October 9th, 2012 
Wine and high quality pizza are one the best combinations I think we can all agree on! With so many options for pizza from frozen to delivery and everything in between, it can be quite overwhelming. I have always thought that brick-oven pizzas were the best kind until recently when I was introduced to coal fired pizza at Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza!
One of the many eclectic touches at Tony C’s. (Photo Credit: Rachael Victoria Chandler)
Tony C’s offers a large selection of hand picked wines and a stunning array of mouth-watering pizza selections with fresh ingredients including eggplant, roasted garlic cloves, fresh basil, goat cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto cooked to perfection with coal! When Italian immigrants first came to New York City in the late 19th century, they used coal as a heating source because of it’s availability and low cost. Coal burns twice as hot as wood and provides an even burn producing a charred crust and perfectly caramelized toppings.
Tony Ciola, of Tony C’s, and his family decided to open the restaurant to offer phenomenal pizza and wine in a casual setting. After Tony and his family took a “fact-finding, pizza eating” trip to New York City, they all agreed that Lombardi’s in Little Italy in Manhattan (which is considered the first pizzeria in the United States) was the best among them all. Lombardi’s used coal and continues to do so after more than 100 years. Tony C’s uses coal to heat their pies which burns cleaner and hotter than wood which produces a unique and authentic New York style pizza.
Tony with his mom and dad, Dan and Leanne Ciola. (Photo Credit: Rachael Victoria Chandler)
Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza recently held an event with a variety of wines to taste, plates of olives, roasted peppers, meats and cheeses piled high, and samplings of their hot and fresh coal fired pizzas. The event was to benefit the Austin Children’s Shelter. The Austin Children’s Shelter (ACS) provides a safe home and support for children and young adults to age 22 who have experienced loss, trauma, abuse and neglect in their lives. ACS is a stable, home-like environment that provides therapy and teaches positive coping skills. Tony C’s has been working with the shelter for over two years now.
I asked Tony what inspired him to hold such an event to benefit the shelter and he replied, “every month we bring food to the shelter and it always reminds us that there are many less-fortunate kids in our city,” organizations like the Austin Children’s Shelter “need continued support to be able to operate and do the great things they do. It’s always great to see the young kids enjoy our pizza parties.”
Richard Canfield, Tony C’s Service Manager, pours guest, Andrew Brudahl, a glass of wine. (Photo Credit: Rachael Victoria Chandler)
I also spoke with Cliff Abrahams, director of operations, and he said, “It gives me great pleasure to support great causes like the Austin Children’s Shelter. Being able to contribute to local causes is the best, most rewarding perk of my job. It lifts my spirit each month when we visit the shelter and feed the kids.”
The benefit raised over $500 for the Austin Children’s Shelter in addition to the continued pizza parties the restaurant organizes.
I was impressed with the ambiance of the restaurant, truly feeling like I had been transported back in time to the old, historic New York City in the 1920′s. Not only was the pizza cooked to perfection and the wines poured generously, but the staff at Tony C’s exuded such energy and customer service as well as a knowledge of the menu and wines.
The view from the loft above the main dining area down to the kitchen and bar. (Photo Credit: Rachael Victoria Chandler)
Tony C’s is coming soon to Avery Ranch and has also transitioned into a full wine bar adding more than 40 new bottles of wine to an already extensive wine list!
Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza is not just an extraordinary pizza restaurant and wine bar, but the people behind the high quality food and drink are truly passionate about giving back to our community.
WHERE:
Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza
12800 Hill Country Blvd. STE. G-160
Bee Cave, Texas 78738
Ph. 512-263-3473
HOURS:
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
