You’re Entitled To Your Opinion, But I Think NY NY Pizza Is Wesley Chapel’s Best!

The first time I ever had New York New York (aka NY NY) Pizza, my friend Suzi had just finished her set at an Open Mic night at The Improv in Ybor City in 2007 and all of the comics went to NY NY’s take-out window on 7th Ave. for a slice. 

As a native New Yawka who had moved to Wesley Chapel 14 years earlier, I was impressed enough with the crust, sauce, cheese and overall flavor of that first slice that when I was told, in 2012, that NY NY was opening a location in Wesley Chapel, I was excited to meet the owner, Freddy Mamudi, and tell him how much I enjoyed that first slice (with pepperoni and Italian sausage) and just how much I was looking forward to his 2013 opening on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. 

NY NY has been in my top two or three favorite pizza places in Wesley Chapel (or New Tampa) ever since, at one point just behind the former La Prima Pizza (which originally opened as the second location of Pizza Suprema) in the Target shopping center, and neck-and-neck with Amici Pizza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. 

When La Prima closed in 2019, NY NY became #1 in my book, especially once I sampled NY NY’s “Grandma’s pizza” (left), which most NY-style pizza places now serve but which wasn’t even a thing yet when I left the Big Apple in 1993. 

In my opinion, NY NY’s crisp, thin crust is the closest to true NYC pizza locally and the sauce and mozzarella cheese are spot-on. But, the garlicky sauce and fresh basil on NY NY’s Grandma’s pizza has made it competition for my favorite, along with the restaurant’s pepperoni and sausage pizza. 

These days, the Wesley Chapel location is one of nine that Freddy at least co-owns. He keeps his hand in every location because he insists that all of his partners — like his cousin Disi Musa (at right in the top photo, with Freddy) — have worked at another of his locations for years before giving them the opportunity to partner in their own locations. Disi worked for Freddy since 2008 in Ybor and was a partner in the Carrollwood location since 2014. 

“It’s all about quality control,” Freddy told me on my most recent visit with photographer Charmaine George. “If everyone puts their own spin on our recipes, it’s no longer the NY NY pizza our customers have come to expect.” 

When you visit NY NY Pizza for the first time, instead of a pie, I suggest trying four or five different slices — since most or all of these are available every day in the display case next to the cash register. Get one Grandma’s; one regular cheese; one pepperoni, sausage or meat lovers slice; one of whatever your favorite specialty slice may be and one square Sicilian slice (definitely the most authentic crust and flavor of any Sicilian that I’ve sampled in the Tampa Bay area; more on this below). I’ve never been a big fan of “white” pizza or veggie pizza, but if these or other “Gourmet” slices are your go-tos, definitely give them a try here, too. 

Speaking of Sicilian, as I was preparing to write this story, I happened to be in downtown Tampa and decided to check out Tampa’s most storied (and busiest) pizza place — Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza on E. Twiggs St. Although I honestly thought Eddie & Sam’s (which I hadn’t visited in years) was good, neither its Grandma’s nor its Sicilian slices could touch NY NY. I’m fine if you disagree, but I say try both places for yourself and tell me which you really like better. 

Other Stuff, Too 

Although it’s hard for me to venture away from NY NY’s pizza, I do enjoy a lot of the place’s other menu items. 

The chef’s salad, with rolled ham, turkey and cheese and lots of fresh veggies, is good, as is the big portion of lasagna. I told Freddy and Disi that I’d prefer to see a little thicker sauce on the lasagna, but the amount and flavor of the ground beef and ricotta cheese stuffing were both spot-on. I also enjoyed the penne alla vodka, to which I added grilled chicken. Both the lasagna and the penne were served with tasty toasted garlic bread on my most recent visit, because the usual yummy garlic knots on the menu weren’t made yet that day (Charmaine and I were there fairly early). 

We also were genuinely impressed with both NY NY’s baked crispy and zesty mild Buffalo wings (which also are available in hot, hot garlic, teriyaki, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, BBQ & hot BBQ, lemon pepper and mango habanero). The wings are available as extras in NY NY’s “Family Meal” deals (see below and the ad below for details). And, even the extra-crispy French fries are really excellent. 

