937 322 3791

It’s early Saturday evening and I am driving around Little Italy in Cleveland in search of an Italian Restaurant for lunch. My stomach is growling and mouth watering from the smell of garlic and pizza dough. I passed by La Pizzeria, just off of the main drag where I found a parking spot down the street. I followed my nose to a cute little pizza parlor with outdoor seating. Taking a seat along the cobblestone street, this was the perfect stop for a pizza pie.

The cook behind the counter was busy making pizzas but took a moment to take my order for a small Aglio e Olio pizza. He mentioned that it would take fifteen to twenty minutes as he was wrapping up twenty-five pizzas for a local graduation party. Watching him place the pizzas in the warmer and the smell of garlic and butter, I knew it would be worth the wait.

I ordered a medium 8 cut and took a seat alongside the beautifully bricked roads. Sitting beneath the Italian flags, I reviewed my photos of the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. I had visited both of these locations earlier to take in a couple of exhibits and before I could finish my photo review, my pizza was being delivered to my table.

Loaded with a variety of white cheeses, butter, garlic and olive oil, this pizza transported me temporarily into culinary heaven. Sinking my teeth into the first piece of pie, I was so excited with the thickness of the cheese as it pulled away from pizza. The perfect combination of garlic, olive oil and spices were divinely decadent and I enjoyed every bite. The thin crust was perfectly cooked, just as the cheese was broiled to perfection. I was super excited that I would have to box up a few pieces to have over the next couple of days.

I looked over the menu one last time to take notice of the long list of gourmet pizzas that included Gigi’s Veggie and Nico’s Philly. There are calzones, pastas, salads, wings, freshly baked subs and an appetizer menu that includes the Salerno Family’s Homemade Meatballs. If the items on the menu are just half as fabulous as the Aglio e Olio pizza, it’s no wonder the call in orders keep coming in nonstop.

I checked in again at the front counter for a box for my pizza and settled up my bill before heading out the door. I was tempted by the Italian Gelato and dessert pizzas, but I will be just as happy thinking about my spectacular leftovers that I will enjoy over the next couple of days. I hope I can wait that long…I may need to break into the box before I make it home.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Little Italy in Cleveland? I would love to hear about the restaurant(s) you visited and what you ordered if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

La Pizzeria
2188 Murray Hill Road
Cleveland, OH 44106
Telephone: 216 229 9050

With so many restaurant choices in the Little Italy district of Cleveland, La Pizzeria is one of my favorites!