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Vevay, Indiana: Roxano’s Restaurant

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:00:17 +0000

Vevay, Indiana: Roxanos Restaurant

Vevay, Indiana and Roxano’s Restaurant catches our eye.

little Indiana must have an internal homing beacon related to pizza. No matter where I am, if there’s good pizza, like Roxano’s Restaurant in Vevay? I will find it!

Roxano’s Restaurant in Vevay, Indiana

The Swiss Wine Festival was still going on yet Roxano’s Restaurant was hopping! Now that is the sign of a great place to eat.

Spacious though the seating was, they were really busy. So, we elected to get our order to go and head to the Courthouse lawn just down the street.

We thought the kids might enjoy a chance to run around. We needed a chance to chit chat without interruption, too. There will be more on the exceptional Courthouse in Vevay, but for now? Let’s get back to the grub!

Indiana Pizza

Vevay, Indiana: Roxano's Restaurant Breadsticks

We started with their Garlic Buttered Breadsticks. It’s research don’t'cha know.

Roxano’s Restaurant had more than a few things to choose from. If I had been with a large crowd, I would have loved to have tried their giant party pizza–18″ x 18″ of the ‘za! How fun is that?

What did we order? Three words: Chicken Alfredo Pizza.

Pizza Heaven in Vevay

As little Indiana, I have had pizza and I have had pizza. This, my dear readers, is pizza with a capital “P.”

Granted, the Garlic Butter Breadsticks are drenched in the delicious garlicky butter sauce and, as we know, butter always makes it better.

But, even so, these are perfection. Soft and warm, the marinara sauce made a great complement. Kid #1 couldn’t get enough! Kid #2 didn’t exactly complain either.

Vevay, Indiana: Roxano's Restaurant Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Roxano’s Restaurant Rocks

The pizza was phenomenal. Perfectly topped with red onions, grilled chicken, mushrooms, and heavy on the cheese, this is a pizza I will not soon forget!

You’ll easily find this one in the downtown of this lovely Indiana town–just follow your nose! There’s more than pizza in this mom and pop restaurant. Why not see for yourself?

See Roxano’s Restaurant images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Roxano’s Restaurant
211 Ferry Street
Vevay, Indiana 47043
812.427.2616

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Wakarusa, Indiana: Cook’s Pizza

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Wakarusa, Indiana: Cook's Pizza

Wakarusa, Indiana is the home to a very popular pizza joint: Cook’s Pizza.

little Indiana heard that people come from miles around to enjoy this Wakarusa favorite. After our visit there? I believe it!

Cook’s Pizza in Wakarusa, Indiana

On the corner of the main street, Cook’s Pizza can’t be missed! This small Indiana town doesn’t have all that many corners in its super cute downtown.

It’s a small mom and pop restaurant. Large windows look out onto the bustling street. You can choose between a handful of tables or cozy counter seating.

Small as it is, there can also be a bit of a wait! My advice? Try to go during the “off” time or prepare to wait for awhile. Either way? It’s so worth it!

Inside Cook’s Pizza

Wakarusa, Indiana: Cook's Pizza Stromboli

Everyone knows everyone else and the conversation is non-stop. Even folks milling around waiting for their to go order chit-chat with the tables.

The walls and shelving are full of local sports teams and other small town business. Nothing fancy, but that’s never mattered to little Indiana!

In fact, we’ve heard that several years ago a few local farmers were given a key so they could let themselves inside in the morning, make coffee, clean up, then lock up again. Only in a small town!

Cook’s Pizza Menu

Wakarusa, Indiana: Cook's Pizza Menu

How on earth could we decide? Pizza always sounds good to me! But when heard about their Stromboli Sandwiches? I was torn.

I ended up getting the Ham Stromboli. Hubs got the same thing but with Sausage.

These sandwiches? Works of art! I was just telling hubs last night that I was craving it. That would be the perfect midnight snack for sure.

Cook’s Pizza Delivers!

