Where Learning Meets Lunch: Our Trip To Crispelli’s

Adult participants at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit have been busy learning valuable culinary skills through our GiGi Kitchen and GiGi Prep programs. So, when the opportunity came to take those skills on the road, we couldn’t wait to say yes!

Christi, daughter of a Crispelli’s restaurant owner and volunteer of our teen and adult programs, pitched the idea of getting our participants in to the restaurant for a behind-the-scenes tour back in late spring. When Luke, our incredible community outreach volunteer, heard about this idea he knew just who to contact to make it happen! He put us in touch with his friend Danielle at Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria in Troy to see if our participants could visit, enjoy some pizza, and learn more about how it’s made. Danielle shared that Crispelli’s often welcomes groups to experience the art of pizza-making — and she, her husband Louie, and the entire staff went above and beyond to make our visit extra special.

Each participant began with their own ball of dough, learning how to stretch, shape, and prepare it — even getting to watch Louie expertly toss a few in the air to form that perfect pizza circle! Next came the sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings, as everyone created their own masterpiece.

Once the pizzas were baked, we sat down together to enjoy the delicious results of our hard work. The fun didn’t stop there — we then toured the kitchen and basement area to see where all the magic happens. Participants learned how dough is made, watched cheese being grated, and asked thoughtful questions about what it takes to run a successful pizzeria.

We are so grateful to Danielle, Louie, and the entire team at Crispelli’s for opening their doors — and their hearts — to our GiGi’s community. It was a day full of smiles, laughter, and hands-on learning. We’ll always think of our wonderful time at Crispelli’s every time we enjoy a slice!