Pizzeria re-opens as Geno's downtown

Geno's Pizzeria is a refreshing new place serving up classic New York-style pies whole and by the slice. It's a relaxed lunch hangout by day and a romantic date spot at night.

The restaurant itself is interesting with a mix of vintage and new architectural features. The north side of the restaurant has a nook designed to feel like a Tuscan home while other areas of the restaurant are adorned with more modern elements like a tall waterfall-like fountain. These elements produce a comfortable daytime setting that can easily transform into a romantic setting in the evening.

Before you order pizza of any variety, I advise you to first get an order of garlic knots with marinara. For a cool $4 you get more than your average bread sticks; you get delectable bread that’s perfectly knotted and coated in garlic butter right out of the oven. Ask for the marinara warmed or you might end up with cold sauce right from the refrigerator.

Of course, the pizza is the star of the show. My group ordered both the [spinach white pizza] and the Pizza Margherita. Built on a white base of ricotta cheese and mild olive oil, the spinach white pizza was sheer excellence. Each individual flavor was mild yet they all blended together to produce a sensational combination with a variety of tones and textures. The Pizza Margherita was wonderful as well with a homemade red base that had a slight peppery spiciness, topped with fresh mozzarella cheese and tomatoes.

The most popular pizzas like plain cheese and classic pepperoni are available by the slice at lunch time, starting at $2.50. For a more unique pizza like the [spinach white pizza] or the not-yet-on-the-menu Greek pizza, you can order a whole pie starting around $14 for a medium.  For a sit-down meal with friends or family, sharing a whole pie is optimal because it will come straight out of the oven rather than sit around for a bit like the pizzas by the slice.

Geno’s is an excellent new addition to downtown dining and definitely worth giving a try on your lunch hour or on a weekend trip downtown.

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RiverHouse Inn worth the drive to Williamston

About 20 minutes east of Lansing you’ll find an old brick house tucked against the Red Cedar River that has been converted into a fine dining restaurant. It’s easy to spot, and you absolutely do not want to miss it.

From the moment you pull into the roundabout driveway, you will be charmed with this little restaurant. Through the front door you will see multiple dining rooms; every table has a pristine black tablecloth and an antique lamp or candleholder.

One of the first rooms has a fireplace – perfect for a mid-winter romantic evening. If you head to the left you will find yourself in the bar, possibly the best room in the entire place. The elegant table settings compliment the original dark woods and decorative tin ceiling. A few select art pieces adorn the walls, all made by local artists.

From the bar you have a lovely view of the sprawling back lawn, the river and the Biergarten patio. For those who enjoy outdoor dining, the spacious patio is perfect for a summer meal; I had visions of parties and evening hors d’oeuvres on that patio.

We arrived during lunchtime on the weekend, so brunch specials were also on the menu. Upon arriving I had every intention of ordering gator chowder (creamy potato soup with chunks of alligator meat) and a shrimp po-boy, but the waiter tempted me with the brunch special: a Cajun frittata filled with andouille sausage and fresh yellow peppers. I found myself powerless against southern flavors in a breakfast dish. And I was not disappointed.

The frittata was a vision; the edges were perfectly flaky and the ratio of egg to other fillings brought balance to the flavors. Add to that a platter-sized portion of fried potatoes and two pieces of sweet Texas toast and you’ve got yourself a gut-busting brunch that will keep you full all day long. (I didn’t have another meal that day.)

For the frittata special, a sausage scramble and soda, the total damage was under $20. Don’t expect those kinds of prices outside of lunchtime, however. Most of the dinner dishes run about $25 each, but by all accounts they are worth it.

I know I will be back to the RiverHouse Inn. The excellent service, the charm and the outstanding food will keep me coming back for more.