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.
Showing posts with label Pizza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pizza. Show all posts
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, January 27, 2012
modmarket - Glendale
mod market markets itself as a hip, locally-sourced eatery with a casual atmosphere, but with a serious take on food. Their menu isn't extremely diverse, but salads, sandwiches, and pizza will satisfy most. They have a Boylan soda fountain, Izze soda, local beer, and wine.
My first impression wasn't too great, but that was before I had any food. They just keep it very casual at mod market, almost too casual and the employees are very nice, but almost too casual like they forget temporarily that they aren't in the customer service industry firstly, and then the restaurant industry.
At mod market you get a buzzer that shakes and lights up when your food is ready, not when your table has opened up. We went at a busy hour and there weren't that many seats left. We found one in the back under a flood of neon green light, but I did have to brush off left over crumbs and whatnot onto the floor before we felt it was sanitized enough to sit down. I sort of felt bad about that, but there were no napkins that I saw nearby to make that a little more pleasant.
We both had pizzas. I had the Gaucho and she had the Prosciutto. They were very different, but if I had to pick, I would go with the Gaucho every time over the Prosciutto. The pizzas reminded me of Pizzeria Locale in Boulder. Very fresh, 12" diameter, you could end up with some leftovers, but not if the pizza is exceptional. I thought mine was. I polished it off fairly fast and pounded down six half-full to all the way full sodas, having a try of almost every Boylan soda coming out of that fountain. Their cola was very unique and, at least to me, it had a hint of anise flavor. My favorites were the cream soda and the orange soda.
This mod market location hasn't been open long. It was a packed house. Business seems great. The food, having only been there once, was definitely up to par and reasonably priced ($8-10 for a pizza), but I would say the place just needs a little touch of cleanliness. There should be someone sweeping through the lobby with a broom and a wet cloth to wipe down the tables after people leave because this isn't fast food, but it is good food quickly, and that means there is a high turnover rate.
Dined January 19, 2012.
B.
My first impression wasn't too great, but that was before I had any food. They just keep it very casual at mod market, almost too casual and the employees are very nice, but almost too casual like they forget temporarily that they aren't in the customer service industry firstly, and then the restaurant industry.
At mod market you get a buzzer that shakes and lights up when your food is ready, not when your table has opened up. We went at a busy hour and there weren't that many seats left. We found one in the back under a flood of neon green light, but I did have to brush off left over crumbs and whatnot onto the floor before we felt it was sanitized enough to sit down. I sort of felt bad about that, but there were no napkins that I saw nearby to make that a little more pleasant.
We both had pizzas. I had the Gaucho and she had the Prosciutto. They were very different, but if I had to pick, I would go with the Gaucho every time over the Prosciutto. The pizzas reminded me of Pizzeria Locale in Boulder. Very fresh, 12" diameter, you could end up with some leftovers, but not if the pizza is exceptional. I thought mine was. I polished it off fairly fast and pounded down six half-full to all the way full sodas, having a try of almost every Boylan soda coming out of that fountain. Their cola was very unique and, at least to me, it had a hint of anise flavor. My favorites were the cream soda and the orange soda.
This mod market location hasn't been open long. It was a packed house. Business seems great. The food, having only been there once, was definitely up to par and reasonably priced ($8-10 for a pizza), but I would say the place just needs a little touch of cleanliness. There should be someone sweeping through the lobby with a broom and a wet cloth to wipe down the tables after people leave because this isn't fast food, but it is good food quickly, and that means there is a high turnover rate.
Dined January 19, 2012.
B.
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