In town briefly before heading out again (was in Scotland, will post on the UK board about that trip eventually). So we decided to try another local pizza place Salt and Tobacco, which we had noticed on one of our many pandemic strolls. Overall, good. Nice mix of crispness and chew in the sourdough-tasting crust. Fun topping combos, with contrasts of sweet, salty, smoky, and spicy. Maybe not worth travelling across town for, but another worthwhile option in the neighbourhood.
LIL’ CABBAGETOWN brussels sprouts, blue cheese, fior di latte, caramelized onions, bacon, maple syrup:
This one was quite savoury, I think that there was some curry or cumin.
The brown butter pumpkin purée was in lieu of tomato sauce. There was crumbled nduja on top, and some fried sage. The amount of mozzarella was light, and I liked it like that.
The dough at Beast is very good. It’s reminiscent of Neopolitan with less char, and it isn’t wet in the middle like Libretto and Queen Margherita. The dough has nice stretch and chew. I will try some of their other pizzas soon. I passed 4 upscale pizzerias on my way to pick this pumpkin pizza up at King & Tecumseth. Fourth Man in the Fire at 832 Dundas W near Euclid, Pizzeria Carolina (Neapolitan at 772 Dundas W, I have heard it is good)
Crossing Queen, Palmerston becomes Tecumseth, and Beast Pizza is just north of King.
Very happy with the pasta and veggie sides at Beast Pizza. This place is better than a few restaurants that got Michelin Bib Gourmand attention. https://beast.ambassador.ai/
“ PI-CO, Richmond Hill ‘’ - Craft your own pizza using Margherita Pizza Dough and San Marzano Tomato Sauce as base.
My first encounter with this company’s product was inside Fairview Mall, years ago. At that time, due to its novelty concept and decent quality, it created quite a huge pizza lover following! Nowadays, with good pizza places sprouting up everywhere in town, at a dime a dozen. Their original appeal has since greatly diminished.
Today, whilst running errands, I accidentally stumbled on a relatively new branch of theirs next to Richmond Hill Costco. After a long hiatus and realizing I still have room in my stomach after a light lunch, I decided to give myself an afternoon treat
My ‘ Craft-my-own ‘ pizza consisted of topping a regular Margherita ( San Marzano sauce, Fior Di Latte Mozzarella, Fresh Basil ) with additional savory ingredients…… Kalamata Olives, Pepperoni, Bacon, Roasted Red Peppers and Mushrooms. Pity they no longer offer my favorite topping….Anchovies! Sigh!
Using a specially designed 700F oven, the end product emerges from the furnace in less than a minute……nicely charred and piping hot. The light dough was perfectly salty to my liking and the texture was pleasantly chewy. Superb sauce and a generous amount of good quality Buffalo Mozzarella rounded off my positive comments!
Overall, a very enjoyable product. In addition to my go-to Hong Kong Cafe style afternoon tea option, I have now one more close-to-home option available for consideration!
I had a pepperoni slice from Bitondo’s today. $5.49 cash. Bitondo’s Pizza
It hit the spot. Old school Toronto pizza. Thicker than typical pepperoni. Probably 1.5 times more pizza than a Pizzaiolo slice, and a little more pizza than what a Badiali slice provides. Different shape of triangle, a wider triangle providing more crust.
I think this is the only non-chain slice available in Little Italy right now. Correct me if I’m wrong.
I haven’t tried Fresca at 302 College east of Bathurst yet. I used to go to that location when it was an Amato’s 20 years ago.
Decided to take a sunny/snowy stroll down Roncy today and grab a late lunch. Stopped in at Russell’s to check out what sandwiches they had left for the day, but wasn’t blown away so kept strolling down to Alimentari Italian Grocery to check out their larger location.
They sell pizza slices for $6 each, and now have a small (2 table) dine-in area which had room, so I opted for a mushroom slice (reheated for dine-in) and was offered a glass of water with it.
Crust was thick and maybe a bit denser than expected (was thinking light/fluffy focaccia) but still really great. Mushrooms and toppings were plentiful and hit the spot. Minor points off as after reheating, the mushrooms weren’t very warm, but still enjoyable for the price.
I wanted a cheap light lunch and almost got Sunnyside Provisions’ fish & chip but glad I opted for something new.
