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(July 9, 2004)
Austin's Pizza, with 14 locations around the greater Austin area, has
the feel of one of those local institutions that's been around for years,
kind of like an Amy's Ice Cream or Waterloo Ice House. But I was surprised
to learn that the first Austin's Pizza went up as recently as 1999.
In those five short years, Austin's Pizza has soared over those local
bottom feeders like Dominoes and Double Daves and established itself
as one of the true leaders in the Austin pizza wars.
Now you know me. I grew up in New Haven, Conn, eating
at Pepe's Pizzeria, consistently voted the top pizza place in the US.
So I don't take my Pizza lightly. In my opinion, neither does Austin's
Pizza. They went the extra mile and fitted their stores with authentic
brick ovens that allow for a much more even baking of the pizza and
better temperature control.
The first thing they did right, in my opinion, was
to limit their fare, with the exception of several salads and chicken
wings, to pizza. Just like the legendary Pepe's, they stick to what
they know. So are you ready? Let's start the pizza tour de force.
My daughter likes the Super Pep. This is all about
an abudanza of pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. There's lots of each
ingredient. And it's very tasty.
Another enjoyable pie is the Bacon Pizzaburger. This is the pizza fan's
version of the cheeseburger, with hamburger meat, crispy fried bacon,
fresh onions and sharp cheddar cheese. Didn't think I'd care for it
at first, but upon sampling, I've become a fan. Believe it or not, cheddar
cheese works. And try the Rosemary. This is in the avant garde "out
there" mode of California Pizza Kitchen, but it works. You take
New England red potatoes, grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, and
combine them with an Alfredo sauce with a little rosemary and garlic
for good measure. It is delicious.
And for you fans of Asian fare, there's the Thai Chicken that features
grilled chicken, onions, garlic, fresh basil, and peanuts over spicy
Thai sauce. You want to kick it up a little more? Add a Thai pepper
or some cilantro.
And there's something old fashioned for Bubba as well. They call it
Meat Madness. And I mean there is not a veggie in site. Canadian bacon,
sausage, pepperoni, and hamburger. This is the carnivore's delight.
You want to tick off your vegan friends, order this pizza and then make
them just look at it!
But, food fans, it's The Mediterranean that has won my heart. I love
all things Greek and this pizza rocks. Topped with spinach, Kalamata
olives, red onions, artichoke hearts, and roma tomatoes, with of course,
authentic feta cheese along with a nice crisp crust, this is the pizza.
Of course if you walked in to Pepe's and ordered this pizza, they'd
have you wacked. 'Cause Pepe's is so sausage and mushroom traditional.
But here in Austin, well, it works for me.
Austin's Pizza has 14 locations around the area
including one recently opened on Bee Caves Road in Westlake. This is
Austin owned and operated by Clay McLaughlin, a former UT grad. And
like I said earlier, not only does the pizza taste right, the restaurant
feels right. And that's important, whether you're in New Haven or Austin.
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