HOT ROCKS IS STILL HOT!  (Featuring Ian Daver – the pizza aficionado)

Hot Rocks has been around for a long time, I remember when this featured restaurant was called Frank’s Eatery.  I visited Frank’s Eatery several times  for their amazing breakfasts while a young and spunky Realtor.  It was great for a few years, but it was time for a change.  And with this change arrived Hot Rocks.   Under new ownership it was a great addition to Whitby.

Nestled in a quiet and lovely neighbourhood (Anderson & Manning), surrounded with peaceful nature, it is surely a surprise to folks when they first visit this cozy diner.  Located in the middle of a mini plaza, parking and accessibility is a breeze.  

Once they check out this little resto, one visit isn’t enough.  Hot Rocks has a following of clients, for various reasons.  Ultimately, their food is very good and the service staff have been working there for years.  They are like family to some people.

After the hustle and bustle, gobs of turkey, stuffing and heavy Holiday foods, hubby and I decided we need some lighter food fare, perhaps like Pizza and salad.  Well,  Hot Rocks did not disappoint. 

The place was so busy and I knew we would be waiting a long while between the Pizza fans and family celebrations.  We decided to eat at the bar.  This was our first time eating at the bar.  Not so bad, it was fun to watch the interaction and steadfastness of the staff cranking out so many meals.  (There was a buzz in the air – everyone seemed on fire; not the just wonderful, warm, authentic wood pizza oven on a very cold night.)

In fact, that evening we witnessed Chef Ian and his assistant roll out 20 pizzas or more at one time. It was pizza mayhem in that oven but everyone was in their glory.  The restaurant was bustling with craziness;  full of anticipation of pizza and more pizza.  It was awesome.

One of their most popular pizzas is their SPICY CAJUN with tomato salsa, mozzarella, Cajun marinated chicken, banana peppers topped with sweet potato frites and chipotle aioli.

I usually order this one but that night we decided to create our own.  It was yum with caramelized onions, sun dried tomato, pepperoni and mushrooms.  It was the perfect light meal accompanied by a tasty Caesar salad. Hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed both.

And then after our meal, while all content and cozy, the mood changed, it became quiet and you could almost feel the sigh of the staff as they slowly wrapped up another frantic but exciting work night! 

Cheers to Hot Rocks and the staff, looking forward to more pizza nights in 2014!