ASSINIBOIA - “The sauce is the key to a good pizza,” said Neil Baker, owner and pizza chef at the new Lotsa Mozza Pizzeria at 213, Centre Street, Assiniboia.
“My sauce is from scratch – I use seven spices and three different tomato sauces. It makes a big difference compared to canned sauce. A pizza chef created the recipe and we’ve been using it for decades. I’m thankful he passed it down to me.”
Baker has been a manager at a popular pizza restaurant in Calgary for the past 14 years. “It was a pizzeria and a dine-in Italian restaurant. I was front-house manager and pizza cook. I also served as bartender, server, host, and every job on site. It was good preparation for owning my own business here in Assiniboia. I love making pizzas and meeting people. When I’m complimented on the pizza, it really helps; it makes us proud to work together.”
“As the years went on, I said I’d like to be my own boss again. I had a lot of experience in pizza making and restaurants in general, so when the opportunity came up, I took it. I have a brother in the area and I wanted to spend time with him too so it made good sense to open a business here. Assiniboia has been a good place to live so far. It’s quiet and has everything you need close at at hand.”
While the sauce is the key to a good pizza, the dough and toppings must be fresh and outstanding, said Baker. “We make our own pizza dough everyday. And I use only fresh ingredients. I have real bacon, ham, pepperoni, and salami that I slice myself. All of our meat is locally sourced. I use fresh vegetables, never frozen. If you’re gonna do a pizza right, you have to use the right ingredients.”
Baker wonders which feature his customers will like the most. Will it be the free delivery? “Assiniboia is a small town. There’s no reason we can’t deliver for free.” Or will they be drawn in to the great deal currently being offered at Lotsa Mozza - $18 for a 13-inch Hawaiian or Pepperoni Lovers, pick-up only. Another attraction would be the many custom pizzas not available anywhere else. But Baker thinks his new Pizza-By-The-Slice Machine might be the biggest draw.
“We will be selling pizza-by-the-slice. I’ve talked to people in town and they’re happy to have a quick, delicious option for lunch. Come in and decide which slice is your favourite.”
“We offer a gluten-free pizza crust as well,” adds Baker. “Plus we have a children’s menu for $4 which includes a five-inch pizza, spaghetti and meat sauce, or chicken strips.”
Pizza Calzones, Chicken wings, chicken strips, dry ribs, two different salads, garlic toast, and bacon cheese toast round out the menu.
“Watch for our monthly pizzas. They won’t be found on the regular menu. It could be like a Sombrero pizza, or a macaroni and cheese pizza which are very popular right now. We’re planning a BLT Classic Pizza for October. If you have other custom ideas, let me know.”
“We’re called Lotsa Mozza because there’s no other place with that name, just like there’s no other pizzeria like ours. And also because we put lots of mozzarella on our pizzas. We always have.”
“We’re open six days a week, from Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 4 to 8 p.m.; and Monday is closed. Call 306-301-8449. Watch for flyers.”
