The Saucy Noodle - Denver

I am way behind on blogging about meals, but I haven't given up...


Anyone who has cruised down University Ave south of Alameda, has eventually noticed the Saucy Noodle. It's been at the same location for 40 years! That's big time. After ordering take out pizza to watch the night of the Oscars, it's clear that they haven't survived off of their pizza alone, which I found to be hugely disappointing. It wasn't a horrible pizza, but from an establishment like this, which has a decent reputation, I was expecting much better. The price wasn't exactly right either. Their large pizzas run about $16 and if there are two of you and one of you happens to be a big eater (me) you better have some backup food accessible. 


I have high expectations of a pizza. I can make a better one at home than I received from Saucy Noodle. We've tried a few recipes in our own kitchen for pizza and the one that we stick by now was featured in Cook's Illustrated within the last year or so. It's a recipe for Chicago deep dish pizza and the finished product stomps all over the Saucy Noodle's pie.


Because of this experience I am hesitant to go back and actually dine-in, even though there must be something great keeping this place alive, right?


Dined February 26, 2012.


Written by B.

Pizzeria Locale - Boulder

I've been to Pizzeria Locale three times now, just once in 2012 though. The last two times I ordered the Mais pizza because, in my opinion, it is simply the best thing they have to offer. The Diavolo seems to get rave reviews from diners and servers there, but there's just the delightful simplicity of a pizza with plenty of great mozzarella, creme fraiche, corn, and prosciutto, all on some of the fluffiest pizza dough I've had. It's definitely the best pizza I have had in Colorado.

When I left Colorado for a three-year stint in Milwaukee, I was exposed to great pizza, vis a vis the proximity to Chicago, which was great for many reasons. I really enjoyed walking into a pizza place and knowing instantly that you were going to get a great pie from the pros and that the recipe hasn't changed that much in decades, if not a hundred years. It's definitely not easy to have that same experience in Colorado. And, to be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I walked into Locale. It sort of has this pretentious feel to it. Maybe that's just my imagination, but I doubt it because it's Boulder. Snobbery is abundant. Anyways, the snobbery isn't abundant at Locale. If it exists, it's because of the patrons and not the staff who are down to earth, they make a good pie, they have great service (thus far), and you can get out of there for a decent amount. 


And, if wine is your thing, they have quite the list and a sommelier who can guide you to the right decision if you need some help.


There are so many places to eat on Pearl St. They can't all be good, but most of them maintain an appearance of being good. Mostly they try to look hip. Locale doesn't even need to try. They have a small amount of space facing the street and one small door that is quite conspicuous. Find it and you won't be disappointed.


Dined February 25, 2012.


Written by B.