Italian, it’s what’s for Dinner! {Sponsored}

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I am by no means a food critic and I won’t describe foods with fabulous adjectives that make your mouth water. However, I am a carb loving, Italian from New York (maiden name: Procopio). I lived 18 years in the Empire State where pizza was served every Friday night and we probably grabbed a slice for lunch a few other times in any given week (don’t even get me started on pasta!). AND my Aunt owns an Italian (pasta and pizza) restaurant where I worked over the years. With all that said, I think I have the credibility to share my opinion with you on GREAT Italian food (and pizza).

I have lived here for 10 years and am always in search of the real deal Italian food. And my newest favorite Italian pizza and pasta shop is Joe’s Pizza Pasta.

Joe’s (as us regulars call it) is owned by Paul (NOT Joe!) Alka who has been in the restaurant business for 40 years, and the chef is his son Bes Alka who has over 15 years of experience in the kitchen. In June 2013 this Italian-Albanian family opened up shop in Edinburg! They make much of their food in house: pasta, dough, sauces, house dressing to name a few. And what they don’t make in house: cheese, sausage, etc. they order only the high end product.

Now here is where it gets exciting. Their homemade pastas and sauces are offered as take out FAMILY
ENTREES (serves 5 people and includes Tossed Salad and Garlic Bread). The reason why this is exciting
to me is that I don’t cook and when I do, it is not too often. And for big parties FOR-GET-IT, I am NOT
your girl! This is the BEST way to deliver dinner to a friend’s house (new baby, surgery, etc.), feed large
groups at work, or serve a smaller get together at your house! You can NOT go wrong with it because
the ingredients are fresh, the price is very reasonable AND because of pure convenience!

So on to the important stuff: PIZZA….I am a traditional Neapolitan pizza (thin crust, few topics) girl.
They do offer deep dish and gourmet topping options for those who need a little excitement. They also
offer their specialty Stuffed Pizza (which is just that)….which really leads to a tough decision for me –
“Neapolitano Pizza Cheese Only” (mozzarella with red sauce) or a “Stuffed Pizza Stuffed Spinach” (no red
sauce, just “Lots of spinach & mozzarella cheese”) – OK! I will take both since they offer it by the slice
anyway!! YUM. If you are traditional pizza fan I URGE you to step out and try the Stuffed Spinach. And
guess what!?!?! Pizza feeds large groups too!!! YAHOOOO (can you tell I am a pizza lover?)!
Looking for smaller individual options? Their Homemade Pastas and Entrees can’t be beat. Find their
entire menu on their website.

Joe's Salad Pizza
Joe’s Salad Pizza

Chef Bes says “Just try it!” and I say bring a bottle of wine (or two) with you if you eat in. They don’t
have their liquor license so this makes for a cheap date night too (think NY pizzeria shop setting)! They
only deliver with in a 5 mile radius, but that’s ok…you didn’t have to cook!

Joe’s Pizza and Pasta
313 S Sugar Rd, Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 287 – 4886
Closed Sundays.

Salute!

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Jean Gearhart
My name is Jean - a Yankee from Upstate New York, went to college in sunny Florida and turned Texan shortly after graduating. I have been married since October 2008 to Troy, a true Southern gentleman. I am a mother of one...one crazy toddler boy! Derrick was born in November of 2011. I am a full time working mommy at a non-profit. I watch too much crime television (I do read when there is time...), spend more money on wine than I should (quantity and quality), and would rather travel then save my money! Troy is a perfect partner for the wine and traveling habits - he HATES my tv shows! At the end of the day I wish I had more time for my friends, more dedicated to working out and that I didn't beat myself up so much about being a "better mom" - all of these are a work in progress...

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