boulder: pizzeria locale
Right before a meeting Friday morning, I got a text from my lovely friend, Denise asking if I wanted to grab lunch at Frasca’s new pizzeria. I already had lunch plans and sadly had to decline. But the following day I was back in town for PodCamp Boulder 3 with my pal, Kathya. When the conference broke for lunch, most of the folks planned to cross the street and grab a bite. Kathya and I are food bloggers – every meal is an opportunity, right? So we high-tailed it in the snow to Pearl Street and managed to get a table for two at a very busy Pizzeria Locale.
pizzeria locale
The restaurant had only been open a week or so when we walked in. Frasca is the parent restaurant of Pizzeria Locale. Frasca is also an absolute gem of a dining establishment in Boulder – their food, wine, and service is phenomenal. I had high expectations for Pizzeria Locale. The tables were packed, the bar was packed, and the bar around the gorgeous pizza oven (the first Stefano Ferrara oven in the state of Colorado) was packed.
the menu
The service is good. It’s not at the level of Frasca which I don’t really expect from a pizzeria anyway, but the hostess, servers, and the general manager (Chris – a stand up fellow) were all attentive, friendly, and warm. The interior has a jovial, modern feel to it and the place is loud because diners are happy and enjoying themselves. As staff walked plates of freshly baked pizzas out to the tables, more than a few sets of eyes followed the plates with longing. I’m guilty of ogling the pizzas too.
hydrate with some still water
Kat and I opted for a table (had better natural light than the pizza bar) and began to scan the menu. Pizzeria Locale offers up a tempting selection of salads, side dishes, pizzas (and calzone), and dessert. They also offer gluten-free dough for their pizza. The lunch special (which Denise had mentioned) was a small arugula salad, a marinara pizza, and a coke for $9. As good as that sounded, we wanted to sample a little more of the menu and opted for two salads and a pizza.
the amalfi: fennel, citrus, dill ($7)
the antica: arugula, parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinegar ($7)
kat digs into the lovely greens
We swapped salads halfway through, because food blog pals are like that. The Amalfi salad was so refreshing – bright gems of orange and grapefruit up front and mild fennel slivers to crunch on. My favorite was the Antica. Aside from the tender arugula, the bite of the cheese and perfect tang from the balsamic vinegar, I was won over by those occasional crystals of sea salt that dotted the greens. Perfect salad.
making perfect pizza
If you go at lunch time, expect to see several other people with the same idea as yours. Pizzeria Locale is popular and with good reason. Their pizzas are pretty magical. Super thin crust, baked exactly as they should be. Crisp outside and ever so soft and chewy inside topped with quality ingredients – not too much, not too little.
this happy patron enjoying his pizza margherita at the pizza bar
Kat and I split a pizza – the funghi (lovely porcini mushrooms). They come uncut, in the traditional manner. Typically one pizza serves one person. It all sort of melts in your mouth when you take a bite. The cheese is silky and creamy in texture, buttery smooth flavor. Pair that with the richness of the porcini mushrooms and the heady garlic and you’ve found yourself one heck of a fantastic meal. We really enjoyed it.
funghi: mozzarella di bufala, pecorino, porcini, garlic ($14)
Just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke (that’s my excuse, really – I couldn’t wait to come back!), Manisha and I returned for lunch a few days later. She opted for the lunch special while I tried the pizza bianca and of course we sampled both pizzas. I fell in love with my pizza bianca even more than the funghi.
bianca: mozzarella, garlic, rapini, sausage ($15) and marinara: san marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano ($9)
Chris recognized me (um, was it the camera?) and came over to say hi, but he says hi to all of the repeat customers. Making sure the patrons are happy is very important to Pizzeria Locale. There’s a reason there are so many repeat customers when the place has only been open for a few weeks. The food (the pizza!!) is a delightful treat. The atmosphere is lively and casual. Pizzeria Locale has wiggled its way into my list of Boulder favorites. I cannot wait for the warmer months when they open the garage door in front, but I’ll be there plenty of times in the interim.