Just what you would expect from a small town: Friendly and Good. We’d love to go back and sample some more from the menu–if I can resist the call of the Stromboli!

Cook’s Pizza
101 South Elkhart Avenue
Wakarusa, Indiana 46573
574.862.4425

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Walter’s Pub in Leavenworth, Indiana:

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:00:51 +0000

Walter's Pub in Leavenworth, Indiana: The Overlook

Walter’s Pub in Leavenworth, Indiana has a jaw-dropping view.

Located on the edge of an overlook, this place is more than just a pretty face–it also holds some of the most delicious pizza I have ever had. Ever!

Leavenworth, Indiana and Walter’s Pub

That’s the thing about Indiana towns. You just never know when the place you walk into is going to knock your socks off. It doesn’t matter if it is far in the country or in a teeny tiny town.

Walter’s Pub? Was one of those places.

We didn’t actually get to eat inside Walter’s Pub–we had both of our boys with us. But since we needed something for dinner and it was very close to us–we ended up doing carry out.

Hubs hopped over from The Leavenworth Inn, the bed and breakfast where we stayed, to pick up our pizza. He said the interior was really sharp. As a whole, well, he was rather impressed by the whole place!

Pizza from Walter’s Pub

Leavenworth, Indiana: Walter's Pub Pizza

Our pizza? Even neater! This pie was a work of art.

Artichokes, spinach, and chicken placed on top of Alfredo Sauce and then smothered in Mozzarella Cheese. Even the kids ate it!

Sure, Kid #1 complained a little but after he tried it? He admitted it was really good. For a kid that is on a Pepperoni kick? That should tell you something right there.

The crust was just incredible. I have never had such a full-flavored thin crust as that one. It was absolutely amazing–and crunchy!

They call it a flat bread crust. I call it delicious. I couldn’t believe that it was still so crunchy after sitting in the car for a bit. Pretty amazing stuff.

More on the Walter’s Pub Menu

Walter's Pub in Leavenworth, Indiana: Menu

I would love to be able to go back to Walter’s Pub and try something else. They had a few interesting pizza’s on the menu that I am sure would be awesome, like BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza!

Of course, I could probably try something other than pizza, too. Maybe. Okay, probably not.

Perhaps one day I’ll grow up and out of my pizza obsession. But chances are? It won’t be anytime soon!

See Walter’s Pub images and other pictures in Leavenworth, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Walter’s Pub
1153 State Road 62
Leavenworth, Indiana 47137
812.739.4264

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Dig In to Dayton Station in Dayton, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:00:35 +0000

Buck Creek Pizza in Dayton, Indiana

I hear the Star Wars fanfare music playing when I look at the image of that breadstick from Dayton Station in Dayton, Indiana. Can you hear it, too? But if you think the breadsticks are good…just wait until you try the pizza!

Dayton Station in Dayton, Indiana

We’ve already covered my Indiana town pizza obsession. It takes a lot to “wow” me–something the big chain restaurants don’t ever do. But Dayton Station, a family-friendly small town business, did!

It’s a great example to anyone who is big box addicted: You don’t need to eat at the same old places to find really good food (and, honestly, you won’t find it at those places, anyway).

Inside Dayton Station

It’s like walking into a lodge! There is a really fun cabin feel. The walls and ceiling are covered in wood planks. The tables? Yep, they match too (and are giant)! Even the chairs match–and the seats are generous and super comfy. Did I mention they are wood, too?

We weren’t the only people having an early lunch at Dayton Station. A few police officers sat at one table and a couple of tweens sat at the other. We took the last table after placing our order: Pepperoni and sausage pizza with an order of breadsticks.

The Pizza Has Landed

Buck Creek Pizza in Dayton, Indiana

Piping hot out of the oven, our breadsticks, as I mentioned before, were fantastic! Super soft with the right amount of seasoning, with Marinara sauce for dipping for the kids and a zesty Jalapeno Cheese sauce for us.

