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It may look like pizza, but it’s not.
La Focacceria in Long Beach is serving up a unique twist on the classic Italian favorite by using focaccia bread as the base for its fully-loaded creations.
“Pizza can get soggy and greasy,” owner John Edwards told Greater Long Island. “I’m a pizza maniac myself, but what we serve up is a different eating experience. It’s a crunchy focaccia bread with delicious, fresh toppings. It just looks like pizza because it’s round.”
@lafocacceriany Grand Opening of La Focacceria!!! We specialize in delicious classic topping on a hot focaccia bread 🤤. Come stop by for amazing food!! Can’t wait to see you there!!! 📍 1048 W Beech St, Long Beach, NY 11561 📲(917)239-3487 #longbeachny #lbny #lbnynotcalifornia #longisland #longislandny #longislandeats #longislandfoodie #focaccia #lafocacceria #italianfood #italian #foodie #foodies #food ♬ Dolce Nonna – Wayne Jones & Amy Hayashi-Jones
HOW IT HAPPENED
La Focacceria marks Edwards’ first restaurant venture — but he’s no stranger to the food world. He’s been in the baking business for decades, and his focaccia was once sold in Costco stores nationwide before the chain began producing its own version.
Now, he’s bringing that same beloved recipe to a storefront on the West End of Long Beach — with a twist.
“People love going to restaurants and filling up on bread before the entree comes,” said Edwards. “Then when it’s time for the main course, you’re full and you have to bring your expensive dinner home in a container. Who needs that? So we figured why not put everything on top of the focaccia.”
There are about a dozen focaccia “toppings” on the menu so far — and the most popular, Edwards says, is the chicken parmigiana. Other options include clams casino, Mexican taco, classic cheeseburger, sausage and peppers and even a bacon, egg and cheese version for all-day breakfast lovers.
There are also four meatless varieties and vegan choices.
“We are not limited to anything,” Edwards said. “Since I come from a bakery background, I was thinking maybe we do an apple strudel on top. All I need to do is take the basil out and then I have a sweet focaccia.”
Each focaccia is designed to feed at least two people and is priced at $20.
IF YOU GO
- 1048 W Beech Street, Long Beach (West End)
- Open 7 days a week: Weekdays: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Weekends: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (possibly later for the bar crowd)
Top photo: Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach’s Facebook page (Facebook)
