By Annie McManis

Who says all the good restaurants are on the East side of town? OK, I might have bitched once or twice. But that's only because, except for a few obnoxious chain restaurants, the West Side has so few choices for a simple, casual sit-down meal ... that is, until now. Native Westsider Gordie Scherer opens PIZZA NOVA on Thursday in Western Hills, at the corner of Cleves-Warsaw and Ebenezer roads.

Scherer and partners also own the original Pizza Nova on Five Mile Road in Beechmont. That location opened a couple of years back and has received rave reviews ever since. The gourmet-quality pizza joint features fresh ingredients and gourmet toppings -- roasted garlic, feta and goat cheeses, pine nuts, hummus, roasted red peppers, pesto, shrimp, scallops and more. Traditionalists can also order fresh basics, like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and the like. In addition to carryout and delivery, the new West side location will also have a 60-70 seat dining room, complete with beer and wine.

The Eastside location plans to expand its offerings by moving to the site of the former Bruegger's Bagels on Beechmont Ave., and offering dine-in seating and beer and wine service, with an expected opening around the end of December. The Five Mile Road location will remain open for carry-out and delivery until then. Pizza Nova, Western Hills, 513-941-9090; Beechmont, 513-231-6111.

Nothing worse than an unemployed singing server. So when VITO'S CAFÉ, a new Italian/American eatery opened in Fort Thomas earlier this month, owners Mary and Victor Ciepiel scooped up as many of the former ForestView Gardens' employees as they could find. Now the CCM and NKU students can sing and serve again -- from Frank Sinatra to Pop, opera to Broadway -- all while serving up pasta and meatloaf. Business is booming and reservations are highly recommended: Opening weekend was a sell-out. 654 Highland Ave. in Fort Thomas. 859-442-9444.

E-mail Annie McManis

Shanghaied (November 8, 2001)
The Dish (October 18, 2001)
Get In Line (October 11, 2001)
more...

personals | cover | listings | humor | news | movies | music | arts & entertainment | dining | classifieds | mediakit | home