BY SHERI TRUSTY

Dalton Brand is creating delicious Detroit Style Pizza at Brand’s Marina this winter for carryout and DoorDash delivery. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

During his travels to Detroit, Dalton Brand fell in love with Detroit Style Pizza and decided to create his own specialty version to sell at his business at Brand’s Marina. Last May, he opened Aquarius at the marina and offered, among other menu items, Brand’s distinct recipe pizza.

“I had the pizza oven in my kitchen for five years experimenting with different crusts,” Brand said. “The final recipe calls for a fermentation for five days, which aids in digestion. It’s a thicker crust, but it’s light and airy and easier on the stomach to eat.”

Aquarius opened last May, 2022, but had closed temporarily in the winter. In January, Brand opened the business, but only for for pickup and DoorDash. Pizza is available seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aquarius is located at 387 W. Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton. For carryout, follow the signs to the back door of the green building.

Order online at aquariuspc.com or by calling 419-341-8452.

The deep-dish, square Detroit Style Pizza has almost a whole pound of New York white cheddar, mozzarella and provolone cheeses and is topped with marinara sauce or a sauce of the customer’s choice. A variety of toppings are available.

In addition to Detroit Style Pizza, Aquarius also offers a thin Wood-fired Crust Pizza and a gluten-free Cauliflower Crust Pizza, which General Manager Jim Lippus said is very popular.

“One of the things I wanted from the onset was to offer gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options for almost every menu item,” Brand said. “I’ll be coming up with a gluten-free Detroit Style Pizza soon. It takes a lot of science to get it right.”

Aquarius at Brand’s Marina opened recently to offer its signature pizza for carryout DoorDash. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

While carryout and DoorDash delivery are the only options right now and the menu only features pizza, changes will be made when the weather warms. This spring, patio dining will be available, and Aquarius will offer an expanded menu.

“We’ll bring back our signature smash burgers, which were a hugely popular item last summer, and we’ll introduce salads, sandwiches, full entrees and sharable plates,” Brand said. “We’ll have patio seating with a view of the lake on one side and a view of the marina on the other.

“It’s a nice place to sit and relax. We have docks available, so people can come for lunch and dinner.”