Sometimes you can go home again – that’s what Shane Pine effectively did what he opened The Community Oven this past April. The eatery is located in the building where Pine got his start in the restaurant business nearly 25 years ago, in his hometown.

The “oven” part of the restaurant’s name is the wood-fired brick oven where you can see pizza being made as you enter – this is the tempting backbone of the menu. Offerings include Grilled Steak and Fresh Baby Spinach Pizza, with a house blend of cheeses and fire-roasted tomato sauce. Some, like Balsamic Veggie Pizza, as made with diced fresh tomatoes instead – this one also includes red peppers, broccoli, red onions, carrots, and artichokes. Plain Cheese Pizza is a white (no sauce) pizza with that cheese blend and seasonings.

While pizza is the theme, it’s not the only game here. Appetizers include Grilled Kabobs – chicken or Black Angus steak – and a hot Spinach Artichoke Dip, plus an array of salads, including Cranberry, with apples, celery, and cranberry vinaigrette, and House, with a ginger-orange dressing. Desserts include Gourmet Marshmallow Roast, with flavored gourmet puffs that you roast at your table, served with a side of chocolate and graham crackers. The restaurant also offers beer and wine.

The community aspect includes Community Mondays – Pine offers local charities the option to use the eatery for fundraisers.

Photographs courtesy of The Community Oven