By Jenan Taylor
Fast food, fresh food – that is the solid promise made by the team at Smokin’ Joe’s Pizza and Grill in Keilor.
Owner Neil Raina says Smokin’ Joe’s uses fresh vegetables and fresh dough every day – and the quality and the taste that result ensure locals return again and again.
The menu at Smokin’ Joe’s, which opened in July last year, features fine fare that ranges from traditional and gourmet pizzas to pastas, risotto, grills, salads and, of course, desserts.
“Many people tend to go for the chicken wings and pork ribs,” Neil says.
But the pastas and traditional pizzas are just as popular.
These range from the napolitana to the supreme or the signature Smokin’ Special pizzas – they come in small, large, family and “New Yorker” sizes, the latter for the truly hungry.
Manager Karry also says the restaurant offers dietary choices.
“We’ve got gluten-free options such as gluten-free pizza bases and risottos – and halal options,” he says.
Smokin’ Joe’s has a staff of 10 people.
Some man the kitchen, some take care of customers in the 20-seat cafe or outside in the eight-seat dining area – and some take care of deliveries. The team members are always determined to give good customer service, says Neil.
“People can order online and they get an estimated delivery time, which is usually always spot-on,” he says.
Smokin’ Joe’s delivers to a wide range of areas including Sydenham and Hillside.
As the weather cools, Neil has been seeing more and more online orders.
Karry says the usual delivery time is 30 to 40 minutes – regardless of what has been ordered.
“People order everything,” he says. “Almost equal pizza and pastas and parmigiana.”
He says the team is happy to help with catering.
“We just need a day’s notice for big parties,” he says. “Tell us the day before and we can do it.”
Neil is enthused about Smokin’ Joe’s location.
“Next door there’s a football club,” he says. “There’s a beautiful village shopping strip. It’s a very vibrant and small community.
“If you’re health conscious, you don’t need to eat pizza – you can eat pasta, you can have a grill item, you can have our salads. We use only fresh produce every day.”
Smokin’ Joe’s Pizza and Grill Keilor, Shop 1, 702B Old Calder Highway, Keilor. Opens 3.30pm-10pm Monday-Thursday, noon-11pm Friday-Saturday, noon-10pm Sunday. Inquiries: 9331 5680 or smokinjoespizza.com.au/keilor
