Out-of-this-world Italian flavor touched down in Rye October 7, when Planet Pizza opened at 1004 Boston Post Road.

 

By Jim Byrne

Out-of-this-world Italian flavor touched down in Rye October 7, when Planet Pizza opened at 1004 Boston Post Road.

At the vastly renovated former site of Hip-Hop Wraps and Domino’s, owner Joe Rocco and manager Anthony Scopelliti are offering a menu that features a galaxy of choices. So far, residents have frequented the establishment, just the second Westchester location in the local chain that debuted in 1991.

 

“We’ve been busy, busy, busy so far,” said Mr. Scopelliti. “We’re in a great spot surrounded by schools, and there are so many families here with young children.”

 

Mr. Rocco, an Armonk resident, said variety has been the key to his chain’s success. Fifteen different slices are available daily at Planet Pizza, as well as a host of salads, pastas, and entrees.

 

“We have something for everyone,” Mr. Rocco added. “If you’re sensitive to wheat and flour products, we have gluten-free pizza.”

When asked what the most popular item on the menu is, Mr. Rocco and Mr. Scopelliti looked at each other before answering “Grandma’s Pizza” in unison. The ingredients – all fresh – include crushed plum tomatoes, mozzarella, oil, garlic, and basil leaves.

 

We sampled Grandma’s pie, which is rectangular and sliced in eighths, and were delighted by the crisp, thin crust, sweet tomatoes, and perfectly-melted cheese. The pie was piping hot even after a 10-minute drive home, and the smell of garlic nearly led to dinner being devoured in the car.

 

As a University at Buffalo graduate, I also couldn’t resist trying the Buffalo chicken wrap. Served on a fresh, 12-inch white flour tortilla, it was filled with chicken tender strips smothered in Buffalo Gill’s famous hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese dressing. It’s hard to compete with the offerings from Western New York, but this effort matches up. Good stuff, Gill, whoever you are.

 

Planet Pizza is open seven days a week, closing at midnight on Friday and Saturday, 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 p.m. Sunday. Delivery is available all day, every day, and the pizzeria also has a full catering menu. Call 925-2500, or order online at planetpizza.com.