'Linsanity' Reaches Millwood with Special Pizza

Enter Millwood's Tonino Pizzeria e Contorni and it's hard not to notice Knicks breakout basketball star Jeremy Lin.

A special t-shirt for Lin greets you at the door and a a refrigerator wall is adorned with large newspaper photos of him in action.

Seeking to pay tribute to Lin, co-owner John DeNardis saw a chance to make a pie. He considered several possibilities until he settled on linguine because of the pun. He also read a media report of Knicks players who eat a pasta dish in White Plains, which includes with alfredo sauce, shrimp and chicken. With the ingredients placed on dough, the "LINguine" was born!

DeNardis tested the pie out with customers and friends before Thursday, which was “the big reveal.” In that short time he's gotten publicity from regional and national media, including News 12 and the Associated Press. Customers have even stopped by to take photos.

“So far it’s been great," said DeNardis, who says he's a lifelong Knicks fan.

How long will Tonino be making the pizzas, you may ask?

“As long as he keeps it up, we’ll keep it up," said DeNardis.

The Lin-themed pie is not the first homage to New York sports. DeNardis said they have made pizzas with themes for the Yankees and Mets, and made one for the Giants during the run up to the Super Bowl. Going forward, DeNardis plans on making a Rangers-themed pie.

DeNardis and his family have a major presence in Millwood. His father, Tony, owns Spaccarelli's Restaurant. Both eateries are located in Millwood Town Plaza, which Tony DeNardis also owns. Tonino opened in April 2009 and DeNardis, who grew up in Briarcliff Manor, said that he has lived in the hamlet for about a year.

Tonino is located at 238 Saw Mill River Road, which is part of Route 100. The phone number is 914-941-5300. Its website is toninopizzeria.com