Local List: My Favorite Pizza (Chapter Five)

San Gennaro snuck up on me this year, quietly becoming the pizza delivery of choice in our house. For years, I dismissed the spot as an old-school Italian cafe, mostly on my radar for espresso and pastries. Big mistake. (Big! Huge!)

First thing to know: San Gennaro makes square pizza. Perfectly soft, chewy dough is bordered by a crunchy, salty crust. (I strongly suggest shotgunning a corner-piece right away -- those are the best part.) Their tomato sauce tastes fresh and bright; toppings are doled out generously.

The caciocavallo is my stand-out favorite. It's a white pizza, topped with the softest slices of potato, then blanketed with a thick layer of gooey cheese. Yes, it's decadent, but also totally worth that hit of lactaid. The pepperoni pizza is a close second, though, and easily one of the best no-frills traditional pies in Montreal. While I don't normally consume a ton of meat, exceptions are made when a pizza has small pepperoni rounds on top of the cheese (instead of baked under it) like the one at SG.

My extensive research (i.e. eating take-out) has actually proven that these two pizzas perfectly compliment each other. It is very, very important to always order both ;)

San Gennaro pizza also holds up wonderfully as next-day leftovers, heated up in the oven until the cheese starts oozing again.

Finally, if you're jonesing for dessert, don't skip the bomboloni (custard-filled donuts rolled in white sugar). They come in a handful of flavors -- vanilla custard, nutella, pistachio -- you can't go wrong with any of them. 

Hungry for more pizza? Feel free to browse my other posts about cherished spots like Stella, Parvis, and Gema.

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Pizza Night Hack

A new weekend is around the corner, which means I will soon embark on another round of Can I Convince Josh To Have Pizza Tonight? In his defense, left unsupersived, I am liable to eat the stuff every damn night. Someone has to draw the line --- that's his job.

A few Saturdays ago, I suggested we make pizza ourselves, thereby sneaking it on the menu under the twofold guise of ~fun activity~ and ~homemade dinner~. The plan was easy enough, until we tried a hack that made everything even simpler.

Did you know some pizzerias will sell you their own raw pizza dough??? Like, the real-deal designer stuff!

Fugazzi recently opened a location near my apartment and, at $3.00 a piece, they will sell you blobs of dough -- each yielding a generously-sized za. Considering I know zero about making dough from scratch, buying the readymade hipster stuff was a brilliant shortcut! The staff even equipped us with all the temp/timing info for our crust to turn out restaurant-grade perfect. Ridiculously easy and so, so good!

For fun, here are the winning toppings we made that night, in case anyone would like a little inspiration!

My favorite: 

Olive oil

Ricotta (small blobs)

Fig jam (more small blobs)

Drizzle of balsamic reduction

Optional: Sprinkle arugula on the finished product (can you "sprinkle" greens?)

Runner-up:

Tomato sauce

Calabrian chilies (I start with a small amount and slowly build up the heat to my taste)

Mozzarella (basically covering the pizza like a heavy blanket lol)

Sliced green olives

Optional: Pepperoni

I assume you can call up any favorite pizzeria to see if they will sell your their dough :) let me know if you give it a try.

Happy eating!

Image credit: I lost the source -- please let me know if you recognize it!

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The Only Special Thing About Valentine's Day: The Food

Valentine's Day isn't a really thing in our house. I think conventional festivities died the year Josh and I celebrated by going out, eating too much Indian food, and spending the rest of the night marooned on the sofa with indigestion. Nothing says ~love~ like trying to muffle a turbulent, aggressively gurgling stomach. Romantic!

The thing is, as the 14th approaches, almost every eatery in town is promoting a special dish, meal, drink, etc. We may not go all-out for Valentine's Day anymore, but I will ALWAYS seize an opportunity to indulge in something (or lots of things) food-related.

Here's what I, personally, most look forward to scarfing down...

Guillaume, my treasured bakery, is bringing back their amaretti cookies this weekend. I placed an order earlier in the week (because I want twenty of them and I DON'T MESS AROUND with baked goods), but I'm sure walk-ins will be fine.

Stella is offering an insane meal-for-two deal. It even includes a bottle of wine! There's only one thing left to decide: Are we having pizza Saturday night, Sunday night, or both?

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While writing this post, I was sidelined by nostalgia and felt compelled to search through my phone for artifacts from Valentine's Days past. If you'd like to join me down Memory Lane, here's what I found. (Predictably, it's all very on-brand.)

