Master Pizza
Bringing Italian Traditions to Livingston for Almost 27 Years By Susan Wilinski, photography by Dan Epstein
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t Master Pizza in Livingston, the art of pizza making has indeed been mastered by owner Frank Castronovo. Growing up, he lived and learned everything about creating a perfect pie and running a business from his own father, who started the family tradition of restaurant ownership in America. For almost 27 years, Castronovo has been sharing family recipes and hospitality, bringing a little bit of Italy to New Jersey residents. “Frank was raised in the pizza industry working at his dad’s pizzeria as a young boy, and worked alongside his brothers as the years went on,” said Castronovo’s wife, Marylee. “Master Pizza is his business venture.” While Master Pizza has garnered a reputation for its plain pizzas, the menu has expanded over the years to include items from salads, soups and appetizers to gourmet pizzas, calzones, strombolis and desserts. In addition to homemade soups, Castronovo offers pasta dishes, dinner entrees and lunch specials and a gluten-free pizza option to meet the needs of patrons with special dietary restrictions. “We have an extensive list of gourmet pizzas such as Quattro Formaggi (provolone and mozzarella cheese with a sauce that consists of heavy cream, parmesan and ricotta cheese and parsley), Meat Lovers, Las Vegas Pizza (sliced
potato, bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheese with alfredo and gorgonzola sauce) and Barbecue Chicken. Our sizes range from a 10” pizzette to a 16” grande,” Marylee said. “Our most popular dinner dish would be the Chicken Sorrentino which is chicken cutlet topped with eggplant, prosciutto and melted mozzarella in a brown sauce.” With a modest front end counter for placing orders, Master Pizza has built its customer base on prompt and reliable takeout and delivery service. With the full menu available online, orders can be placed through the website, an app or by fax. Since opening the Livingston location in 1990, Castronovo has branched out, adding restaurants in West Orange and Union and plans are in motion to debut a fourth in Carlstadt in early 2017. To show their appreciation, Castronovo has supported these communities by donating pizzas to schools, teams and fundraisers. “Master Pizza loves to give back to the community. We feel that we definitely would not be here as long as we have if it weren’t for our loyal customers,” states Marylee.
Master Pizza Italian Kitchen 379 East Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ 07039 973-992-4500 | www.masterpizzaonline.com Winter 2016
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