10-6-2008 Southside Flying Pizza
2206 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-4246
Pizzas Ordered: 3 larges
First Pizza - 1/2 Athena: spinach, kalamata olives, red onions, romas, feta
1/2 Quattro Formaggio: mozzarella, romano, feta, gorgonzola
Second Pizza - 1/2 Spinach Artichoke: with parmesan and romano cheeses
1/2 Basil Pesto: with chicken, romas, kalamata olives, feta
Third Pizza - Sundried Tomato Pesto: with portabella mushrooms, romas, proscuitto, gorgonzola, romano
Members Present: Melanie, Paul, Frank, Tamara, Fire
Bar Selection:
Liquor - N/A
Beer - Bottles only: buckets of 5, $10 domestic, $12 import
Wine - 4 wines by the glass
Menu Notes: 3 salads, 5 sandwiches, soup du jour, stromboli, calzone, brownies and cookies
Food Comments: "Sun Dried Tomato Pesto (SDTP) pie tastes like an Italian house salad in your mouth." -Frank
"Outside is like sitting on my own patio, cozy." -Tamara
SDTP would have been MVP, but Matt disliked the tomatoes. Spinach artichoke pizza was like dip on a crust. Told we'd have a 45 minute wait, it was more like 20. Good crust, not too thin but not overly bready. The pizza sauce and marinara were super flavorful.
"You Can count on the flavors to do their job well." -Frank
"Flavors blended well, no standouts." -Tamara
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Very friendly counter staff. Small-ish interior, we sat out on the patio. They can't do running tabs, we paid up front.
Noted Specials: N/A
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): N/A
COST: $77 for 3 pizzas and 10 beers
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
8th Week of Pizza Club Minutes: 9-29-2008 Mandola's Italian Market @ The Triangle
9-29-2008 Mandola's Italian Market
4700 W Guadalupe St # 12
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 419-9700
Pizzas Ordered: 3 smalls
First Pizza - Daily Special: Pesto, chicken, red peppers, parmigiano
Second Pizza - Diavolo: Hot capicola, marinara, romano, cherry peppers, pepper flakes, carmelized onions, pancetta, mixed herbs
Third Pizza - Proscuitto & Arugula: with provolone, lemon vinegar, parmigiano
Members Present: Matt, Melanie, Fire, Frank
Bar Selection:
Liquor - N/A
Beer - N/A
Wine - HUGE wine selection by the bottle
Menu Notes: Wide selection of food and a large market selection, it doubles as an Italian grocery.
Antipasti, bruschetta, panini, pasta, soups, salads and a LARGE dessert counter round out the menu.
Food Comments: The epitome of hand-crafted gourmet, Mandola's makes even their own cheeses.
Incredibly fast turn around for the amount of quality, we only waited 15 minutes.
You order at the counter and get a number, they bring the food to your table, very informal.
OUSTANDING and addictive complimentary foccacia and herbed olive oil for appetizer.
Oval pies were obviously handmade with love, intensely flavorful and unique.
Expectations were high but the pizza exceeded them.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Fast, pleasant service, not a lot of interaction due to informal atmosphere. The gelato counter server was exceptional friendly and provided us with tastes of almost all the flavors without us even having to ask. Mandola's is a market that doubles as a restaurant, very open and airy and full of shelves stocked with Italian goods. Decor was stereotypically Italian restaurant-y. Open kitchen, the cooks work in full view of the customers.
Noted Specials: Pizza special changes daily
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): N/A
COST: $61 for 3 pizzas, 3 medium gelato cups, and one bottle of wine (we were STUFFED)
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
4700 W Guadalupe St # 12
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 419-9700
Pizzas Ordered: 3 smalls
First Pizza - Daily Special: Pesto, chicken, red peppers, parmigiano
Second Pizza - Diavolo: Hot capicola, marinara, romano, cherry peppers, pepper flakes, carmelized onions, pancetta, mixed herbs
Third Pizza - Proscuitto & Arugula: with provolone, lemon vinegar, parmigiano
Members Present: Matt, Melanie, Fire, Frank
Bar Selection:
Liquor - N/A
Beer - N/A
Wine - HUGE wine selection by the bottle
Menu Notes: Wide selection of food and a large market selection, it doubles as an Italian grocery.
Antipasti, bruschetta, panini, pasta, soups, salads and a LARGE dessert counter round out the menu.