 

2020: Imagine working with a half-dozen women for whom two pickles and half-cup of soup constitutes lunch. (Welcome to the fASHioN industry?) Then, picture being surprised at the office with a personal heart-shaped za from Double Pizza. Hilarious perfection. I wouldn't have had it any other way :)

2018: Josh thinks black and white cookies are gross, but buys them anyway because he knows I love them.

2019: The time I shrieked with delight at the sight of gâteau chimique from Provigo. (IYKYK.)

 



2017: Couldn't find any evidence of food from February 2017, but I did receive a gift that year! Some people get a bouquet of flowers. I got a whole plant lol.

2016: We splurged on brunch at Rhubarbe. At the time, they offered a set men where you chose your drink and main. Very cute and casual, but also somehow felt very fancy. Highly, highly recommend!   

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Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you have a good one :)

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Local List: My Favorite Pizza (Chapter Four)

PIZZERIA GEMA (6827 ST. DOMINIQUE)

Before diving into the next chapter of my love story with pizza, I want to echo a sentiment most of us are feeling today, as Montreal enters another code red lockdown. Yes, it sucks. No, it won't last forever. Until the pandemic is finally behind us, our restaurant scene is taking a huge economic hit. Again. If you have the means and love your local eateries, consider occasionally ordering take-out this month :)

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It was only a matter of time before Pizzeria Gema found its way onto the blog. For me, Gema is tied with Stella for best Neopolitan-style pizza in the city. 

The Vibe

There's something really warm and inviting about having dinner here. The space feels intimate, the atmosphere is stylish but chill -- an ideal vibe for grabbing pizza with friends. I don't mind being seated at the bar, either, and theirs has ample space. Gema gets pretty busy (it's only ever been a full house when I've gone). Make sure to call ahead for a table.

The Eats

The 1889 is a margarita with buffalo mozzarella and, unsurprisingly, my fail-safe choice. Good, salty, crunchy crust. Smooth, gently tangy tomato sauce. Always, always ask for spicy oil on the side. (Be warned: It is HOT, so a little goes a long way.)

If you're into Hawaiian pizza, theirs is next level with grilled pineapple and maple ham. I should also confess that the Ruliano (melted leeks, fontina cheese, prosciutto confit) is actually my favorite option on Gema's menu -- I haven't tried anything like it elsewhere. The only problem: I'm not always ready to commit to all that flavor for an entire pizza. (That's when splitting pies with your group comes in handy.)

La Collective is the one I'm most excited to try next. It was concocted in collaboration with three other pizzerias, and a portion of the profits from this particular 'za will be donated to support Montreal's restaurant workers. As if that wasn't incentive enough, La Collective has cheddar and freakin' WHIPPED RICOTTA on top. Obviously, I'm sold.

Gema's homemade frozen custard (and all the toppings) is really, REALLY good. Frankly, chocolate ice cream + amaretto cherries = perfection. To be honest, I think the custard is a smidge pricey, but definitely worth tasting at least once.

Their wine list is extensive and includes plenty of by-the-glass options, but I'm just as happy ordering their Aperol Spritz. There really isn't a wrong answer at this place ;)

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Have you eaten at Gema before? I'd love to hear what you think!

Image credit (top): Caserne

Image credit (middle): Zebulon Perron

Image credit (bottom): Time Out

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Pizza News: I Tried La Main Folle!

As a follow-up to this post from last week, it feels right to circle back and quickly recap my maiden voyage* to La Main Folle.

*Technically, the meal voyaged to us via delivery app, but you get the drift.

Last week, we commemorated Junk Food Friday by ordering a small caesar salad and two pizzas, The Tartiflette (cream sauce, mozzerella, gruyère, sliced potatoes, rosemary) and The Sopresata (tomato sauce, mozz, spicy sopresata).

The salad was standard, tasty. You know you've lived in the Plateau for too long when you look at a salad and think, "No kale?" Anyway. The small was easily shareable between two people -- especially if you're about to stuff your faces with za...

At $16 a pizza, La Main Folle is serving up the best freaken deal in town. Also, they were MASSIVE! Probably 20" (I didn't actually measure lol) and twelves slices to a pizza. Post-meal, we basically had a full pie leftover. If the goal is to try different flavors, but you're not a huge group, I'd suggest going to their shop and ordering by the slice.

The dough was very thin, NY-style. It totally held up to the toppings without getting droopy or soggy. As for said toppings, both pizzas were surprisingly mild, well-balanced, and not too greasy. Even the potato one (my personal favorite!) didn't taste as in-your-face as the long list of ingredients might imply. 

