Little Pizza Paradise

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Nestled among the box stores and retail shops in Cascade Village Shopping Center is a pizza restaurant that could be easily overlooked as a lunch spot. With salads, sandwiches, calzones and pizza on the menu, there’s a variety of options offered at an affordable price. Combo meals are available, including a pizza slice (think New York-style), a salad and a soda ($7.75) or two slices and a draft ($11.95). I wanted a big salad, so I ordered the antipasto. You can choose a small ($6.50) or a large ($9.95). The woman at the counter talked me out of a large salad, saying it was huge. When the small-sized option arrived at my table, I had to agree. The fresh lettuce greens (a spring mix that included red leaf, butter and romaine lettuces) were topped with sliced pepperoni and salami, grape tomatoes, red and green peppers, cucumber, artichoke hearts, pepperoncinis and fresh Parmesan. Italian seemed like the right choice for the salad dressing.

How do I judge a salad? Freshness is key. No complaints here. I learned they order fresh produce every day. The ratio of lettuce to other ingredients is another important factor; there were a few too many greens in the bowl. Creativity can make all difference between a satisfying experience and outstanding. This antipasto was standard.

More Info

Location: 63455 N. U.S. Highway 97, Bend

541-312-2577

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday

Cuisine: Italian/American

Price Range: $4.25 to $11.95

— Jody Lawrence-Turner, The Bulletin