But, while I’ve never had a calzone or stromboli at NY NY (I really don’t love those anywhere), I have enjoyed NY NY’s properly oven-baked meatball and chicken parmigiana subs. What I didn’t expect, to be honest, was how much I’d appreciate NY NY’s Philly cheesesteak, although I definitely won’t claim that it’s authentic Philly-style — and that’s what I like about it! I’ve had both Pat’s and Gino’‘s and a couple of others in Philadelphia and I prefer NY NY’s oven-crisp sub rolls to the traditional, soft Amoroso rolls in Philly and you can give me the real mozzarella over that city’s usual cheese sauce every time. NY NY’s grilled onions and peppers were properly sautéed to tender and the overall flavor was outstanding. 

Meal Deals & Specials 

In the previously mentioned ad below, you’ll find a number of “meal deals” and specials that will please your wallet nearly as much as they please your appetite. The Family Meal Deal includes one extra-large one-topping pizza, 10 wings and six garlic knots for just $39.99, or upgrade it to two XL pizzas for just $59.99. 

The Pasta Special includes two baked pastas and six garlic knots for just $25.99, while the Pizza Special is one medium one-topping pizza and one hot appetizer for $19.99. There also is a Sandwich Special (2 hot or cold subs, with fries, for $25.99) and Every Day Slice Specials with a drink ($8 for two cheese slices, $10 for pepperoni and $12 for two Gourmet slices). 

And, if you mention the Neighborhood News when you call or pick up, you’ll save 10%. 

Try NY NY for great pizza and great people! 

NY NY Pizza (3757 BBD Blvd.) is open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For more info, call (813) 528-8771 or visit NYNYPizzeria.com. Online ordering and delivery are available.

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents Musical Parody ‘ICON: Auditions’

Special to the Neighborhood News 

Do you love singing competitions like “American Idol,” “The Voice” and “Star Search?” Then don’t miss the Wesley Chapel Theater Group’s upcoming production of “ICON: Auditions,” a laugh-out-loud musical parody show that brings the drama, talent and chaos of televised competitions to the local stage — Saturday & Sunday, March 28-29, at the Zephyrhills Lions Club. 

Inspired by the golden age of reality singing competitions, “ICON: Auditions” playfully captures everything we secretly love: unforgettable auditions, emotional back stories, shocking talent (and lack thereof ), a twist ending and, of course, the over-the-top drama. 

At the center are three distinct judges (above): a fame-seeking Soundcloud rapper, a former child star chasing love and a brutally honest critic who isn’t afraid to shatter anyone’s dream. Facing them are twelve colorful contestants, each vying to become the next big pop icon. From shy crooners to bold divas, and from comeback hopefuls to hilariously questionable auditioners, the stage is filled with big personalities and even bigger performances. 

And, here’s the twist: this isn’t just a show you watch — it’s a show you control. 

As the competition narrows, the audience votes live to decide which three finalists advance and ultimately earn ICON status. Each performance becomes a one-of-a-kind experience shaped by the crowd, making every show uniquely unpredictable. 

The musical features recognizable radio hits spanning genres and generations, making it a crowd-pleaser for teens, adults and families alike. Whether you enjoy powerhouse ballads, pop anthems, or feel-good classics, there’s something in “ICON: Auditions” that will have you tapping your feet, dancing and maybe even singing along. 

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group continues its tradition of showcasing incredible local talent while creating unforgettable community experiences, and “ICON: Auditions” may be its boldest concept yet. From performers and directors to stage crew and volunteers, the show represents months of dedication and collaboration. It’s a testament to the thriving arts scene right here in Wesley Chapel. 

Performances will be at the Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd.), on Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org. 

For more info, scan the QR code on the ad below or visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org. 

Gronk Co-Founded Greenlane Salads & Wraps Has Opened On S.R. 54!

If you haven’t yet tried the new Greenlane Salads and Wraps drive-through location at 24801 S.R. 54 in Lutz (next to Los Chapos Tacos and the now-closed Fazoli’s), photographer Charmaine George, Jannah and I all urge you to go ahead and give it a shot. 

We all agree that co-founders Chris Kern (above) and former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Bucs tight end Rob Gronkowski are onto something with this growing local mini-chain that is now up to five locations. 