Food Comments: The epitome of hand-crafted gourmet, Mandola's makes even their own cheeses.
Incredibly fast turn around for the amount of quality, we only waited 15 minutes.
You order at the counter and get a number, they bring the food to your table, very informal.
OUSTANDING and addictive complimentary foccacia and herbed olive oil for appetizer.
Oval pies were obviously handmade with love, intensely flavorful and unique.
Expectations were high but the pizza exceeded them.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Fast, pleasant service, not a lot of interaction due to informal atmosphere. The gelato counter server was exceptional friendly and provided us with tastes of almost all the flavors without us even having to ask. Mandola's is a market that doubles as a restaurant, very open and airy and full of shelves stocked with Italian goods. Decor was stereotypically Italian restaurant-y. Open kitchen, the cooks work in full view of the customers.
Noted Specials: Pizza special changes daily
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): N/A
COST: $61 for 3 pizzas, 3 medium gelato cups, and one bottle of wine (we were STUFFED)
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
7th Week of Pizza Club Minutes: 9-24-2008 Home Slice Pizza on S. Congress
9-24-2008 Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
(512) 444-7437
Pizzas Ordered: 2 16" Larges, 1 14" Medium
First PizzaL White: Olive oil, spinach, garlic, ricotta, mozzarella, added artichokes
Second PizzaL spinach, roasted red pepper, green olives, onions
Third PizzaM sausage, ricotta, roasted red pepper
Members Present: Kevin, Matt, Tamara, Michael, Fire, Melanie, Will, Frank, Dani
Bar Selection:
Liquor - N/A
Beer - 3 on draft, 8 in bottles
Wine - 6 white, 6 red, all Italian selection
Menu Notes: Coffee drinks, fountain and specialty sodas available.
Salads (3 served family style), calzones, and subs round out the menu.
Food Comments: "The sausage pie was good, the others needed balance." - Frank
"The Espresso in tiramisu was fucking outstanding!" - Melanie
Giant foldable slices. There was a wide disparity on quality, the rating was averaged between the highest and lowest.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Good service, funky and eclectic atmosphere. VERY noisy and crowded.
Noted Specials: Sub specials change daily. Closed on Tuesdays.
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): N/A
COST: $98 for 3 pizzas, 2 pitchers, 1 cannoli and 1 piece of tiramisu
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
(512) 444-7437
Pizzas Ordered: 2 16" Larges, 1 14" Medium
First PizzaL White: Olive oil, spinach, garlic, ricotta, mozzarella, added artichokes
Second PizzaL spinach, roasted red pepper, green olives, onions
Third PizzaM sausage, ricotta, roasted red pepper
Members Present: Kevin, Matt, Tamara, Michael, Fire, Melanie, Will, Frank, Dani
Bar Selection:
Liquor - N/A
Beer - 3 on draft, 8 in bottles
Wine - 6 white, 6 red, all Italian selection
Menu Notes: Coffee drinks, fountain and specialty sodas available.
Salads (3 served family style), calzones, and subs round out the menu.
Food Comments: "The sausage pie was good, the others needed balance." - Frank
"The Espresso in tiramisu was fucking outstanding!" - Melanie
Giant foldable slices. There was a wide disparity on quality, the rating was averaged between the highest and lowest.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Good service, funky and eclectic atmosphere. VERY noisy and crowded.
Noted Specials: Sub specials change daily. Closed on Tuesdays.
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): N/A
COST: $98 for 3 pizzas, 2 pitchers, 1 cannoli and 1 piece of tiramisu
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Monday, September 22, 2008
6th Week of Pizza Club Minutes: 9-15-2008 Reale's Pizza & Cafe N. 183
9-15-2008 Reale's Pizza & Cafe
13450 N Highway 183 # 230 Austin, TX
(512) 335-5115
Pizzas Ordered: 5 large specialties
First Pizza
Ala Reale - Pepperoni, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, black olives, sausage, green bell peppers
Second Pizza
Roasted Pie - Cheese pie topped with roasted peppers and onions, fresh garlic, olive oil
Third Pizza
White Pizza - "Parmigian" Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, romano
Fourth Pizza
Greek Pizza - Olives, feta, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes
Fifth Pizza
Margherita - Tomatoes, basil, oregano, mozzarella
*One piece of Tiramisu
Members Present: Frank, Matt, Will K., Paul, Mark, Jennifer, Tamara, Fire, Melanie, Glenn
Bar Selection: Full bar!
