PizzaRami

PizzaRami is a new eatery located in downtown Tehachapi at the corner of Curry St. and Tehachapi Blvd. Opened in December, PizzaRami specializes in fresh made pizza and sandwiches. It is operated by Christopher and Teresa Carlson, who are already well known in the area as the owners of Papa's Pizza and Grill in Stallion Springs.

About six months after buying Papa's Pizza, Teresa and Christoper knew they wanted to do something on a larger scale, and they had many customers tell them they needed to get their food "out there". The big question was should they expand in Tehachapi, Los Angeles or elsewhere.

When they heard about the space available in downtown, they knew it was the answer. The Carlsons signed the lease in time to be part of Main Street Tehachapi's Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Walk in November, even though they weren't ready to open. They said they are very happy with their decision to be in town.

PizzaRami is the result of many months of experience creating delicious meals for their clientele in their Stallion Springs establishment.

The Carlsons make everything they can from scratch, including their sandwich bread and rolls, as well as their pizza dough (gluten free pizza is available). They also make their own sausage and delicious pastrami, and grind the meat for their burgers (a combination of freshly ground chuck and brisket, lightly seasoned with their own special blend).

When asked why they started making their own pastrami, Teresa said when they opened Papa's they weren't happy with the pastrami they were buying. They decided to make their own, and with the famous Langer's Deli in Los Angeles as a model, Christopher worked for months before perfecting his recipe.

Teresa said at one time they thought of opening a deli and selling their sauces. They have still not totally given up the idea of some day selling their sauces.

PizzaRami's happy hour runs from 3 until 6 p.m. and they will again be part of Main Street Tehachapi's next wine walk on Feb. 13 (see Main Street's ad on page 12 of this issue for details). PizzaRami is open from 11-8 p.m., their menu is available on their website (www.pizzarami.com) and they will soon be posting their specials on Facebook.

While Christopher and Teresa are focused on the new restaurant their daughter Tyler is operating Papa's Pizza in Stallion.

Passion for quality and service runs in the family, so no matter which end of Tehachapi you're in, you can enjoy a delicious made-from scratch meal.