Day 11, 2014: Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix, AZ)

DAY 11: OCTOBER 11th, 2014

LOCATION: Pizzeria Bianco (623 E. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ)

GUEST(S): Robin Rothman

ORDER: 3 slices of a Pizzeria Margherita, 2 slices of Sonny Boy (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, salami, gaeta olives), 2 slices of Rosa (red onion, Parmigiano Reggiano, rosemary, Arizona pistachios)

REVIEW:

The one that started it all.  When you trace backward in time the openings of artisan pizzerias across the United States the trail ends at Pizzeria Bianco.  In 1988, Chris Bianco set up shop in a grocery store in Phoenix, Arizona selling Naples style wood-fired brick oven pizzas with original high quality ingredient combinations.  His mastery of the oven and unique flavor concoctions single-handedly took pizza to a new level.  Bianco perfects each pie before adding it to his relatively succinct menu.  Don't let the number of options fool you.  This short menu resulted in long lines for his signature pies.  The piquant rosemary, zesty red onion, and crisp pistachio flavored Rosa has something for every tastebud and then some.  I recommend this one as an appetizer to share amongst several friends first while the other pies are being prepared.  Hopefully, you are ordering other pies.  Whether you opt for the traditional Margherita, the Sonny Boy (my favorite), or one of the others, rest assured you will soon be enjoying an artisan pie, fashioned in the style of a true original master.  Whichever Pizzeria Bianco you go to, expect a line when you arrive -- oh, and don't be surprised if I'm already in it.

PHOTOS:

Out front of the Heritage Square location

Pizziolo

Slice of Margherita

Margherita pie

Disappearing Margherita

Remnants of wood-fired Margherita

Rosa

Slice of Rosa

Underside of Rosa slice

Sonny Boy

MISCELLANEOUS:

Interioramic of Pizzeria Bianco at Commonwealth

1. Robin Rothman and I accidentally went to the Pizzeria Bianco at Commonwealth shopping center.  Turns out, that was the original location of the first Pizzeria Bianco (within the grocery store).  We ate a couple of pies then headed over to the Heritage Square one to make a day of it.  A day well spent!

Scottsdale Cowboy

2. After all that pizza, we spent the evening in Old Town Scottsdale which is an awesome shopping district with cool crafts, hip bars, tasty food, and a thriving nightlife.

RATING:

  4.41/5

• VALUE:
   4/5


• AMBIENCE:
   3/3


• TASTE:
   8.5/10


• SERVICE:
   3/3

18.5/21 = .881 x 5 = 4.405