Date night usually means we are going to try something new. Sometimes, it’s pretty good. A few times it hasn’t been very good! But this past Saturday night, date night turned into an amazing experience. We were invited to try a new restaurant (new to us) called Cavalli Pizza. I know what some of you are thinking: pizza, on a date night, what’s so amazing about that? Well, let me tell you. It’s a quaint, intimate little spot in McKinney, TX, which is sure to have a BIG reputation (if it doesn’t already).

Bonus Fun Stuff: We Need This: A Grown-Up Easter Getaway And Brunch At The Warwick Melrose.

First our waiter, Taylor, did a great job of being patient with us, as we surveyed the menu for what seemed like 100 times. Turns out, that’s because there were so many great items to choose from! We started with the Insalata con Jalapeno salad. With fresh romaine lettuce, onions, bacon, croutons (made out of “Hawaiian Bread”?! Yes, that’s right, Hawaiian bread) and jalapeno dressing. We added grilled chicken, too. This salad definitely represents Texas in a BIG way.

Look at this thing. Salad fit for a king (and his queen).

Next, comes the pizza. Of course, we each had to try our own style of pizza. She being a semi-veggie girl and me being the carnivore that I am. So we ordered a Margherita pizza with fresh basil for her and a Dallas “Meat Lovers” pizza, with all the favorites, including homemade sausage, pepperoni, and meatballs. One taste and I knew how fresh the ingredients are in each of these pizzas.

Anthony and I chat about the Cavalli Pizza mission

As we take a moment to talk to Anthony Masouchi, Operations Manager (who, by the way, comes to the table several times to check on us) he explains the extensive process that they go through to make every pizza…perfection. From the 900 degree oven to the 90 seconds of cooking time to reach a heavenly crisp, Cavalli has spent five plus years perfecting their craft. [Ed. Note: They even have a mobile oven for the freshest pizza at catered events.]  It turns out that their pizza is CERTIFIED by the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani – and they aren’t kidding around. There are standards that apply:

• Dough leavened for 24-48 hours for optimal digestibility
• Sauce made with imported San Marzano tomatoes
• Fior di latte mozzarella handmade in-house daily
• That hot oven is part of the Pizza Napoletana process

We take a moment to pause and revel in this experience so far. We went in with few expectations and came out with so much appreciation for the care that is taken with Cavalli food and service.

LOCATION

6851 Virginia Parkway

McKinney, TX  | Route Map

TURF: McKinney

Website 

WHAT MAKES IT FUN?

A certified pizza that lives up to pizza greatness. Has a vast array of Italian dishes: pastas, salads, desserts in a full service location in McKinney and a quick-serve location in Irving.

Categories: Fun Food

Anthony returns, only to share that there is one more part that we have not indulged in…DESSERT. No dessert, I’m thinking …this salad and pizza have been filling! But as Anthony begins to explain the options, and the process of making those desserts, one thing becomes evident…we have to try them.

Cinnamon-sugar “donut holes” called Zeppole – a staple at Sicilian festivals

Now…dessert. The warm taste of the Zeppole: cinnamon-sugared with fresh homemade cream. And the chocolate chip Cannoli with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This certainly capped off a sweet, sweet night.

hold

Next time you’re in McKinney and looking for great restaurant, stop by Cavalli. The food is perfection personified. You won’t regret it.

$25 Cavalli Pizza Gift Card Giveaway

Leave a comment here about YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPINGS to be entered into our Cavalli Pizza Gift Card giveaway! Entries from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the blog will all be included in the drawing. Giveaway closes 5pm February 16, 2017. Winner will be notified via social media or email. Winner has 24 hours to claim prize from time of drawing or forfeits.

Details and Rules

Entries from the FunCity Stuff Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the blog will all be included in the drawing. Giveaway closes at 5pm February 16, 2017. Winner will be notified via social media or email. Winner has 24 hours to claim prize from time of drawing or forfeits. No duplicate entries will be accepted on the same platform. You can enter via comment on the blog and one social media platform to count as two entries.

All photos by Tre Abraham (c) 2017

This meal was offered to FunCity Stuff contributor Tre Abraham in return for a fair and honest review of his experience. The $25 gift card is an added bonus as an incentive for one of our lucky followers to visit either of their locations.