Lazy Moon UCF: A Slice of History and a Taste of Tradition
Lazy Moon Pizza, a beloved institution for the UCF community, is known for its generous slices, unique atmosphere, and deep connection to the university's culture. While its original location near the UCF campus is set to close, its legacy lives on in the hearts of Knights and pizza lovers alike.
A Fond Farewell to the Original Plaza Location
Lazy Moon's original location in "The Plaza" across from UCF is scheduled to close on September 30th. This closure is part of a larger redevelopment project to make way for a new luxury housing and retail complex. The restaurant is encouraging patrons to celebrate its final summer at the original location, inviting them to "paint the town red with your fellow Knights to recognize the UCF culture that you have created; while helping carry on the tradition."
The Legacy of the Original Moon
The original Lazy Moon was located in a slightly rundown strip center on the corner of University Boulevard and Alafaya Trail, directly across from the UCF campus. This location served as a hub for students and locals alike, fostering a sense of community and tradition. When the strip mall was slated for demolition to make way for a new development, Lazy Moon relocated to a newly built-out space further up the boulevard.
A New Chapter: The Current Location and Beyond
Lazy Moon's current location at 1011 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando maintains the spirit of the original while offering an updated and spacious dining experience. The new Moon continues to serve its signature humongous slices with a focus on quality and consistency. The crust is perfectly balanced - not too thick and not too thin. The space is large, open, and bright, providing a welcoming atmosphere for diners. Adding a touch of local history, the restaurant features a collection of vintage photos from the Orange County Regional History Center displayed in floating frames along one of the walls.
A Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Lazy Moon isn't afraid to experiment with new flavors and culinary creations. Their limited-time French onion slice, featuring broth-simmered caramelized onions, gruyère, asiago, and mozzarella cheese, and finely diced chives over their mustard base sauce, is a testament to their commitment to innovation. The mustard flavor is subtle, adding a unique depth to the pizza without overpowering the other flavors.
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Orlando's Pizza Scene: A Slice of the Action
Orlando boasts a diverse and vibrant pizza scene, with options ranging from traditional New York-style pies to gourmet creations. Lazy Moon is a prominent player in this culinary landscape, alongside other notable establishments such as:
An Orlando Original: This Thornton Park icon has been in business since 1998, offering a taste of New York-style pizza in the heart of Orlando.
Wolfgang Puck: Located at Disney Springs, this restaurant offers a unique pizza experience that is worth the drive.
Seafood Pizza: topped with Shrimp, calamari and shelled mussels team up with mozzarella and fresh plum tomato sauce
Josie's Pizza: serving the MetroWest community for nearly a quarter century.
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Pizza Xtreme: This eatery takes the ranch pizza trend to the "Xtreme" with creamy ranch sauce, mozzarella, diced plum tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach.
Via Napoli: This Naples-style pie is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fior de latte, prosciutto cotto, artichoke hearts, egg, basil and extra-virgin olive oil before being baked in a wood oven.
Mellow Mushroom: A national chain with long ties to Orlando, the Mellow Mushroom serves the ultimate take on a Hawaii-themed favorite.
Fresco Cucina Italiana: This Southwest Orlando eatery has more than 10 years of history, and this wood-oven pie is one of the reasons people keep coming back for more.
Francesco's Ristorante: Just as Francesco’s is one of Maitland’s culinary gems, this pie is one of the restaurant’s crown jewels.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza: Sure, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is a multi-state chain, but it started right here in Florida and has been part of Orlando’s pizza landscape for years.
Flippers Pizzeria: Born, raised and primarily located in Greater Orlando, the chain has some tasty surprises up its sleeve.
The Wine Barn: You might not expect to find pizza at a place with a name like The Wine Barn, but you’ll be glad when you do.
Boardwalk Pizza: When a pizza place has been around for more than two decades like Boardwalk, you know they’re doing something right.
Beyond Pizza: A Culinary Journey
While Lazy Moon is primarily known for its pizza, Orlando's culinary scene offers a diverse range of dining experiences. From Italian cuisine to Salvadorean food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Some notable culinary destinations include:
Colorado Fondue Company: This restaurant offers a variety of fondue options, including cheese and dessert fondues. The bruschetta Jack fondue, with fontina, asiago, and Monterey Jack cheeses, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, and seasoned toast crumbles on top, is a popular choice. The Winter Caramel Crunch dessert fondue, combining milk chocolate, salted caramel, and Irish creme, is also a crowd-pleaser.
Knead: This restaurant is known for its fresh, house-made pasta.
Sarita’s Pupuseria: This restaurant serves authentic Salvadorean food, including pupusas.
Il Pescatore: This restaurant offers classic Italian dishes, including lasagna and tortellini pasta.
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