A place to remember and be remembered

By Chaos, Freelance Writer

IT WAS my second visit and I asked for a half-sub sandwich with... "Ham right? and..." she trailed off. Bridgette, the very cute, pleasant and efficient young lady behind the counter, actually remembered me from my first and last visit a couple of days before and almost remembered my order.

Unfortunate name aside, Studly's Pizzeria is a great place to eat. As cool as the town it is in, the predominantly green decor puts one in mind of a picnic beside a waterfall, with sunlight filtering through the trees and an atmosphere of total relaxation.

Located in Mandeville, Manchester, across the road from the public hospital, Studly's Pizzeria can seat between 25 and 30 people comfortably ­ comfortably being the operative word. The seats are large, imitation leather and plush, which mould themselves to the diner. There is a TV and tourist-inspired artwork clichés dot the walls.

On my first visit I ordered a hamburger and was told to have a seat. Surprised, I did so, and soon the hamburger was tastefully delivered, looking more like a still-life than a snack. Getting over my admiration, I was about to enjoy myself when I got another surprise.

It really was a hamburger. Made with ham ­ not beef ­, snuggled between two lightly toasted buns sprinkled with Sesame seeds which were springy to the touch, and covered with fried onions (hold the tomatoes) as I requested.

Delicious. So delicious, in fact, I had to pay another visit a few days later. This time around I ordered a tuna and ham half-submarine sandwich, which looked even better than the hamburger when it arrived. Fresh, crispy lettuce nestled with tomatoes, tuna and ham enveloped in cucumber slices and cheese, all tucked between lightly toasted pieces of bread.

The tuna literally dissolved on the tongue and taste exploded with every bite. The bread was light, soft, yet crispy ­ I could rave on.

The staff is efficient and polite, especially Bridgette, who makes one feel especially welcome. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food delicious.

Studly's Pizzeria is not the kind of place you would go for a romantic evening ­ or even dinner for that matter, but is an excellent place to grab a delicious snack, have a leisurely light lunch or, in fact, relive the years when going out on a date meant really watching your budget and your weight-worries were a thing of the distant future.

Another thing ­ it will be easy on your pocket as well.

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