Sandra Levron Adams
December 29, 2008
The good, the bad and ugly in Tri-parish sports in 2008
December 31, 2008
Sometimes we tend to overlook or underestimate those places closest to us. They may be too obvious, and so entrenched into our daily landscape that we simply forget what treasures already exist in our backyard.
Such is the case with my selection for this month: West Main Pizza and Spaghetti House of Houma (aka West Main Pizza).
The restaurant has been a mainstay in Houma for as long as I can remember. My first experience at this pizza house was in the early ’80s. My work and education kept me away from Houma for almost 20 years. It was a pleasant reunion to return to Houma and find West Main Pizza provided the same consistent food and service now as it did then.
There is nothing fancy or newfangled about West Main Pizza. It is located in the same spot – on West Main Street just before Bayou Gardens Boulevard – as it has been for years. You walk into a basic brick building appointed with the same tables and chairs that I experienced in the early 1980s.
This is a pizza joint and the location, as it should, gives you that feel from the moment you enter.
Several of my friends are what can only be described as “regulars” at West Main Pizza. Although I don’t have the same background and experience with the place, I understand how they have become comfortable with joining friends and family here or as a default dining destination when the pace of the workday prevents the proper preparation of the family’s dinner.
Several old friends and their spouses came to town to enjoy Mardi Gras, and West Main Pizza served as the perfect location to eat, converse and re-connect in an unrushed and comfortable setting. The restaurant does have a fairly large segregated room for get-togethers.
West Main Pizza makes your pizza particular to your order. It isn’t fast food, so be prepared to check your time card at the door and use the 30-plus minute preparation time to enjoy others’ company.
The wait staff is friendly and extremely personable. If she is not too busy, it is not uncommon for Gloria to spend a few minutes sitting with you at your table after or before she has placed your order. West Main Pizza is definitely the type of eatery where they remember your last visit and treat you like you are a member of the family.
Because this is primarily a pizza house, it is hard to focus attention from that selection. On our most recent visit, we ordered the West Main Supreme Pizza, which has pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, pork and black olives. The pizza crust is thin and hand tossed.
West Main Pizza doesn’t apply much sauce. Its trademark is to “load” your pizza with your selected toppings … to let the toppings complete the pizza, if you will.
“Loaded” means exactly that. It is common for your pizza pan to be left with copious toppings even after the pizza has been devoured. (The menu does provide that they will add extra sauce, and/or provide thick or whole-wheat crust upon request.)
Another specialty is the Shrimp and Crabmeat Pizza, which is a combination I haven’t seen in other parts of the country but it works well here with our south Louisiana tastes.
On a prior visit, we tried – albeit, reluctantly, at first – the Taco Pizza. Our reluctance came from the inability to envision pizza and tacos together. All I can say is, “Get over it.”
The Taco Pizza is like a classic taco salad on pizza crust: beef or pork, onions, dressed in finely-chopped lettuce, tomatoes and more cheddar cheese than you expect, all topped with a hot or mild taco sauce. One of the regulars I mentioned earlier selected the Taco Pizza sauce several years ago and to this day won’t deviate from that selection.
Rest assured, West Main Pizza has the classic pizza selections: Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, pork, beef, mushrooms, black or green olives, tomatoes, pineapple, spinach, jalapeno peppers, real mozzarella or cheddar cheese, etc.
As an alternative, they do offer very good spaghetti with meatballs that my daughters, Morgan and Janie, adore. Each spaghetti dish comes with garlic bread.
Another alternative – totally unexpected, but good – is “Dave’s Special Burger,” which can best be described as a pizza burger.
This conglomeration is simply oven-grilled pepperoni, green peppers, onions, mushroom and mozzarella or cheddar cheese served on a hamburger bun. I have tried it for lunch and was glad that I did.
West Main Pizza does have a second location in Thibodaux on La. Hwy. 1 (St. Mary Street). I haven’t tried that location, but it may be more convenient to St. Mary or Assumption residents.
West Main Pizza offers a sound, local alternative to the large pizza chains pervading our area – all in a very relaxed atmosphere. Whether dining with family, friends or celebrating a post-game victory, this is a filling, family-friendly eatery.
West Main Pizza is a perfect dining alternative for those wishing to stay close to home.
West Main Pizza & Spaghetti House of Houma 5804 W. Main St., Houma (985) 876-0818 Hours Monday-Saturday – 10:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Friday only – 5:15-9 p.m.
