TUT’S GREEK & ITALIAN // NEW OWNER DOES IT RIGHT

By Cindy Huggins

With open arms and empty stomachs, Tuscaloosa welcomes the reopening of Tut’s Greek and Italian Restaurant after a quick three week renovation. Tut’s has been a local favorite since 1989, serving Tuscaloosa with Greek and Italian favorites. Crimson Tide students have been grateful for the low cost, satisfying meals served until late in the night. During the change in ownership proud new owner, Ashraf Hassan, jumped on the opportunity for change. Those of us who have been regulars for

many years will be pleasantly surprised with the renovation. No more shaky green tiled tables and mismatched

chairs, now clean-cut, cozy booths fill the space. Although, I did not mind the earlier décor and tight dining area-I

would eat in a closet if the food was worth it- Ashraf brought some much needed change.

My husband and I were welcomed with an inviting open atmosphere and a pleasant greet from staff. The new open

kitchen allows you to watch as the cooks work their magic while carrying on friendly banter. The once small dinning

area has been slightly enlarged and enhanced with the white floors and white booths. Of course, one thing that hasn’t

changed is the menu. Specializing in gyros, subs, wraps, calzones, pizza, and salad, Tut’s will leave you pondering

over the menu for awhile because of all the appetizing options. In fact, my husband and I eventually had to take a

seat to read through the menu and debate on what we wanted. As a college kid, one of my husband’s favorite meals

at Tut’s was the chicken parmesan sub—a buttery bun holding a large piece of fried chicken drenched in robust

marinara sauce, slavered with salty mozzarella cheese that would stretch from the plate to your mouth. My usual was

a classic pepperoni calzone with the occasional added spinach—remember I am a dietitian! We were craving

something different so I opted for the spinach and feta pizza and he chose the can’t-go-wrong pepperoni calzone. We

gladly waited no more then ten minutes while our food was freshly prepared. At first glance, I did notice something

different about the dishes…less grease. The usual glisten of fatty grease was replaced with a nice flaky crust on both

the pizza and calzone. The thin crust pizza made with olive oil, topped with mozzarella, feta, and spinach appeared

very appetizing. Unfortunately, it was slightly on the bland side leaving my taste buds wanting something more. With

a little help from the flavorful marinara sauce I had a satisfying meal. There were no complaints from the husband’s

side of the table as he thoroughly enjoyed his less greasy yet mouthwatering crispy calzone filled with mozzarella

cheese and stacks of pepperoni.

As much as I would love to selfishly keep Tut’s all to me, the work of new owner Ashraf Hassan needs to be shared.

Next time you are on the strip and in need of a hot cuisine or if you only have time to stop in for a slice of pizza to-go

consider Tut’s Greek and Italian Restaurant!

Tut’s Greek and Italian Restaurant is located at 1306 University Boulevard, right on the University strip. Monday

through Friday from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Tut’s offers daily lunch specials offering any sub, pita wrap, calzone, burger, or

salad for $4.99 or less! General Hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. till 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. till 2