When the pizza arrived? We ditched them. We ditched them and dug in to our crispy browned pizza and didn’t look back. Residents of this Indiana town are so lucky!

Dayton Station makes a nice and tall pie. They brown the top so it’s crisp, eye appealing, and yet–not overdone. Really, this is pizza perfection.

Our waitress had recommended a 10″ pizza with the addition of breadsticks and she was right on target. We were full and didn’t have any leftover!

Thank You

little Indiana would like to extend a sincere “thank you” to the son of our server who was on his way home from Iraq. We know how tough the waiting can be. He will be headed back there in two weeks and we wish him the best as he completes his third tour!

Dayton Station
2988 Dayton Road
Dayton, Indiana 47941
765.296.7950

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Rick’s Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana is Ridiculously Good

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:00:05 +0000

Pepperoni Pizza from Rick's Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana

Rick’s Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana is the local go-to for pizza!

Rick’s Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana

Everyone in this small Indiana town tends to choose Rick’s Pizza when Friday night rolls around (at least judging from all the coming and going). This is quite the hopping place!

Situated on a corner in what looks to be an old gas station, Rick’s Pizza is nothing fancy. No sides or extras, just good pizza.

The Food

Since you’re wondering (I’m pretending you are, anyway) I loved the Cheese Pizza. I’ve been on a cheese-pizza kick lately. Weird, I know.

Hubs and Kid #1 shared a half-sausage and mushroom, half-pepperoni pizza. Kid #1 then decided mine was the best so I had to share. Hubs really liked the sausage and mushroom side and hoarded it all to himself.

Word of Advice

Rick's Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana

Nothing fancy here. But a word of advice? Don’t forget the quarters!

There are a few arcade games inside so you can distract the kid(s) and/or your hubby while you wait for your order.

Just a note: The sizes run small with a flatter crust than you might be expecting, so you might need to get a size larger than what you might usually order.

Rick’s Pizza’s cold Cheese Pizza is absolutely fantastic so you want to make sure you have leftovers!

This is a great small town choice when you’re craving pizza! Just plan ahead. As always, call before you head out.

See more Rick’s Pizza images and other pictures in Rensselaer, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Rick’s Pizza
494 N Van Rensselaer Street (what locals call “Five Points”)
Rensselaer, Indiana 47978
219.866.7466

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Roselawn, Indiana: J & J’s Pizza Shack is Just Plain Good

Jessica Nunemaker — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:06:06 +0000

There’s nothing fancy, schmancy about J & J’s Pizza Shack in Roselawn, Indiana — it certainly has that small town atmosphere that I know and love. What they also have is pizza, good, yummy, hot out of the oven pizza!

J & J’s Pizza Shack has something fun on the menu: J&J’s Pizza Challenge! Apparently, whomever can finish an entire deep-dish, kitchen sink pizza in one hour gets it free! If I had known about that while I was pregnant, I’m pretty sure I could have won!

As it is, I think it would be fun to order just to see how big it really is — and you know I love cold pizza as leftovers (it’s my favorite breakfast food or, at least, it was until the kids were born — now I have to sneak it!).

They seem to be known for their kitchen sink pizza which, as you probably have guessed — has everything on it!

If we hadn’t had the kids along we probably would have tried it (hubs and I do like a good everything pizza). Instead, we got a half cheese and a half cheese and sausage pizza. It’s on the list for next time.

Of course, we had to start with nummy cheesesticks, eaten while watching people zip by on golf carts. So funny. By the time we polished those off and our pizza arrived, the place was hopping and pretty full!

As we were finishing up (and Kid #1 ditched us to play on the retro arcade games) the owner walked around handing out frozen mini candy bars from a very large bucket. This is a man after my own heart.

What’s more — J & J’s Pizza Shack has an ice cream counter! They even had that wonder of wonders: Valpo Velvet ice cream which also happens to contain my favorite flavor — Blue Moon! If you haven’t had a chance to sample Blue Moon ice cream, well, now you know of another place where you can get it!

