Tommy D, Joey D’s Chicago Style Eatery & Pizzeria

Name: Tommy D.

Title: Owner/Chef.

Restaurant: , 4304 14th St. W.

Contact Info: 941-953-8900, www.joeydschicagostyleeatery.com

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Specialty: Chicago-style food with an Italian flair, like the Cheesy Beef, an Italian beef topped with cheddar cheese or mozzarella. Of course there's the traditional Italian Beef and the Orignial “Chicago Style” Hot Dog, and other great sandwich chocies. There also is pizza — thin, thick, or stuffed crust — on the menu. Or enjoy a selection of Italian favorites, like spaghetti and meatballs or eggplant parmesan.

How long have you been cooking? Professionally, it’s going on 17 years, but coming from an Italian family where food is a passion, I’ve been in a kitchen all my life.

Do you cook at home? Yeah, I have to.

What is your favorite comfort food? The Cheesy Beef with mozzarella and hot peppers. It gives you a lift when you're down or when you’ve had too many cocktails the night before. It’s just good food.

Other than your restaurant, where else do you like to eat? There’s the Chart House on Longboat Key and Hyde Park Steakhouse in Sarasota.

A message from Chef Tommy: Food is a family thing and we try to make our place family friendly. We’ve got a great staff, great food and you can watch the Bears on Sundays. You have a good feeling all around.

Other information: Besides indoor seating for about 150, there’s the outdoor patio. Joey D’s offers deliveries, take out and catering services.