The owners of GTwo Pizzeria, Jeff and Crystal, relocated to Florida from Las Vegas, NV – but they had been Florida residents some thirty years earlier. GTwo celebrated their Grand Opening on April 4th and it’s an exciting addition to the Palmetto restaurant scene.
The couple took on the renovation of the former Pizza-Pro restaurant space to bring us a varied and delicious new concept. Jeff has a long history in the hospitality industry throughout several cities including Ohio, Chicago, and Texas. This is Crystal’s introduction to the restaurant business and she’s doing a great job running the front of the house. Their daughter Eryn and her fiancee are also part of the family business.
The star of this new pizzeria is the Triple “D” Cheesy Garlic Pizza, a Detroit-style deep dish pizza with a garlic butter sauce, plus a number of meat or vegetable toppings that you can add to customize your pie. Toppings include pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, beef, mushrooms, green peppers, or onions. Of course, this was the first thing that I ordered. Adding sausage and pepperoni comes naturally to me – so I did.
They also have a Triple “D” Cheese Pizza, which is baked with traditional pureed tomato sauce and all the same toppings you can get on the white sauce variation.
Detroit deep dish pizza is rectangular in shape and toppings go on the crust. It is made with mozzarella and Wisconsin brick cheese and the sauce is spread on top of the toppings.
The cheese in a Detroit-style pizza goes all the way to the edge to create a lacy baked cheese crust. In comparison, the Chicago deep dish style pizza crust is pushed against the sides of a round pan and is thicker than the Detroit style crust.
A Detroit-style crust has a crispy bottom but airy center similar to focaccia bread. It is also always kept at 70% hydration, which gives it a porous layer and a softer chew. The buttery flavor of the crust is a result of a small quantity of oil and the melting properties of the mozzarella and Wisconsin brick cheeses together.
This was my first experience with a “craft” Detroit deep dish style pizza and it has made me a fan. It’s like indulging in a deep dish crust without having all the extra bread and edges.
Aside from the Detroit Style pizza, GTwo also has thin-crust pizza. They come in a number of combinations. The Works Pizza has pepperoni, sausage, ham, beef, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions; The Philly Cheesesteak Pizza has shaved ribeye steak, onions, green peppers, and white sauce; The Buffalo Chicken Pizza has grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese crumbles. Then there’s also Tomato & Basil, Spinach Alfredo, and Hawaiian pizzas. They all come in 10-inch, 12-inch, and 16-inch pans.
There’s lots to enjoy even before you get to the pizza section of the menu. Appetizers include Potato Skins, Garlic Bread, Fried Mushrooms, and Jalapeño Poppers.
Chicken Wings are always served naked, unless otherwise requested, and come in a variety of seasonings and flavors. You can choose from Hot or Mild Buffalo style, Garlic Parmesan, Lemon Pepper, BBQ or Louisiana Dry Rub – which is what I had on the first visit.
The wings came out piping hot and had a nice amount of seasoning and flavor. Orders are available with 6, 12, 24 or 50 pieces and are served with carrots and celery.
Other pizzeria favorites include Strombolis, Calzones, Hot Subs, and Cold Subs. The hot sandwich section includes a Boardwalk Sausage Sub with mild Italian sausage, onions, and green peppers; as well as Chicken Parmigiana, Meatball Parmigiana, and Italian Sausage with marinara sauce.
You ask why Parmigiana and not Parmesan? Well, “parmigiana” is the preparation that uses real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and “parmesan” can mean any number of cheeses similar to the original and not necessarily Italian in origin.
These hot subs are dressed with onions and green peppers, marinara sauce, and added mozzarella cheese. Why combine the cheese? Parmesan is a harder cheese with a saltier flavor, and mozzarella is softer and holds moisture better. Combining them makes for a better-tasting bite.
You can also order a hot or cold Ham & Cheese Sub, a BLT Sandwich or an Italian Sub with ham, capicola, salami, provolone cheese, oil, vinegar, lettuce, tomato, and onion on an Amoroso roll. An Amoroso roll is an Italian hearth-baked roll originally from the Amoroso’s Baking Company in Philadelphia, often used in Philly Cheesesteaks. Yes, they have that too. Their Philly Cheesesteak is made with sliced ribeye, onions and green peppers. That’s the one I had on my second visit.
One of the things that sets this pizzeria apart is the smash burgers. Yes, Smash Burgers!
There has been a proliferation of smash burgers in the restaurant industry after the success of places such as Culver’s, Shake Shack, and Five Guys. Jeff tells us that the idea of adding smash burgers to their menu is part of his background in corporate-owned restaurants.
Whatever the reason, the result is one delicious burger, two as a matter of fact. Two – ¼ lb. patties on a toasted brioche bun. Just a Burger is dressed with LTOP and their GTwo sauce; Just a Cheeseburger has added American cheese.
GTwo is truly a family enterprise, Jeff, Crystal, Eryn, and Andrew are the ones who will take your order, prepare your food, and offer a friendly smile.
This is a welcome addition to the community of Palmetto. Call your order for take-out or dine-in – either way, you’re going to love the experience!
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GTwo Pizzeria is located at 653 10th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221
Aldi Supermarket Plaza ( behind Mc Donald’s )
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday – 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday – Saturday – 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Closed on Sunday
Phone: (941) 722-1000
Order online at: https://www.gtwopizzeria.com/
