Mex-Italian Pizza and more!
Tucked away on a side street of La Cruz you’ll find a wonderful little pizza place called Falconi’s Pizza, Pasta & Bar. Shaul Falcon Amezcua and his brother Diego are the owners and Shaul manages the restaurant. Everyone that works there is family and/or friends.
Growing up in La Cruz they say they stay here because of the “Good people in the town, all our family and friends, and it is a very peaceful place.”
When I asked Shaul how they chose the name “We wanted to mix our last name with an Italian concept for the restaurant”. He says he really likes that many people like the restaurant by itself, for the food and the service; not just because they know them and have been friends for a long time. Shaul says that when he knows they’ve achieved this “I hope to open other restaurants in the future.”
They always serve quality and good food with their speciality being calzone and other pizzas. They make it their own unique way, Shaul calling it “our style” and it’s not made in the traditional way “but the people who try it, like it and come back!”
I know that many at our inn have it delivered or go to the restaurant and love it. Their service is fabulous and we only hear rave reviews. Not being able to eat pizza and pasta due to allergies I was thrilled when a friend recommended the Chicken parmigiana and it was so yummy! Their salads are great too!
Vicki, from Bloomington, Illinois told me:
“We found Falconi’s to be quaint, and honestly, Mexican’s serving great Italian food! The Caprese Salad had basil and tomatoes fresh from the garden! The cheese in Mexico is always good but this was exceptional! We ordered the shrimp pizza. Again, all the ingredients were fresh and flavorful. The crust was thin, crisp and cracker like, which we enjoy. Ordering was a breeze as our waiter’s English was excellent. We are anxious to go back to try the chicken parmigiana that has been highly recommended!”
These photos from Vicki and Tim’s evening say it all.
Shaul and his brother are so pleased and grateful that in a short period of time they have many regular customers and to him, that proves they are doing a good job. He considers success, besides monetary “That we have more and more regular customers, and each year we get more and more”.
When many of La Cruz’s restaurants close for the summer, Falconi’s does their best to stay open, they will take a few days here and there for their staff to enjoy a rest.
When I asked him about challenges and rewards, Shaul told me “As with all the new restaurants, it is difficult to make yourself known; being patient and waiting for our customers to recommend us to their friends takes time. At first, it was difficult, but we are now a restaurant that invests little in advertising with many thanks to frequent recommendations by our customers. Many people know us and come back with more friends every year. Depending on the month and season we have national, local and international clientele at different times.”
Shaul is inspired when customers say “Hey, great pizza, the best in town” or something like… makes them feel great! Don’t we all adore appreciation!?
Growing up in a fishing village Shaul loves fish and seafood. On their days off he and his family prefer cooking their own recipes, especially zarandeado fish, rather than going out. He likes ceviches and grilled fish, and beef.
When I asked about living in an oceanfront town and what water activities he prefers he answered: “Well, now I just work, but when I was younger I used to boogie board and play football at the beach.” Oh, the joys of adulthood and responsibility! I suggest a football match on the beach; then dinner at Falconi’s!
Shaul is appreciative to the marina and the changes it brought to La Cruz. “The marina of La Cruz changed the town completely. I have met great people and am thankful for that. Actually, the opportunities now are so much better than 15 years ago, when I started to work”. He hopes that the beach behind the high school remains open to the public and they never make it private. When I asked him if he had a magic wand, what would his wish for La Cruz de Huanacaxtle be 5 years from now and beyond? “Many people leave for six months and we don’t have much work during that time. My wish is that somebody will make an attraction that keeps more regular jobs over the summer.”
Shaul’s pretty sure most people don’t know he’s an accountant and although he’s proud of that achievement, he’s most proud that with the help and support of his family, to have built this restaurant. How awesome that he completed his accounting as he built the restaurant!
Way to go Shaul, Diego and family!
The vibe is great with gentle music, folks playing pool and darts; a perfect evening out!
Falconi’s is always our first dinner in town. It’s like coming home. The food is always good and delivery makes it easy if you just want a night in watching a good movie. Shall is what makes it special. He is very personable, knows his clientele, and tries to accommodate them. We wish Shaun and his family much success and look forward to their next restaurant.
Thanks Johanna. We are so blessed to have Shaul and family in our little town!