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DARIEN, Conn. Pizza veteran Anthony Bruno and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino are bringing a new style of pizza to Darien. Anthonys Coal Fired Pizza will open its first Connecticut location next week.
Its a very fine-tuned menu. Weve got a full bar, a great wine list, flat-screen TVs, great music. Its a really nice experience, said Bruno, who has opened 32 locations in the past 10 years.
Bruno got into the restaurant business 30 years ago with his father. Growing up in New York, he has always loved pizza and prides himself on the traditional nature of his pizzas and Italian soul food.
Its very old school, Bruno said. The pizza is cooked in 800-degree anthracite coal-burning ovens. In addition to cooking the pizza at a high temperature, the anthracite is also a very clean-burning fossil fuel, with minimal black smoke to damage the environment.
It gives the pizza a more consistent temperature all around and gives it a richer taste, Bruno said.
Other signature dishes include the chicken wings, which are also cooked in the coal ovens, as well as spare ribs. The eatery also serves up the Eggplant Marino, named after Dan Marino, the restaurants equity partner, who Bruno has known for 20 years.
Bruno describes the restaurant as high energy and hopes it will be a place where people will want to hang out. He said the spot will be great for a range of people, including families, young people and business gatherings. The walls have a pop-culture feel adorned with photos of sports and movies.
Patrons will be able to eat their pizza in or get carryout. It also offers catering for large events.
The restaurant is located at 319 Post Road and will open Feb. 9. It will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
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