Ya know, a girl has to work to support this cookbook and foodie habit of mine, and a working girl needs to have lunch so recently my friend and co-worker Belinda and I decided to go have lunch. After a couple months of training in our home office, about an hour away from home, we have finally settled into our remote office location here in the city and while we do miss the convenience of having a big cafeteria and coffee bar in the corporate office, we have the freedom to get out and check out nearby restaurants at lunch time. It's nice to get out of the office, and helps build friendships when you can get out and socialize and Belinda and I have become quite good friends since starting our job on the same day back in February. We share the same sense of humor, are the same age, bot have grown kids and grand kiddos and enjoy a lot of the same things outside of work too.
So Belinda and I decided to head over the Gusto for a little lunch time get away from the office. I have had Gusto Pizza on several occasions but Belinda, having just moved back to the city a couple months ago, is a first timer. I knew she was in for a treat. Literally a block away from our office building Gusto is in a prime location in the Clocktower Square shopping center- loads of parking, sunny and spacious patio for nice days, and a bright and contemporary dining room filled with cool art.
The staff greeted us right away and were happy to help Belinda go through the menu options. They do have a $9.00 lunch special that includes your own 7 inch pizza, choice of side and a drink. This is a great deal!! I had been craving just cheese pizza for the last week prior to this lunch so that's what I went with, the Fromage a Trois. Thin cracker like crust topped with a delicious and oh so slightly sweet marinara sauce, topped with Mozzarella, Provolone and Romano cheeses, sprinkled with red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Our server went over all the other options with Belinda and was in no way trying to rush her. He explained all the different pizza options ad she finally decided on the Spartacus- same crust, red sauce, Graziano's Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, banana peppers and cremini mushrooms. We both chose a side salad- she went with the creamy Italian dressing and I had sun dried tomato vinaigrette, and the salads were fresh, served right away, a nice serving of baby lettuces, tomato and red onion. Other side options were pasta salad or Panzanella.
Pizzas made it to the table in just about 5 minutes, excellent timing for a lunch out. My Fromage a Trois- perfect. That crust though. Little teeny charred bits, so crispy, perfectly done. Fantastic sauce and cheese portions, this was the perfect lunch sized pie. Belinda's Spartacus was generously topped with everything and I was just a little bit jealous that I didn't choose that one!
Gusto has an impressive list of topping options if you'd like to build your own, things like Peppadews, kimchi, shrimp, maple glazed ham, chipotle bacon, Korean marinated pork and so much more. They also serve sandwiches and desserts so there is something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options.
Overall our experience in this new Clocktower Square location was top notch. Clean dining room, NO dirty tables, attentive staff and fantastic and fresh food makes Gusto a great date spot, lunch spot or place to meet friends for a casual dinner. Hurry over and try it- you won't be disappointed!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 55: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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