Caruso and Gino’s Collaboration: A Spicy New Chapter in Chicago Pizza
Chicago is a city built on bold flavors. Whether it's our legendary deep dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches dripping with jus, or a Chicago-style hot dog (hold the ketchup!), we take our food seriously. But there’s one ingredient that has been quietly setting taste buds on fire for generations—giardiniera.
If you know, you know.
For decades, giardiniera has been a staple of Chicago cuisine, bringing a unique blend of heat, crunch, and tangy goodness to sandwiches, pizzas, and more. And now, we’re taking things up a notch. Gino’s East is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Caruso Provisions, a family-run company that’s quickly made a name for itself with their premium Chicago-style giardiniera.
Together, we’re launching Caruso’s Hot GARDENiera Pizza—a bold, flavor-packed pie featuring Caruso’s giardiniera, mozzarella cheese, onions, and spinach. This limited-time pizza will be available at both of our Chicago locations, including the Magnificent Mile and South Loop, from March 17th to May 17th.
Whether you're a giardiniera connoisseur or just discovering your love for spice, this pizza is about to change the way you think about toppings. Let’s dive into what makes this collaboration so special.
The Heat Behind the History
If you’re from Chicago, giardiniera isn’t just a topping—it’s a way of life. The blend of pickled peppers, carrots, celery, and other crisp vegetables marinated in seasoned oil is a must-have for anyone who loves bold flavors.
But giardiniera isn’t just any spicy relish. It’s a Chicago tradition. The name itself comes from the Italian word for "gardener," a nod to its roots in Italian cuisine. But what makes Chicago-style giardiniera unique is its oil-based preparation, which gives it a rich and fiery flavor profile that’s perfect for pizza.
This is where Caruso Provisions comes in. Founded in 2020, Caruso has quickly become a go-to source for premium Chicago-style giardiniera. Family-run and deeply rooted in Midwestern food culture, Caruso’s blends are known for their bold flavor, crisp texture, and balanced heat. Their giardiniera is already a favorite for locals looking to bring the heat to sandwiches, sausages, and now—pizza.
A Pizza Built for Spice Lovers
So, what makes Caruso’s Hot GARDENiera Pizza stand out? It all comes down to the perfect combination of flavors and textures:
Mozzarella Cheese – A rich, creamy layer of Wisconsin-made mozzarella, designed to melt beautifully over our legendary crust.
Caruso’s Giardiniera – This isn't just any giardiniera. Caruso’s blend brings the perfect heat, crunch, and tang, giving every bite a spicy kick.
Onions – Their natural sweetness balances the heat, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
Spinach – A fresh, slightly earthy contrast to the bold flavors of the giardiniera, making the pizza feel hearty and balanced.
And of course, the crust—which is pure Gino’s East magic. If you've ever had a slice of our deep dish, you know what we're talking about. Golden, buttery, and perfectly crispy, our crust has been made the same way since 1966. It’s the perfect foundation for a pizza packed with bold flavors.
Where and When to Get It
The Caruso’s Hot GARDENiera Pizza will be available for a limited time at both Chicago locations—Magnificent Mile and South Loop—from March 17 to May 17.
Even better? While the pizza itself is a seasonal feature, we’re making Caruso’s giardiniera a permanent topping on our menu. That means you can keep the heat coming, even after the special campaign ends.
Why This Collaboration Matters
At Gino’s East, we’re all about tradition. Since 1966, we’ve been crafting legendary deep-dish pizza, using family-sourced ingredients, hand-stretched dough, and recipes passed down through generations. Every pizza we make is a nod to Chicago’s rich food culture.
Caruso Provisions may be a newer name in the game, but they’re rooted in the same values—quality ingredients, family craftsmanship, and a passion for bold flavors. Their giardiniera is a modern take on a Chicago staple, and it fits right into what we do best: making pizzas that taste like home with just the right amount of kick.
This collaboration brings together two Chicago-born brands, each committed to doing one thing really, really well. And together, we're delivering a pizza that’s as bold, briny, and unforgettable as the city we call home.