Liquor - Wide selection of liquor, generous shots
Beer - 2 on tap, no pitchers though, 6 import bottles, 7 import/microbrew bottles
Wine - 25 wines, 4 Italian Whites, 7 California whites, 1 blush, 7 Italian reds, 6 other reds
Menu Notes: Large and diverse menu, a fully functioning Italian restaurant. Pastas, steak, seafood, chicken, veal, calzones, soups & salads plus desserts.
Food Comments: "I just want to throw up and eat again." -Mark
"Crust crisp enough to dive off of, delicious!" -Frank
Some of the pizzas were fairly salty due to the addition of salty cheeses or olives.
The sauce and main cheese flavors act as a prevalent "pedal tone." -Will
Not at all greasy, except for the Roasted Pie which should be.
Crust held up well on all pies except the Ala Reale due to the immense amount of toppings.
"Damn good Tiramisu!" -Melanie "The real deal." -Tamara
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Fancy/cheesey Italian bistro decor, cloth napkins, server uniforms.
Intimate and friendly service, Suzanne was great! Took our suggestion for pitchers straight to the owner's ear.
Noted Specials: $3 off specialty pies on Mondays (except white)
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): No unanimous votes, all delicious!
COST: $124 for 5 large specialty pies, 10 imported beers, 3 sodas & a piece of Tiramisu
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
13450 N Highway 183 # 230 Austin, TX
(512) 335-5115
Pizzas Ordered: 5 large specialties
First Pizza
Ala Reale - Pepperoni, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, black olives, sausage, green bell peppers
Second Pizza
Roasted Pie - Cheese pie topped with roasted peppers and onions, fresh garlic, olive oil
Third Pizza
White Pizza - "Parmigian" Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, romano
Fourth Pizza
Greek Pizza - Olives, feta, mozzarella, basil, tomatoes
Fifth Pizza
Margherita - Tomatoes, basil, oregano, mozzarella
*One piece of Tiramisu
Members Present: Frank, Matt, Will K., Paul, Mark, Jennifer, Tamara, Fire, Melanie, Glenn
Bar Selection: Full bar!
Liquor - Wide selection of liquor, generous shots
Beer - 2 on tap, no pitchers though, 6 import bottles, 7 import/microbrew bottles
Wine - 25 wines, 4 Italian Whites, 7 California whites, 1 blush, 7 Italian reds, 6 other reds
Menu Notes: Large and diverse menu, a fully functioning Italian restaurant. Pastas, steak, seafood, chicken, veal, calzones, soups & salads plus desserts.
Food Comments: "I just want to throw up and eat again." -Mark
"Crust crisp enough to dive off of, delicious!" -Frank
Some of the pizzas were fairly salty due to the addition of salty cheeses or olives.
The sauce and main cheese flavors act as a prevalent "pedal tone." -Will
Not at all greasy, except for the Roasted Pie which should be.
Crust held up well on all pies except the Ala Reale due to the immense amount of toppings.
"Damn good Tiramisu!" -Melanie "The real deal." -Tamara
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Fancy/cheesey Italian bistro decor, cloth napkins, server uniforms.
Intimate and friendly service, Suzanne was great! Took our suggestion for pitchers straight to the owner's ear.
Noted Specials: $3 off specialty pies on Mondays (except white)
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): No unanimous votes, all delicious!
COST: $124 for 5 large specialty pies, 10 imported beers, 3 sodas & a piece of Tiramisu
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
5th Week of Pizza Club Minutes: 9-8-2008 East Side Pies
9-8-2008 East Side Pies
1401 B Rosewood Ave. Austin, TX
(512) 524-0933
Pizzas Ordered: 4 full 18" pies
First Pizza
Half Nelson - Pesto, jerk chicken, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes
Second Pizza
Moon Tower - Ricotta, feta, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, romano
Third Pizza
Girther - Gorgonzola, avocado, roasted onions, bacon
Fourth Pizza
Mizza - Italian sausage, ham, bacon, pepperoni, meatballs
Members Present: Mark R., Jennifer, Matt, Glenn, Frank, Will K., Stephanie, Paul, Fire, Melanie
Bar Selection: Totally BYOB, there is a corner store directly across the street
Liquor - N/A
Beer - N/A
Wine - N/A
Menu Notes: TWENTY SEVEN specialty pies, 36 available toppings, 7 sauce choices, 2 salads, garlic knots, brownies, a different slice selection available daily & 5 specialty sodas
Food Comments: Everyone had a favorite, all the pies held their own very well.