Conclusion: I loved it! Other pizzerias might boast more frills or funkier toppings, but our order from La Main Folle was perfectly delicious and beyond satisfying. (Plus, I challenge anyone to find another non-margarita pizza for the same price.) This might be my new go-to pizza place for delivery. I'm already looking forward to trying their Three Cheese and maybe some of those pastas :)

Image credit: Nightlife

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Pizza By The Slice

A handful of New York-style single-slice pizza joints are bubbling up in my neighborhood and I AM EXCITED.

Similar pizza (like Al Taib or Pizza Dany) was basically my main source of nutrition throughout university. For a couple of loonies, I could get the most reliably scrumptious "meal" -- to be eaten in one hand while beelining to my next class.

Even more than on-the-go convenience, I love the low commitment of buying just one slice of za. Perfect if you're feeling peckish but not hungry enough for a full pie. Equally ideal for when you're craving multiple toppings but can't narrow down a choice.

Imagine my delight upon realizing THREE new by-the-slice spots were opening within a ten minute walking radius of my home. Unsurprisingly, I'm already on a mission to try them all. 

PIZZA TONI (104 ST. VIATEUR OUEST)

PIZZA TONI

Pizza Toni, the progeny of Falafel Yoni (another trusted restaurant in the area), just opened this summer and seems to be doing super well, considering they regularly run out of dough before closing time! They only offer the basics: five types of za and a soda fridge.

I finally tried them out last Thursday, treating myself to a slice of pepperoni and springing $0.25 for ranch drizzle (because I have no self-control). I very happily munched my pizza all the way home, careful not to get grease and/or buttermilk dressing on my clothes. It was tasty and satisfying, but the ranch was overkill for me. I'm already looking forward to my next visit -- I've got my sights on their cheese pizza with a side of spicy honey.

LA MAIN FOLLE (4040 ST. LAURENT)

LA MAIN FOLLE

La Main Folle might be the restaurant I'm most pumped to visit. I've walked past their window multiple times and things are looking DELISH in there. Their topping combinations are fun -- I'm dying to try the one with cream sauce, mozz, gruyere, and potato (omg). They have other things on the menu, too. Calzones, sandwiches, salads. But let's get real... I'm only here for the pizza.

SLICE + SODA (56 ST. VIATEUR OUEST)

SLICE + SODA

I didn't realize Slice + Soda had other locations until I spotted Coming Soon signage in their St. Viateur window. (Oddly, they are opening only a few storefronts away from Toni.) Their pizza menu sounds promising and seems to be the most extensive of the three places mentioned in this post. Stay tuned!

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Are you a by-the-slice believer? Is there an awesome pizza place in your neighborhood? I'm always on the lookout ;)

Image credit (top): blogTO

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Local List: My Favorite Pizza (Chapter Three)

It's been a while since we talked pizza!

Parvis is another fantastic option when you're stuck in central downtown. It's actually one of my go-to restaurants during Just For Laughs because the location is so convenient. There's a lot to like about this little gem -- they're a café, they serve brunch, you can grab drinks at their bar. What I love most about them is the 'za.

Full disclosure: I haven't been inside a restaurant since March, so I can't speak to pandemic dining. Judging from social media, it seems like Parvis is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure their staff and customers are safe. They didn't rush into reopening, either -- I think they took an extra week (past the citywide reopen date) to fully prepare their space. I really admire that kind of care and dedication.

The Food

The pizza is really light and flatbread-ish. I'm all about their watercress creation, which is surprising since I'm usually a strict margarita person. It's a very busy pie -- avocado, jalapeño, greens, etc -- but so, so tasty without being too overwhelming.

And yeah, their margarita is great too ;)

Parvis' salads are fresh and inventive. I suggest getting two or three to share with someone, so you can try a few.

The Drinks

Here, I pair my pizza with a blonde beer or some rosé (they normally have options by the glass).

The Vibe

The decor is stylish but still warm and casual. There's definitely a "my secret garden" vibe to the space, thanks to all those plants hanging from the ceiling. Their terrace is very cute too, with flower boxes lining the space. I particularly like the atmosphere at lunchtime -- it somehow feels laid back and upscale at the same time.

Even though you won't find me dining inside a restaurant anytime soon, I am so down for take-out from Parvis in the near future :)

Have you ever eaten here? What did you think?

