By William Jacko
Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Steve Parisi grew up on Long Island in an Italian family that loved to cook and entertain. When he relocated to Florida, he honed his culinary skills by cooking for friends at his backyard brick oven, before opening a restaurant two years ago
Located in NorthPointe Village in Lutz, christened Brick City Eatery mainly for his love for brick oven pizza. “Coincidentally, the building is made of brick so it worked out perfect,” said Parisi.
The restaurant specializes in brick-oven, wood-fired pizza, where everything is made to order.
“We have roughly 15 different pizzas to choose from and they are prepared with a thin crust and cooked well-done. Because our oven is wood fired it gives the crust a nice char look. Very different you’re your traditional pizza place,” said Parisi.
Pizza may be the center of attention at Brick City Eatery, but the menu also includes large fresh salads; sandwiches like Cuban Panini, Chicken Parm, and Philly Cheesesteak; signature dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Baked Ziti, and Brick City Pasta; and pizza-shop staples like calzones, Stromboli and chicken wings.
“Our best kept secret is our dry-rubbed and oven baked wings, and use 12 different dry seasonings,” said Parisi. “We rub them down and let them sit in the cooler for 24 hours before baking them. By allowing them to marinate over night, it allows the rub to absorb into the meat for a delicious flavor.”
Brick City offers an all-day breakfast menu, which includes breakfast pizzas, Avocado Toast and the famous Northern Egg Sandwich. The Northern Egg Sandwich is reminiscent of a Bacon, Egg and Cheese on a roll you would find in a NY Deli. You can add other meats like sausage, ham or pork roll to it, said Parisi.
“On the weekends, Brick City serves brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. “Our brunch includes more traditional items like omelets, eggs your way and skillets. The local favorite is the breakfast quesadilla and hangover burrito,” said Parisi. Another big attraction are the bottomless mimosas and sangrias.
Brick City Eatery is nestled in main-street themed NorthPointe Village, near the intersection of State Road 54 and the Veterans Expressway.
“We do lots of spirit nights with area schools and churches, and also donate food to local organizations. I’m happy to help in any way I can and I’ve always enjoyed feeding people.”
Brick City Eatery caters parties and special events, rents a private room that holds 40 people, and offers in-house and DoorDash delivery.
(813) 328-4169 • BrickCityEatery.com
Published 5/1/19
