Downtime Pizza rounds out good eating

After searching Okaloosa County for about three years for a pizza that closely resembles the pies in New York City, I finally found one.
   
I'd seen the huge, red letters proclaiming "New York Pizza and Subs," on the building in Bryn Mawr Plaza. When I finally got up the courage to try a pie, I wasn't disappointed.
   
The shop is now called Downtime Pizza and Subs and is owned by Todd and Jennifer Leonard, a 30-something couple who bought the business in May. 
   
The food
While bubbling, steaming pies with a crust that's not too thick are its specialty, Downtime also serves stromboli, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
   
I've visited this shop a few times and have had a tough time tearing myself away from the classic pepperoni pie.
   
Toppings offered include: pepperoni, beef, sausage, Canadian bacon, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos, black olives and extra cheese.
   
However, the last time I visited, Todd whipped up a special "lasagna" pie that he's been trying to perfect. He said my group was the first group of customers to sample this pie.
   
This pizza had a ricotta/ marinara base, a blend of provolone, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and was topped with Italian sausage and spinach sautéed with garlic in olive oil.
   
The pizza was delicious and perfectly cheesy, and one dinner mate who did not particularly like spinach said he enjoyed it on this pizza.
   
Some of the sandwiches offered are the Italian steak, Italian ham, French steak, Italian sausage, meatball, pizza sandwich, roast beef, Italian sandwich, turkey, ham and vegetarian.
   
The pizzeria also offers several gourmet pies including a spinach and ricotta cheese pie, broccoli pizza, a white pizza, an old-fashioned pie (with fresh tomato, garlic and basil), a Hawaiian pizza, and Italian steak pie.
   
Jennifer Leonard added some of her own recipes to the menu after the couple bought the place. They are the Cuban sandwich, lasagna, Philly cheese steak, flan and cheesecake.
   
Todd says he's looking forward to offering Yuengling on tap for those who like a cold one with their pizza. He's also looking into Rock Band night on Monday nights, where patrons can jam on the Xbox 360 video game.
   
The couple has even thrown out the idea of a senior night soon, where they will give a discount to seniors and show old blackand-white movies on the bigscreen TV. 
   
The atmosphere
Downtime is a fun, relaxing place. The Leonards renovated and brought in a flat screen TV and an Xbox 360, which diners are allowed to play while waiting for their food.
   
The red-and-white checked tablecloths are a piece of kitsch found at most American pizzerias. Which is good for diners like me, who like to sling a little parmesan and red pepper.

The service
You'll always find a conversation and a smile from the Leonards. It's a small family operation so either Todd or Jennifer will take your order, pour your drink, then head to the back to pound out a pie. 
   
A final taste
The Leonards may be new to the restaurant business, but the pizza is as good as it was, if not better, than when the previous owners were dishing it out.

Downtime Pizza & Subs

Location
1056 Bryn Mawr Blvd
Mary Esther
(850) 243-4024

Hours
10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily

Reservations
Not necessary

Handicap accessibility
Good

Children's menu
No

Price range
Pizza
Medium, $7.50; large, $9.95
Extra Toppings
Medium, $1.25; large, $1.50
Sandwiches
Medium, &5.95; large, $9.95

Payment
Major credit cards

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