We all have our own favorites — Jannah loves The Gronk wrap above left (she’s also now had it as a salad bowl), with roasted broccoli (which Jannah calls “amazing”), roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, green onions and cheddar Jack cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce with Greenlane Goddess dressing. Charmaine’s fave is the Tuscan Sun salad bowl (right), with pepperoncini, crispy chickpeas, marinated mozzarella, salami, grape tomatoes and Italian vinaigrette on a bed of romaine. She liked it with the grilled steak shown below, but says she definitely will try it with the grilled chicken next time. 

I already have three favorites — the caprese salad (bottom left), with nut-free basil pesto mozzarella, Florida ripe cherry tomatoes and house-made balsamic vinaigrette; the ginger sesame crunch wrap (below) and the Cobb wrap. You can order any of these as a wrap or a salad and everything is customizable to your exact specifications. There also are smoothies and slushies on the menu. In our eyes and tastebuds, Greenlane is a winner! For more info or to order, visit GoGreenlane.com. — GN, photos by Charmaine George

Mango and Strawberry Frozen Drink

Tampa City Ballet Hosts An Amazing ‘Inside The Studio’ Wine & Cheese Social!

I’m so glad our photographer Charmaine George was able to be on hand for the “Inside the Studio” wine & cheese event at the Tampa City Ballet (TCB) studio at 15365 Amberly Dr., in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms. The event was hosted by TCB founder and artistic director Paula Nuñez (right in photo) and Board member Marguerite Pinard (left in same photo) and featured demonstration dances by TCB’s super-talented professional dancers, as well as a vocal performance by Coloratura Soprano Daniela Mass, (below left), plus wine, cheese and many TCB supporters and joyous attendees.

Up next for TCB is “Dance Now,” Tampa Bay’s (FREE) Dance Festival, with hundreds of dancers from Bay-area dance troupes of all genres. It will be held at Tampa’s Water Works Park (next to Ulele Restaurant) on Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m. For more info, see the ad below or visit TampaCityBallet.org. — GN

Olive Garden & Seasons 52 Coming To WC Blvd. At Gateway Blvd.!

Yard House Unconfirmed But Now Rumored To Be The Front Runner To Replace Bahama Breeze On S.R. 56 

Above is an absolutely not-to-scale NN composite map showing the existing businesses on the south side of Wesley Chapel (WC) Blvd. between Old Pasco Rd. & Gateway Blvd., with the site plan for the now-under-construction Gateway Plaza Retail Center superimposed to show the approximate location of Olive Garden (believed to be “Restaurant #1” on map) and Seasons 52 (believed to be “Restaurant #2”). The project also will include a dental office that will have its entrance off Gateway Blvd. The map shows Centerline Dr., which starts behind Slim Chickens, intersecting with the new plaza, but does not properly show where WC Blvd. & Gateway Blvd. connect to it. (NN-created map sources: Google Maps & Pasco County)

 The restaurant rumor mill in the Wesley Chapel area has been swirling even more recently, with the previously announced planned closure and rebranding of the Bahama Breeze Island Grill on the north side of S.R. 56. 

At almost the same time, the previously announced Olive Garden restaurant, located at the intersection of Wesley Chapel Blvd. (aka S.R. 54), Gateway Blvd. and Centerline Dr. (see map), began clearing the land for the Gateway Plaza Retail Center with Olive Garden, a dental office and a second previously unnamed restaurant. 

After reading on one of the local Facebook groups that the second restaurant was going to be Seasons 52, I then had my research guy and correspondent Joel Provenzano look into the development plan and Joel did find that Seasons 52 is indeed the second restaurant coming to that site — even though Seasons 52 also was announced as one of the Darden Restaurant brands that could replace Bahama Breeze on S.R. 56. 

We will keep you posted on the progress of Olive Garden and Seasons 52, but having those two Darden Brands now coming to Wesley Chapel Blvd. less than 5 miles from Bahama Breeze, seems to have narrowed even further the possible options to replace the island-themed eatery across from the Tampa Premium Outlets. 

The Wesley Chapel area’s existing Darden Brands already include Longhorn Steakhouse, Chuy’s, Cheddars Scratch Kitchen and now Olive Garden and Seasons 52. 

That leaves only Darden’s most upscale restaurants — Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Capital Grille, plus Yard House sports pub, with Yard House rumored (also in online chat we’ve seen) to be the front runner. But, with Bahama Breeze still 12-18 months from being repurposed and no official announcement yet forthcoming from Darden, all we can say is we’ll keep you posted.