"Meatballs were s-i-i-i-c-k!!" -Paul
Thin crust. "It's nice to fill up on toppings instead of bread." -Melanie
The only sounds for the first 5 minutes were "Mmmmmmmmmm...."
"The Half Nelson tastes like a garden smells." -Matt
6 slices were too much for 10 people.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Small outside ONLY dining area.
Chill, non-corporate atmosphere, hipster staff was kind of aloof.
Best to come when it's cool outside, not a good summer place.
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): No unanimous votes
COST: $90 for 4 specialty pizzas
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
1401 B Rosewood Ave. Austin, TX
(512) 524-0933
Pizzas Ordered: 4 full 18" pies
First Pizza
Half Nelson - Pesto, jerk chicken, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes
Second Pizza
Moon Tower - Ricotta, feta, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, romano
Third Pizza
Girther - Gorgonzola, avocado, roasted onions, bacon
Fourth Pizza
Mizza - Italian sausage, ham, bacon, pepperoni, meatballs
Members Present: Mark R., Jennifer, Matt, Glenn, Frank, Will K., Stephanie, Paul, Fire, Melanie
Bar Selection: Totally BYOB, there is a corner store directly across the street
Liquor - N/A
Beer - N/A
Wine - N/A
Menu Notes: TWENTY SEVEN specialty pies, 36 available toppings, 7 sauce choices, 2 salads, garlic knots, brownies, a different slice selection available daily & 5 specialty sodas
Food Comments: Everyone had a favorite, all the pies held their own very well.
"Meatballs were s-i-i-i-c-k!!" -Paul
Thin crust. "It's nice to fill up on toppings instead of bread." -Melanie
The only sounds for the first 5 minutes were "Mmmmmmmmmm...."
"The Half Nelson tastes like a garden smells." -Matt
6 slices were too much for 10 people.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Small outside ONLY dining area.
Chill, non-corporate atmosphere, hipster staff was kind of aloof.
Best to come when it's cool outside, not a good summer place.
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): No unanimous votes
COST: $90 for 4 specialty pizzas
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
4th Week of Pizza Club Minutes: 9-2-2008 Craig O's on 2222
9-2-2008 Craig O's Pizza & Pastaria
5501 Balcones Dr. Austin, 78731
(512) 323-0660
Pizzas Ordered: 1 Full Large, 3 Large 1/2 & 1/2's
First Pizza
House Special - Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted peppers
Second Pizza
1/2 Big Kahuna - Canadian bacon, pineapple, red onions, mozzarella
1/2 Cheese - just cheese pizza
Third Pizza
1/2 White Italian - Chicken, roasted garlic, Alfredo sauce, red onions, cilantro, mozzarella
1/2 Margherita - Olive oil, Roma tomatoes, basil
Fourth Pizza
1/2 Pesto Parmesan - Pesto, chicken, red onions, tomatoes, Parmesan, mozzarella
1/2 Greek - Olive oil, spinach, olives, garlic, feta
*Side of Garlic Cheese Bread
Members Present: Randy, Julie, Frank, Matt, Paul, Michael, Glenn, Fire, Melanie
Bar Selection: Just beer and wine
Liquor - N/A
Beer - 4 on tap, 4 bottles, $6 pitchers
Wine - 10 kinds of wine
Menu Notes: They also offer 8 pastas, 7 hot subs, calzones, stromboli, 9 salads, soup du jour, buffalo wings, garlic breads and six desserts.
Food Comments: "It's all about the White Italian." - Frank
The thin crust had a good flavor, but wasn't crisp enough.
"The sauce was nice and spicy, not sweet." - Melanie
The consensus was that it was little too greasy.
Exactly the right amount of food for 9 people.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Casual, parlor atmosphere but in a strip mall. No waiter, they ran us a tab at the counter.
