Cannova’s
Dave here. Recently I did one of those DNA test kits to see your ancestry percentages. When the results came back, the top ones were predictable for a Wisconsinite: 77% German and 22% Irish. For those math majors at home, that leaves 1% of my heritage up for grabs by the rest of the world. And bopidee boopidee, whatdya know? I AM 1% ITALIAN.
This knowledge is life changing. My mustache grows in fuller, my hands speak for me, and I can inhale carbs faster than a pregnant woman at Olive Garden. With my new found heritage, I needed to connect with my home country once again.
“Pizza is a dish best served warm.” -Don Vito Corleone
In A Bite
Click for Online Menu
Ambiance: vintage Italian mob brick house
Music: Live covers from elderly man serenading us
Service: Young but good
Price: $$-$$$
Food Style: Pizzeria & Italian
What to Order: Pizza?
Go Again?: Yes
The Whole Plate
Headquartered in the historic brick buildings of downtown Neenah, Cannova’s is accessible from either side. The parking out front is sparse during prime hours but behind is a small lot and a large parking ramp both free for evenings. I don’t know what they’re conspiring in the dimly lit eating space, but it has something to do with delicious food. Brick walls, family pictures, pizza box towers, chandelier lighting, chalk board drink menus, and neon signs add to the Italian feel. There is another room away from the bar for a bit more romantic setting. The thing that brought it all together for me was the elderly, mustached man serenading us from the corner. He even offered up a rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Road” but I missed the recording of it.
As for service, it was sufficient. I was neither disappointed nor enthused. Hosts who seated us were young and still learning. They confused me on who to follow and I stalked the wrong waiter to the wrong room. Bonus point for them though: pizza stands are great for the small tables.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”2″ display=”basic_imagebrowser”]The food is delicious. Here, the bread comes in the superior loaf form rather than stick. This allows for a big crunch with optimal sponge for sopping up the balsamic/olive oil. While I dabbled with the idea of pasta, the family ultimately decided on pizza. We ordered a classic margarita and the more Wisconsin pizza, smoked apple, BBQ chicken. Both thin, cracker-like crust and full of flavor. The tart, smokey granny smith apple slices topping the BBQ pizza were a surprising delight. I would love to try this same pizza with a sweeter type of apple.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”3″ display=”basic_imagebrowser”]Cannova’s is a place for family, whether you’re related to them by blood or not. It doesn’t really matter though when there’s a pizza and fresh bread in front of you. At that point everyone is family. I just so happen to be more family than you. Unless you’re more than 1% Italian. But who is more Italian than that? A lot of people…