Geraci's Pizzeria expands menu to include pasta, sandwiches

Geraci's Pizzeria & Restaurant at 7935 Airport-Pulling Road N. in Fountain Park Plaza, North Naples, isn't just for pizza and wings anymore. Owner Salvatore Geraci (formerly general manager of Baleen at LaPlaya, Lemonia at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort and Meritage) recently added a longer list of dining options.

Yes, he still offers pies — margherita, four cheese, hot Italian sausage, etc. And, yes, he still bakes them on stone in true Neapolitan fashion. But pizza now comprises just one part of the fare. His kitchen is now turning out a wide range of pasta dishes, soups, salads and sandwiches.

Examples: Ten bucks buys you a plate of cheese ravioli or spaghetti bolognese with bread; salads go from $3.50 to $9; sandwiches fall in the $6 to $9 range.

Specialties include rosemary roasted chicken (half of rotisserie chicken with roasted potatoes) for $14. And, yes, deep dish pizzas are available, too. Get a 12-inch for $14.

Geraci grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood in Cleveland and said his food is homemade and authentic.

The pizzeria opens at 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and at 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays when the menu is restricted to dinner. Delivery is offered to selected areas.

Information: 598-4000 or www.geracispizza.com.

Chili cook-off seeks contestants

The Port of the Islands Gun Club on Marco Island is reviving its famous Chili Cook-Off (and trap, skeet and sporting clays "Shoot-off") on Feb. 11.

If you think your restaurant makes the best chili in the area, consider joining the fun. There is no entry fee; deadline to sign up is 5 p.m. Friday. You'll start cooking at 7 a.m. and the chili tasting takes place noon to 2 p.m. Competing chefs must prepare at least 2 gallons.

Three prizes will be awarded: $50, $100 and $200.

The public is invited to taste and judge the entries. Admission is $5.

Information: 642-8999 or www.poigunclub.com.

What's cooking around town

• Caffe dell'Amore, at 1400 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples, is expanding its hours again. Dinner is now available 5-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Guests can toast the sunset with a glass of wine, then move on to lasagna bolognese, apple roasted free-range chicken with goat cheese or mahogany beef stew, finishing with a homemade dessert. Reservations are advised. Information: 261-1389.

• Haskell's Fine Wines and Spirits, 2021 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, is continuing its series of cooking classes, which take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. On Feb. 21, chef Ross Peterson is concentrating on creative American cuisine with wines from Hendry Winery presented by Susan Redley. Cost of each session, which includes a four-course dinner and complementary wines, is $80 per person. Reservations required. Information: 254-1120.

• Pronto Gourmet Cafe at the Village of Palmira, 28101 Palmira Blvd., Bonita Springs, is open for business. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Information: 444-4880 or www.ronto.com.