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): The White Italian
COST: $91 for 4 pizzas, a side of garlic cheese bread & 3 pitchers
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
5501 Balcones Dr. Austin, 78731
(512) 323-0660
Pizzas Ordered: 1 Full Large, 3 Large 1/2 & 1/2's
First Pizza
House Special - Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted peppers
Second Pizza
1/2 Big Kahuna - Canadian bacon, pineapple, red onions, mozzarella
1/2 Cheese - just cheese pizza
Third Pizza
1/2 White Italian - Chicken, roasted garlic, Alfredo sauce, red onions, cilantro, mozzarella
1/2 Margherita - Olive oil, Roma tomatoes, basil
Fourth Pizza
1/2 Pesto Parmesan - Pesto, chicken, red onions, tomatoes, Parmesan, mozzarella
1/2 Greek - Olive oil, spinach, olives, garlic, feta
*Side of Garlic Cheese Bread
Members Present: Randy, Julie, Frank, Matt, Paul, Michael, Glenn, Fire, Melanie
Bar Selection: Just beer and wine
Liquor - N/A
Beer - 4 on tap, 4 bottles, $6 pitchers
Wine - 10 kinds of wine
Menu Notes: They also offer 8 pastas, 7 hot subs, calzones, stromboli, 9 salads, soup du jour, buffalo wings, garlic breads and six desserts.
Food Comments: "It's all about the White Italian." - Frank
The thin crust had a good flavor, but wasn't crisp enough.
"The sauce was nice and spicy, not sweet." - Melanie
The consensus was that it was little too greasy.
Exactly the right amount of food for 9 people.
Service/Atmosphere Comments: Casual, parlor atmosphere but in a strip mall. No waiter, they ran us a tab at the counter.
MVP (Most Valuable Pizza(s): The White Italian
COST: $91 for 4 pizzas, a side of garlic cheese bread & 3 pitchers
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
3rd Week of Pizza Club Minutes: 8-25-08 Mangia on Lake Austin Blvd.
8-25-2008 Mangia Chicago Stuffed Pizza on Lake Austin
2401 Lake Austin Blvd. Austin, TX
(512) 478-6600
Pizzas Ordered: 3 whole pies
First Pizza
XL BBQ Chicken on white thin crust - Chicken, red onions, County Line BBQ Sauce
Second Pizza
L Chicago Special stuffed in white crust - Sausage, green bell peppers, mushrooms, onions
Third Pizza
L Michelle's stuffed in wheat crust - Spinach, chicken, mushrooms, onions, picante sauce
Members Present: Mark R., Jennifer, Matt, Tamara, Frank, Paul, Stephanie, Fire, Melanie
Bar Selection: Beer and wine only
Beer - 6 on tap, 8 in bottles
Wine - 11 wines
Menu Notes: They also offer pastas, subs, cheesesteaks, sandwiches.
They claim the "Leanest, Purest, best tasting pepperoni." -Untested!
Comments: "How is it?..." "Silence is golden!"
"Like a dream come true." -Frank
"BBQ is dessert, sooo sweet." -Stephanie
Three pizzas were 2 slices too much for 9 people.
Great service, attentive, friendly and understanding. Comped one pitcher for us. And had his head shot and acting resume in the car and gave it to Tamara!
Pizza Heaven, all 3 were amazing, everyone was really happy.
COST: 3 pizzas, 2 pitchers, 2 pints were $125
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
2401 Lake Austin Blvd. Austin, TX
(512) 478-6600
Pizzas Ordered: 3 whole pies
First Pizza
XL BBQ Chicken on white thin crust - Chicken, red onions, County Line BBQ Sauce
Second Pizza
L Chicago Special stuffed in white crust - Sausage, green bell peppers, mushrooms, onions
Third Pizza
L Michelle's stuffed in wheat crust - Spinach, chicken, mushrooms, onions, picante sauce
Members Present: Mark R., Jennifer, Matt, Tamara, Frank, Paul, Stephanie, Fire, Melanie
Bar Selection: Beer and wine only
Beer - 6 on tap, 8 in bottles
Wine - 11 wines
Menu Notes: They also offer pastas, subs, cheesesteaks, sandwiches.
They claim the "Leanest, Purest, best tasting pepperoni." -Untested!
Comments: "How is it?..." "Silence is golden!"
"Like a dream come true." -Frank
"BBQ is dessert, sooo sweet." -Stephanie
Three pizzas were 2 slices too much for 9 people.
Great service, attentive, friendly and understanding. Comped one pitcher for us. And had his head shot and acting resume in the car and gave it to Tamara!
Pizza Heaven, all 3 were amazing, everyone was really happy.
COST: 3 pizzas, 2 pitchers, 2 pints were $125
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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