See more J & J’s Pizza Shack goodness on my Flickr photostream.

J&J’s Pizza Shack
5942 E State Road 10
Roselawn IN 46372

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The Circus Comes to little Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:30:39 +0000

One of the many framed circus prints that dotted the street.

Why do I live in a small Indiana town? I think the knock on my door the other night can help explain this one. To start with, most people don’t knock on our door, they walk right in!

For another – it was a neighbor a street and a half over inviting us to a circus put on by her visiting grandkids…who also happen to be in a circus club (and to bring a side dish to share)!

We had no idea what to expect. I threw together a red potato and green bean vinegar and oil salad with my farmers’ market purchases from that morning and, well, you can imagine our surprise when we turned the corner and–the street was hopping!

Fifty people minimum, no problem. They actually had the street closed off at each end. Only in a small town, right?

There were chairs set up across the street from the house (as well as chairs that people brought from home), a water and punch table, various large framed circus prints to make it festive, and a makeshift spotlight ready to shine over it all.

I can’t forget one of the best parts: The very long table laden with yummy stuff: pasta salads and dessert pizza, layer cakes and veggie trays. Oh my!

We didn’t know everyone but it didn’t matter. The kids all played together and giggled while the performers got ready; the grown-ups mingled, chatted, and ate. After the sound check –the circus was on!

The Table at Our Neighborhood Circus!

What a circus this was! These kids juggled: They juggled while one girl walked slowly between two jugglers, they juggled on unicycles, with balls and clubs — and did figure-8’s (then reversed it!).

A girl stood on a very large ball and managed to navigate it between colorful cones. They performed classic skits and walked on stilts. It. Was. Fun!

After the show? We could try out everything! Yes, I rode the clown bike which is a lot harder than you’d think! Hubs learned how to juggle and he could even balance on the ball. The circus definitely brought out his inner Carnie!

It’s nights like that that remind us why we chose to live in a small town.

Yes, you could sit in a lawn chair in the middle of the street on a Sunday in town and not have to get out of the way very often, and yup, you will always see someone you know no matter where you go (two people if you leave the house without make-up).And, no, there aren’t 30 kinds of orange juice to decide between at the store.

But–there’s nothing like a sense of community. This is what drew us to small town life in the first place. This is what it’s all about.

See this and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

New! Offering affordable online advertising for your small Indiana business! little Indiana Businesses is the online presence that you’ve been looking for.

A Slice of Pie Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana: Garlicky Goodness

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:30:53 +0000

I asked the owner of A Slice of Pie Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana, “What’s good?” His response? “Everything or it wouldn’t be on the menu…but the garlic rolls are popular.” Garlic rolls? SOLD!

A Slice of Pie Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana: Garlic Rolls

A Slice of Pie Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana

Let me just tell you now: These are addicting! Terribly, terribly addicting! Warm, buttery, melt in your mouth and garlic–yummy, yummy garlic!

Lucky for us, the kid couldn’t get through half of his (did I mention they are really big?) so hubs and I split it. Sharing? Argh!

Our Slice of Pie

Since it was around lunch time (I can’t believe we made it in somewhere at a normal time!) they had pizza by the slice. Definitely unusual for an Indiana town.

We had a half pepperoni and a half mushroom and sausage pizza.We were so full from those garlic rolls, though, we barely made a dent in our pizza. I had to grab a box to bring the rest home!

Dinner is Served

A Slice of Pie Pizza in Rensselaer, Indiana: Sausage and Mushroom Pizza

This small town pizza joint has a really nice menu: Side items, fresh salads, and pasta.

The inside is so brightly decorated you wouldn’t believe what an improvement it is from the old and decrepit building it once was!

Did I mention that they are across the street from a fun little park and located right next to Ayda’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant?

I am pretty sure I will grab a garlic roll from A Slice of Pie Pizza and a steak burrito or Nachos from Ayda’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant and call it dinner. Does it get any better?