Image credit (top): CN Traveler

Image credit (middle): Tripify

Image credit (bottom): Café Parvis

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Local List: My Favorite Pizza (Chapter Two)

IL FOCOLAIO (1223 PLACE PHILLIPS)

A long time ago, Il Focolaio earned a place in my heart for being a casual, reliable, affordable spot serving unquestionably tasty pizza.

It's the best place to go with friends when you're stuck in central downtown (like before a movie at Scotiabank) and looking for somewhere laid back to eat. The place is always busy, but they can usually squeeze you in quickly.

Space can get tight in the restaurant but, once seated, I've never felt hurried or pressured to free up my table for the next guest. That's a big part of what makes Il Focolaio awesome for grabbing dinner with pals :)

Are there are trendier pizza places in the area? Sure. But where else are you getting upwards of 70 pizza choices on a menu? With unlimited parmesan cheese, no less! (You have to ask for the parm. If you're lucky, they might leave a shaker on your table.)

I always get a Margarita, then dress it up myself with extra parmesan and spicy oil. The dough is chewy, salty, never soggy. Basic tomato sauce (in a good way). Cheese practically covers the crust, and doesn't do that gross thing where it slides off your za in one big congealed glob.

Basically, if you want a delicious, unpretentious, super satisfying pizza, this place hits the mark!

My insider tip: Skip the wine, get a big beer instead.

FYI -- Il Focolaio reopened earlier this week. Pick-up and delivery only. I've never ordered their food to go, but I know people who have, and they say the pizza travels well. Good to know!

Have you ever eaten here? Or did I miss another great spot in the same neighborhood? I'm here to chat about pizza anytime you like :)

Image credit (top): Quebec Original

Image credit (menu) Fridays with the Fungs

Image credit (bottom): Reddit

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Local List: My Favorite Pizza (Chapter One)

PIZZERIA STELLA (1327 LAURIER AVE. EAST)

A friend once told me that almost all the pizza she'd consumed that year had been with me. I was pretty thrilled (like I was some kind of pizzeria sherpa!) then promptly started questioning some life choices of mine. She and I routinely go out for pizza, but the ones we eat together are just a fraction of my own yearly quota. Do I eat too much pizza???

Don't answer that.

Anyway, my love for it has hardly slowed down since then. Fancy, fast and cheap, frozen... If the pizza tastes good, I could eat it every day (and very likely WOULD without Josh home lol). But I'm also a tough critic. Montreal is brimming with incredible, creative, delicious options. Wasting time on bad pizza is a pity.

Instead of compiling one massive list of favorite spots (an impossible task), I've decided to share them one by one. Each deserves a dedicated post, they're that good.

Kicking the series off with Stella in the Plateau. I don't think people talk enough about this place!

Pretty sure this is their Printanière pizza, not my first choice but looks terrific regardless!

The Food

First and foremost, Stella makes a SOLID margarita. Tasty, tangy sauce (but not too much). Globs of cheese that melt nicely. Great dough, good crust, none of those too-burnt air bubbles you're forced to eat around. If memory serves me correctly, their pizza also has some kind of cornmeal dusting on the bottom. Delicious.

And speaking of pizza bottoms... I've never had a soggy one here. Not even the middle. That's real proof of an excellent 'za.

Stella's other pizzas boast interesting flavor combinations. The Orientale is so good. It has A LOT going on (lamb meatballs, mint yogurt sauce, pistachio pesto, etc) and things start getting heavy after your second slice, so I recommend sharing it :)

Finally, it's important to know that their pasta is homemade (and so good omg).

The Wine

Let me get real with you: They have an impressive wine selection, but all I care about is their twenty-dollar-a-bottle special, offered on Sundays and Mondays.

Normally this kind of deal is just a ploy to lure in customers with sad wine. Not the case here. In the past, they offered a choice between red and white, usually private imports you won't find at the SAQ, and the quality is remarkable. (Total steal for the price!)

The Vibe

The interior design is really lovely. Beautiful, actually. Feels clean, upscale, but not pretentious. The staff is helpful and friendly. I've eaten there when its been quiet, and also jam-packed, and had enjoyable experiences both ways. Very cute, surprisingly comfy spot for a pizza night (and catch-up session) with a friend. Josh and I have also taken our families here and they gave the restaurant rave reviews :)

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As always, I love hearing what you have to say! Have you been to Stella? Do you have a number one favorite pizza place in the city? I'm all ears.

And in case you're curious, here are a couple places I have lined up to blab about next: Café Parvis, Magpie Tavern, Gema... Stay tuned ;)

Image credit (interiors): Design Marilou
Image credit (pizza): Tastet

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