Made to Order: Bucyrus pizzeria offers more than pies
We often crave pizza, especially on Friday nights. My hometown of Bellevue had a number of pizzerias, as it was mostly an Italian town. The southern Redmen in Bucyrus have a similar amount of pizza places to choose from, with at least seven locations I know of cranking out the pies that all of us love.
A recent report indicated chains are losing ground, but independents are holding steady with 41 percent of the market. Ohio ranks fifth in the nation for the number of independent pizza shops, and with Americans eating more pizza than ever, it can be a good business to be in. Toppings starting to accelerate their presence are Cotto ham, anchovies, zucchini, feta cheese, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
We found Michael's Pizza Foldovers & More at 1640 Marion Road in Bucyrus captures many locals and travelers along Ohio 4 with some traditional and trendy favorites. They have a space that is open, and conveniently near other restaurants and several businesses.
Michael Robinett is a multi-talented businessman with three businesses grouped near the restaurant. In July 2010 he bought the pizzeria, which was located off of Ohio 98 near the hospital. With an opportunity to utilize his stepson Steve's expertise in pizza making, they took over a previous restaurant spot. Our guest, W.C,. was pleasantly surprised to find his long-lost cousin Grace was employed there.
The space was staffed and stocked with a dinner buffet that runs from 4 to 9 p.m. weekdays; the lunch buffet is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday night is family night, and kids ages 3 to 8 eat free with an adult meal. Michael's Pizza Foldovers & More is open every day and boasts a salad bar and ice cream center for shakes, flurries and sundaes. With 21 sandwiches, subs and several salads, there is something for every taste.
We sampled a supreme pizza with mushrooms, olives, banana peppers, ham, bacon and bell pepper. W.C. gave it a thumbs up. Andrea tried a taco pizza with seasoned ground beef, tomato, lettuce and sour cream. It was not overly spicy. While they were busy with pizza, I spooned up homemade chicken noodle soup with big, wide noodles, chicken and carrots in a light broth. Next came a mushroom and pepperoni-laden foldover that provided a good taste of this overly stuffed gem.
Wings soon arrived with a barbecue bone-in and garlic Parmesan boneless varieties. The barbecue had a light coating of tangy sauce that went well with the meaty wings. The boneless counterpart had a dry rubbed coating giving it a well-seasoned garlicky appeal.
Chef Andrea tried a veggie pizza with olives, banana peppers, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. The crust was delicious and held a multitude of toppings. My peanut butter milkshake was thick, creamy and full of that ole' fashioned goodness I had known as a kid after a little league game.
We try to taste items we've never had, or items that make an establishment a little different than others. We found that in Michael's potato pizza pie, a medium crust topped with sour cream, potato wedges, bacon, three types of cheese and a splash of chives. It was like eating a twice-baked potato in each bite. They also have a California white pizza with garlic butter, mozzarella and provolone, onion, broccoli, cauliflower and tomato. It makes veggie lovers very happy. Feel like a submarine sandwich? don't despair, Michael's has varieties ranging from meatball subs to an Italian sub with ham, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella and creamy dressing.
We enjoyed one last treat with a Reese's Cup flurry filled with an ample amount of candy, soft serve ice vanilla and love. If you're in the mood for hand-dipped ice cream cones, there are six traditional flavors and an array of toppings for sundaes.
The second Friday of the month is bike night and cruise-ins start May 29. They run from 5 to 9 p.m. and include door prizes, trophies and custom-etched mirrors made next door at Michael's other business, Trinity Monuments.
Look for information on Michael's, go to michaelspizza.net or call 419-562-1911.