I knew it wasn't goin' to be pretty, being a 260 pound party of one, so I took a seat in the back, in the dark...
Peter, the pizzaiolo and owner introduced himself warmly and asked if I wanted him to turn on a light, and I said I didn't need it...
It wasn't that dark---- it was just in the furthest area from the big front windows...
I could still see colors....
I didn't have to eat the whole pizza by myself at one sitting, and if I'd ordered a sensible artisenal selection--- maybe something with a vegetable on it, it might have fueled the perception that I was making an effort, and my wife might have been happy to receive the offering, but I ordered their largest version of the 'Carnivore' and therefore had to leave no evidence....
 |
| The Carnivore |
I look forward to going back soon with my wife and sharing a pizza like a normal person...
I went in expecting to get the infamous 'Pistachio' pizza, or maybe the one with the carmelized onions & mushrooms, but I was hungry and I thought---- 'let's just see how they do THIS first'....
Seems the Carnivore is my 'vanilla'...
When I ordered the 'Enormi', their largest, and was questioned about it, I assured Peter and my waitress that I was prepared to take home leftovers, which made everybody feel better about my order------ but I knew there was a damn good chance I was gonna walk outta there with only my keys in my hand...
I had a mild compulsion I admittedly didn't try hard to resist that was encouraging me to make it a memorable first visit------ to plant a flag...
Honestly tho, every component of the pizza encouraged me to take another bite...
Peter told me that he's been known to eat whole big one before, but that he was a kung fu pizza master from the far east (he used different words)...
I responded that I was pretty good myself----that's why I could do it in the dark!
That got a hearty laugh which I appreciated...
When I started photographing the pizza on its pedestal thingy, Peter realized I wasn't just a normal person and asked; 'what do you do'?
I pointed to my logo'd work van in the parking lot and told him about the Chowhound thing...
He said; "oh! you just missed Andy and his brother!"....
I loved it! ---- but of course regretted missing those guys...
It was around 1:30, and he was winding down after the lunch rush...
While my pizza was in his amazing and beautiful oven, and after a bit more evidence of my fanaticism made its way to the surface, he talked about his carefully selected ingredients, and we went a little off the rails imagining other possible ingredients and fun combinations, which I totally enjoyed, being an adventurous and passionate home cook...
Let me tellya, it all made for a pretty freakin' sweet first visit to a place!
It's absolutely not the pizza I grew up with in New Jersey and Philadelphia, but I liked it very much... The crust itself has soul--- toasty and smoky, with the flavor, quality, and balance of the toppings putting the lovey dovey smile on my face, seducing one more slice...
----and if I'd ordered sensibly for one person it would have felt just-right cost-wise for lunch...
Whatever pizza is the next size down would be about right...
I'll save the Enormi for when I'm with somebody------ maybe...
I'll thank you to stay out of my personal affairs!
I actually wanted to go back the next day with my wife to show her the super cool wood-fire pizza oven and to try some other fun mambocombo, but I couldn't take the chance on him yelling out 'BACK SO SOON??!!'...
I know a good bartender would know better, but I wasn't sure about pizzaiolos----- even good ones like Peter...
Wood Fired Pizza
2822 East Bearss Avenue
Tampa, FL 33613
http://wood-firedpizza.com/
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