When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amoré.

And when that pizza pie is cooked to doughy, bubbly perfection, that's Tino's.

It's Big Apple-style pizza in the Mini Apple. The pies are made with homemade zesty marinara sauce, stone-milled (the way the real Italianos in Naples do it) flour dough, and that not-too-thin, not-too-thick perfect consistency.

What's dinner without dessert? Counter the summer heat (if we ever get any) with some dewy vanilla bean gelato or a cannoli with a cinnamon-tinged deep-fried shell and creamy pistachio filling.

The little pizzeria was opened in 2004 by Tino Lettieri as Lettieri's Café. Although it's often bulging with high schoolers after a big game during the school year, now that it's summer Tino's is anybody's hangout.

Bonus: If you're struggling for conversation, all it takes is a look down -- at the table that is. Somewhere in the melange of Tino's family photos, stray phone numbers, and awkward school photos there's bound to be something to spark some chatter.

Basically, Tino's has you covered from all directions. So strap on your big Italian appetite and enjoy the feast.

Because it's clear: You're in love.

Pizza ($3.74 per slice) and cannoli (3 for $4) at Tino's Café Pizzeria, 19215 Highway 7, Shorewood, 952-470-9663.

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