Find A Slice of Pie Pizza images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

A Slice of Pie Pizza
305B N. College Ave.
Rensselaer, Indiana 47978
219.866.8682

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little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

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Papa Bill’s Pizza Goes Heavy on the Cheese

Jessica Nunemaker — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Rensselaer, Indiana: Papa Bill's Pizza

Papa Bill’s Pizza opened up in little Rensselaer, Indiana and it was good. Very, very good.

Kind of funny for a town that already has three pizza places! They must really like their pizza in Rensselaer!

Rensselaer, Indiana: Papa Bill’s Pizza

It’s your standard small Indiana town pizza joint on the inside. Very nice people.

We got a half Sausage and a half Pepperoni Pizza. I know: we are totally creatures of habit.

I will say, however, that in the interest of research, I had to sample both. I greatly preferred the sausage over the pepperoni (which is usually so not the case) but I think that is due to the Fennel Seed. Yum!

We also bought a side order of cheese bread. Can you say ooey gooey? I can.

Of course, that’s hard to do with a mouthful of piping hot melty cheese, but there you go.

The Real Deal

Rensselaer, Indiana: Papa Bill's Pizza

You gotta go. Forget those tasteless slabs of big box pizza. Anything is better than that.

When you do get over there to Rensselaer, make it a Sausage Pizza with a side of Cheese Bread.That’s good stuff!

See more Papa Bill’s Pizza images and other pictures in Rensselaer, Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Since this writing, I have been informed that Papa Bills Pizza has closed. August 2010.

Papa Bill’s Pizza
2605 N McKinley Avenue
Rensselaer, Indiana 47978
219.866.8177

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little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

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Marcella’s Pizza in Wheatfield, Indiana: Yes, Please!

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:30:47 +0000

Wheatfield, Indiana: Marcella's Pizza

When you find good pizza like at Marcella’s Pizza in Wheatfield, Indiana, you just have to share!

Marcella’s Pizza in Wheatfield, Indiana

So, let me just say, that no one could have been more surprised than I was when I took a look at Marcella’s Pizza’s menu.

Spinach, Tomato, and Garlic with Alfredo Sauce Pizza, Garlic Shrimp Pizza, and even a Philly Cheesesteak Pizza.

This small Indiana town pizza shop even has deep dish pizza! How ever does a pizzaholic decide? She leaves it up to her hubby and hopes for the best.

We got the Spinach, Tomato, and Garlic with Alfredo Sauce Pizza on a thin crust and ordered a 7” Sausage for the kid. We had to have a side of their famous garlic rolls too.

Inside Marcella’s Pizza

There was a coloring book and crayons for the kid, though the fun decor of the place kept him entertained for quite some time!

Airplanes, blimps, and I don’t know what all hang from the ceiling. The walls are covered in travel-related items like luggage, chintzy plates, postcards, and posters. Don’t worry–it wasn’t obnoxious like at those big box chain restaurants with the too-loud music.

The kid refused to touch the garlic rolls (he was in quite the mood that day) but they were pretty good.

I scarfed them down and longingly gazed at what hubs hadn’t finished. He wasn’t moved.

Pizza at Marcella’s Pizza

Wheatfield, Indiana: Marcella's Pizza

Then came the pizza…wowza. It was a thing of beauty. A more sensitive soul may break down in tears after sampling this stuff.

Okay, maybe that’s taking it a bit too far, but I ate an embarrassingly large amount of this pizza. It was just. that. GOOD! Like, craving good, even!

I sampled the kid’s (all in the name of research, I swear!) and it was yummy as well. He definitely enjoyed it, grading it “delicious.”

Oh, and for all you cold pizza lovers out there…the Spinach, Tomato, and Garlic Pizza was still very good after a night in the fridge. Bonus!

For more Marcella’s Pizza images and other pictures in Wheatfield, Indiana check out my Flickr photostream.

Marcella’s Pizza
3854 W State Road 10
Wheatfield, Indiana 46392
219.956.0525

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little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

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