Sips – Gary’s Perfect Mojito
Vito & Nick’s II in Gilbert, Arizona – Great Pizza and Good Food
The Hill Team is always on a quest for great pizza. Very few places measure up to what we enjoy. When team member Brenda visits, she enjoys these indulgences as much as Norm and Maralyn.
We discovered Vito & Nick’s II shortly after they opened. Their pizza met our standards and passed the test for all three Hills. Their menu also offered generous servings of Italian dishes.
Vito and Nick’s II is a small franchise, founded originally in Illinois in 1932. It has grown through several generations. Out of seven current locations, this is the first one outside of Illinois. With this type of franchise structure, owners Gary and Michele Hawley were not able to divulge exact ingredients in their sauces or dishes. However, for Chicago style pizza lovers like us, their formula definitely measured up.
Gary did share his recipe for Gary’s Perfect Mojito. Norm and I taste tested the drink while enjoying some other favorite dishes. It was perfect, just as its title.
Gary’s Perfect Mojito
1-3/4 ounce Bacardi Limon Rum
4 sprigs organic mint
2 teaspoons sugar
4 ounces lemon-lime soda
Directions:
Rip the mint into small pieces and muddle in a glass with 1 teaspoon of the sugar and a small amount of lemon-lime soda.
Add Bacardi Limon Rum and lemon-lime soda and 1 more teaspoon of sugar.
Add ice cubes to top and shake a minute or so.
Garnish glass with a sprig of mint if desired.
Perfect!
Maralyn’s note: I might use stevia instead of sugar and sugar-free soda. Brenda would use it just as recommended.
You can watch Gary make his Perfect Mojito on our video and see some of Vito & Nick’s II dishes.
We tasted the Four Cheese Baked Mostaccioli with a Sausage Link and Gary’s favorite, Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccine and Alfredo Sauce, as well as our favorite thin crust pizza with sausage and onion. Michelle enjoyed a small Chopped Chicken Salad, which happened to look large to me. The couple next to us at the bar ordered some delicious looking Tomato Brushetta. We also show photos of the Veal Parmesan and the Eggplant Parmesan.
Michelle sends out e-mails with weekly specials and featured entertainment updates.
On Wednesday evenings, starting at 6 P.M., Joe Sapienza of Infinite Sounds DJ Services sings old favorites. His entertainment makes for a very pleasurable evening.
The ambiance in this establishment is relaxing and reflects tasteful design. You are always welcomed by one of the two owners. If you are anywhere near Gilbert, Arizona, you may want to experience Vito & Nick’s II.
http://www.vitoandnicksgilbert.com/
3321 E. Queen Creek Road, Suite 101, Gilbert, AZ 85297
(SE Corner of Queen Creek & Higley)
Phone: (480) 279-4482
Fax: (480) 279-4483
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 5 PM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday 5 PM to 10 PM.
Joe Sapienza, SingingDJ@msn.com or 480 584-3890.
Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
“Success” was Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