Pizzeria Locale
1730 Pearl St
Boulder, CO 80302
Ph: (303) 442 3003
Email: info@pizzerialocale.com
Twitter: @localeboulder
Facebook: Pizzeria Locale Facebook Page
Full Disclosure: No comps. I wrote this post of my own volition because I *really* love Pizzeria Locale.
February 16th, 2011 at 5:14 am
I’m hungry just looking at that salad and those pizzas.
February 16th, 2011 at 5:46 am
Oh wow, that place looks great – and I didn’t even know it existed. Will have to go check it out. Thanks for the tip!
February 16th, 2011 at 6:10 am
I thought about trying out one of Boulder’s newer restaurants yesterday, but somehow overlooked Locale, and passed on Ted’s, Pinyon, and Oak. Locale would have been the perfect choice. Zoe Ma Ma is a pretty solid Plan B, however. Thanks for the reminder that Locale is open.
February 16th, 2011 at 7:15 am
A couple of years ago my husband and I spent a week in Boulder as a belated honeymoon. You make me miss the area so much! Why have I not been keeping track of all places you mention so we can visit if we travel to Boulder again? :-)
February 16th, 2011 at 9:01 am
Please, can we have a Pizzeria Locale in Seattle? Those pizzas look like they are the best!
February 16th, 2011 at 9:05 am
YUM……can’t wait to try it~
February 16th, 2011 at 10:15 am
I appreciate they have a gluten free option. I wouldn’t recommend it though. :(
February 16th, 2011 at 11:55 am
That pizza looks perfect! Thanks for the review!
February 16th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
That photo of the citrus salad is gorgeous!
February 16th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
I think you know I am obsessed with home pizza making, yes? I am striving for what I deem to be the perfect pizza – which is just like this place. Super thing and crisp. High quality smattering of toppings. Love. I would visit in a heartbeat if I lived there. (and I am getting very close to it at home hehe…)
February 16th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Both the pizza and salad look amazing! We’d love to feature your photos on kitchenartistry.com
February 16th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
OMG! looks SO good. I can’t wait to check it out… I might have to go tonight! :)
February 17th, 2011 at 12:51 am
Gorgeous pics, you made me crave pizzaβ¦ too bad I don’t have a Pizzeria Locale here- it looks good .
February 17th, 2011 at 8:39 am
I love pizza and I love a lovely salad… looks like your new local(e) pizzeria’s got it covered, good for you! Now, I’m at work, sitting at my desk obsessing about the fungi pizza…. I can’t wait to get home tonight and put a batch of dough together for the weekend… now, where to get those porcini’s…..?
@ Melissa – check out http://whiteonricecouple.com/recipes/thin-crust-pizza-dough
February 17th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
I’ve been a silent follower, but I have to say, I can hardly wait to get back home to Boulder. I am attending a culinary school in Edinburgh but when I am back for spring break, I will definitely add this to the list for visiting. Thank you for keeping in touch with home. Back to lurking.
February 17th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Great photos! I will be in Boulder for business next month and now I know where I will be going! :-)
February 17th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Again again again I wish for a similar kind of enterprise in my heartland places!
February 21st, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Looks yummy! I love your blog and just found you through Where the locals eat. I just started a food blog and would love some encouragement! This is my first food blog, third overall blog, so I am relearned the foodie social ropes!
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:03 am
Bing – There are so many, I can’t keep up! ;)
Laura – I have a “boulder love” page link on the header if you are ever looking for some recs in town!
Kath – well, you guys have Delancey’s!! Great pizza there!
Andrew – awww poop :( Perhaps I can direct them to Shauna’s recipes? I know she’s been developing and perfecting hers recently.
Melissa – you are a maestra!
Daria – high praise from an Italian! :)
angelitacarmelita – ha ha! I love White On Rice Couple :) Those guys are the best!
March 31st, 2011 at 10:06 am
Hey Jen;
Just read your review of Pizza Locale, and I can’t agree more…truly a brilliant place! Sad fact for me is they are located a couple of blocks from my house so I’ll be cooking less and eating there more…ahh, the hardships of life….Hope you’re doing great!
cheers,
j-