A pie well stretched…
I moved to Phoenix from San Diego about seven years ago and have been in search of a truly GREAT pizza ever since. The thing about the “Valley” is that while there are many places to be seen, have a decent pizza (Grimaldi’s & Le Grande Orange are notable) or wait in line for several hours for a “good” pie (not even going to go there), I haven’t really come across a truly great pie.
While watching Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives a while back I saw the story on La Piazza Al Forno in Glendale and immediately got into the car for a little drive. Located in the Historic Downtown district, Piazza Al Forno is a modest storefront pizzeria with few tables and a counter with a view of the pizza oven.
where the magic happens
The menu is quite simple but has everything you on it that you need. My dining companion ordered the Pizza Verde (Veggie Pie), a hand stretched pizza covered in San Marzano Tomatoes, House Made Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, Olives and Fresh Arugula ($12) which she indicated was quite good.
Pizza Verde (Veggie Pie)
The “Italian Stallion” caught my eye with its mix of San Marzano Tomatoes, House Made Mozzarella, Schreiners
Sausage, Pepperoni, Prosciuttodi Parma and Sopressata ($13), so ride the horse I did! The pizza arrived hot and bubbling with just the right amount of cheese (Americans cant seem to grasp that a great pizza doesn’t need to be covered in an inch of it) and a perfectly crisp crust with that slightly chewy texture that I know and love. The meats gave my pie a bit of saltiness that my companion didn’t like and she seemed to think it was a bit greasy but to me, it was manna from heaven!
The Italian Stallion
If you fancy a pizza made with care and quality ingredients drop in and check out La Piazza Al Forno, it’s worth the drive.
La Piazza Al Forno
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