That's Amore

When the moon hits your eye 

Like a big pizza pie

That's Amore

When the world seems to shine 

Like you've had too much wine 

That's Amore

First made famous by Dean Martin in 1952, That's Amore still has meaning today. I definitely find pizza and wine to be "Amore." I think that one of the most romantic things in life is to share a pizza and a nice bottle of red with the one that you love in a small, intimate restaurant; better yet, if the restaurant happens to be in Italy during truffle season. 

Unfortunately, pizza and wine are two things not on the top of the "what to eat while on a diet" list. So, what do you do when that craving for pizza and wine envelope you? Do you ignore it and hope that the yearning fades away? Do you go to your favorite pizza parlor and "pig out" on your favorite pie and promise to get back on your diet track tomorrow? 

In the past, I have opted to ignore these cravings and just carried on; however, carrying on is not always the best answer. Only bad things can happen in the long run if you try to completely eliminate your favorite food and drink while on a diet. 

A couple favorite pizza parlors that will definitely take care of your craving are Jake's, and Pizz'a Chicago. Both are great spots for dining in or taking out. When I REALLY want to splurge and am willing to go over my normal daily calorie allotment, I choose one of my favorites from these restaurants. The pizza's are chock full of toppings, fat, calories and more. It is not easy to eat just one slice; beware!    

                                               

When ordering from Jake's, it is either the Barbeque Chicken that is loaded with chicken breast, smoked provolone cheese, and bermuda onion sans pineapple; or their House Specialty that includes a variety of meats, cheeses, onions and mushrooms sans olives plus tons of jalapeno peppers.  

My favorite pick from Pizza Chicago is the Air Jordan. The Air Jordan is full of roma tomatos, basil and garlic with soy cheese in lieu of the mozzerella. They also make a great BBQ chicken "The Untouchables" and an everything pizza "The Fridge."

Amici's Pizza has a large selection of pizzas including more healthy pizza options. They offer an extra small 7" size, a reduced carb extra thin crust, vegan cheese and two selections, the New York and the Asante that are under 400 calories per 7" pie.

Lately when this feeling overwhelms me, I opt to stay in and select a pizza from my freezer. I have found three great options that are REALLY good, not too filling, very satisfying, and convenient; they are lower in calories then most restaurant alternatives and help me stay on track. Two of the pizzas I found at Trader Joe's and one I found at Whole Foods. The Tarte aux Champignons is a Trader Joe's French style flat bread with porcini, paris, oyster, shiitake and boletus mushrooms, emmental and parmesan cheese, and is a product of France. The Trader Joe's Wild Mushroom & Black Truffle flat bread is a product of Italy; it is made with truffle sauce, truffles, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese. Last but not least, the Vicolo Roasted Mushroom pizza has portabella mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil in a rustic corn meal crust; it is a product of the USA, Northern California to be exact.  The Trader Joe's pizzas have 300 or 390 calories for 1/2 the pizza and the Vicolo Roasted Mushroom pizza has 420 calories for 1/3 of the pie; any of the three can be enjoyed and easily incorporated into your daily calorie allotment.

Bells'll ring

Ting-a-ling-a-ling

Ting-a-ling-a-ling

And you'll sing "Vita bella"

Hearts'll play

Tippi-tippi-tay

Tippi-tippi-tay

Like a gay tarantella

"Bells'll ring, Ting-a-ling-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-a-ling" alright when  

you enjoy your pizza pie with a nice glass of Bell wine.

Bell Wine Cellars is located in Yountville, CA and was co-founded in 1991 by Anthony Bell. Anthony has a long history of wine making and his expertise allow Bell Wines to produce exceptional wines displaying their "hallmark elegance and balance."

Usually, I choose the Bell Merlot when I am enjoying pizza. My other favorites include the Sonnette their Bordeaux style blend and their Clone 6 Cabernet where the grapes come from the Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard in Rutherford, Napa Valley.  All are REALLY good and pouring a "small pour" is REALLY difficult for me. So, in order to keep this in check,  I opt for a smaller wine glass. The glass that I typically drink from holds 3 3/4 ounces which is approximately 90 to 95 calories per glass. I can keep track of how many of these glasses that I consume and then can easily compute the calories. For me, this is a little trick that keeps me consciously aware.  

Whether you are in Napoli or New York, Chicago or San Francisco, even in your own home, pizza and wine are some of the simple pleasures of life that can be enjoyed while dieting. There are a variety of options available for curbing that craving whenever it hits and not completely ruin your regime. Enjoying a good pizza with a good wine even when on a diet? Wow, now "that's Amore!"

                                                                                                                                                       

When the stars make you drool

Joost-a-like pasta fazool

That's amore

When you dance down the street

With a cloud at your feet, you're in love

When you walk in a dream

But you know you're not dreamin', signore

'Scusami, but you see

Back in old Napoli, that's amore

Jack Brooks & Harry Warren