Ciao Bella

I'm a big fan of pizza, and I remember rather fondly J Burns Pizza, where I would go during my high school days back in Lakeland, Florida. The crust was crunchy and the pizza was cut into bite-sized squares, which was perfect for sharing with a crowd of hungry teenagers.

My brother and his wife, who still live in Lakeland, recently treated me to dinner at their current favorite, Ciao Bella, which is located on the north side of Lakeland, Florida.

I can't find a web site, but if you are in the area, look them up in the phone book. The restaurant is not flashy, but these guys are the real thing - Italian immigrants who love food and love to talk. The pizza is the opposite of J Burns'. The crust is thick and the slices huge. Bring a big appetite. Look at the size of that pie. Mangia, mangia!!!