McClain's Pizzeria in Hailey got some national attention earlier this month when one of its pizza pies was shared on late-night TV by comedian Jimmy Kimmel and heartthrob actor Ian Somerhalder.
Somerhalder is a regular actor on the television series "Vampire Diaries." He also had a part on early "Lost" TV episodes.
Somerhalder's sister Robin Balmer operates McClain's Pizzeria in the Golden Rule Building on Main Street in Hailey. Her husband, McClain Balmer, owns the business. The building is owned by actress Demi Moore.
Somerhalder had a McClain's pizza shipped from Hailey to Los Angeles this month for an interview on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." During the interview, Somerhalder described McClain Balmer, who is bald and wears a gold earring, as "a really good-looking version of Mr. Clean."
Balmer, who also works as a DJ in the valley, said he got a kick out of Somerhalder's comment.
"I put the clip on our Facebook page and it has been getting a lot of responses," said Balmer, who thinks highly of his brother-in-law.
"He's a really good friend and brother-in-law," Balmer said. "He would do anything for anybody. Fame hasn't gone to his head. He's very down-to-earth."
According to Balmer, the winter season has begun slowly at McClain's, but that could change with the Tinseltown spotlight being shown on the pizzeria.
"Idaho is known for its pizza," joked Kimmel, as he helped Somerhalder devour the pizza margherita.
The last time Hollywood took notice of Hailey's Main Street was when Bruce Willis and Demi Moore entertained stars at The Mint bar across the street during the 1990s.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
McClain Balmer
