NOTE: This restaurant is now closed (alas!). For more of this goodness, head just south to Uncle Menny's Greek's Pizzeria in Valparaiso  - his family's restaurant.

It is rare to find a person with SUCH passion about what they do. On our way home from TBEX '09 on Sunday, we stopped at our very favorite pizza place in the whole world, Greek's Pizzeria, in Chesterton, Indiana. Walking in the door, you are immediately tempted with delicious smells, bright interior, and best of all, Alex Karamesines' sparkling eyes and ready smile.

For, you see, Alex is a gourmet pizza artist. He is truly, truly passionate about making gourmet pizzas - which comes from growing up in a pizzeria! His parents, Mike and Kim Karamesines, started Uncle Menny's Greek's Pizzeria in Valparaiso over 40 years ago. From the time Alex was 3 years old, he was pulling up a chair and putting pepperoni on pizzas. He would ask someone to sauce the pizza until he was about 5 or 6, and then he was able to do it himself! Talk about learning from an early age...his talents belie his humble attire and manner - this man can COOK!

Alex went to college - and got a business degree - with the ultimate intent of opening up his own branch of Uncle Menny's Greek's Pizzeria in Chesterton, which he has done with success! Alex noted that he always, always knew what he wanted to do. He said that his dad was his biggest hero and that he, too, loved creating pizzas and sharing this love with his customers.

Now with his own branch of Greek's Pizzeria, Alex is busy creating new gourmet pizzas (try the Texas Barbecue!), along with old favorites for a growing clientele. Owning his own pizzeria allows him and his staff the artistic freedom to keep trying new pizza combinations.

Alex makes fresh dough every day, with a secret dough recipe from his dad. He takes extra time and care, patting it out and tossing the crust in the air, with flair! He hand-tosses the crust and puts a little love into it.  Sometimes, kids will line up at the counter to watch. He really puts on quite a show.  Alex cares greatly about the quality of the ingredients, as well - fresh cut veggies and the best cheese and meats for toppings. Why?  He wants every pizza to be the absolute best pizza, every time.

Did I mention the Garlic Knotz, and the Boli Bread? YUM.

See why we go there, every time we're anywhere near Chicago? It's the best pizza in Chesterton - or anywhere else we've eaten. And congratulations to Alex - a True Gourmet Pizza Artist, for sharing his great talent and love with us!

Uncle Menny's Greek’s Pizzerias:

Chesterton

442 Sand Creek Dr. North
(Just minutes from Indiana Dunes State Park)

219.921.0055

Valparaiso

59 Indiana Ave.

219.464.7102

For more information, please see: www.greekspizzeriavalparaiso.com