Guinness, Corned Beef and Cabbage Pizza? Formaggio's Goes Green

When the folks at Formaggio's Italian Restaurant, 19531 Boyette Rd., started thinking about upcoming special events, they sort of landed in another country. Their minds usually fixate on fine Italian cuisine, but this time, they were thinking about Ireland, and St. Patrick’s Day.

“We wanted to do Italian specialties with a St. Patty’s Day twist,” said head chef Steve Sorenson.

So this weekend, March 15-17, patrons can dine on their signature pasta purses, which will be served in a green, creamy pesto sauce instead of traditional red sauce. 

But the most eye-catching option on the special menu has to be their Irish pizza. First, a crust is made using Guinness stout instead of water. Then, the pie features a mustard cream sauce instead of a tomato base. After that, they layer on corned beef, cabbage and caramelized onions. It's all toped with white cheddar and Dubliner cheeses.

“The crust has a little something to it,” said General Manager Anthony Caligiure.

“You can’t taste the beer in the crust, but I like the texture,” adds Sorenson. “Who knows, if it takes off, maybe we’ll do a turkey and and mashed potato pizza for Thanksgiving,” he added with a chuckle.

Formaggio's will also serve up traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage. With few options in the area for the popular meal, they are hoping to attract some interest.

“With O’Toole’s and O’Brien’s being in Brandon and, you know, so crowded, we think there’s a need for another option on St. Patrick’s Day,” Caligiure said.

Reservations for the weekend are recommended and their special menu will also be available for to-go orders. Call (813) 643-1418 for details, to make reservations or to place an order.