La Piazza Al Forno Experience

He Said

Walking around downtown Glendale one day, we were searching for an example of a great local restaurant to represent Glendale. I think we found it. On an unassuming corner in the middle of the downtown shops sits a little Italian restaurant with a little Italian statue waiter beckoning us inside. We were greeted like regulars on this not so busy day. As we looked over the menu our waitress offered us some water and provided some guidance on the Italian beers and wine. We were never rushed us to make up our mind even though we were towards the end of their lunch hours. Even after our lunch we stayed for another glass of wine and beer and I never felt like we were no longer welcome. It made me comment, that if I lived out in the west valley I’d happily return to enjoy a meal and relax. As we sat the true ‘regulars’ were updating the staff on their day and exchanged conversation like family. Good sign in my book.

We had made some selections of the pesto chicken lasagna and a Salvatore pizza. We enquired if we had made good choices and she suggested the chicken marsala as it was her favorite dish. We complied and changed our order. We did see the lasagna come out later for another guest and it looked fantastic as well but I have no complaints on our dishes. Let’s start with the marsala, it was a well thinned chicken, pounded to its thinnest possible thickness.  The sauce was enjoyable and the mushrooms had a great consistency. The standard spaghetti that accompanied it was nothing to note, but I believe it’s better to leave the focus on the main dish. Which they did, and I enjoyed.

Let’s talk pizza. They are a Verace Certified Napoletana pizza shop, which essentially means even the Italians think they make good pizza. On this occasion I can say they produced an excellent pizza. Ours had San Marzano tomatoes, house made mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, and Prosciutto di Parma, along with some arugula. The flavors were distinct and complimentary and the mozzarella was perfectly flavorful without over powering. Toppings aside the crust says a lot to me and they delivered a perfectly cooked thin crust from their brick oven. Sadly a lot of my experience is that the crust from brick ovens is burned, not tasty charred but just black burned. They did not have this problem; I even turned my piece over because I couldn’t believe it, I wanted to actually look at it! Go enjoy this winner next time you find yourself in Glendale.

She Said

Taking a stroll on Glendale Avenue one afternoon we came upon a large pizzeria sign and we couldn’t resist. As we walked in some pictures on the wall jogged my memory. This place was featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive in’s and Dives. Well, I wouldn’t say it fit as a Diner or Drive In, I guess it was categorized under “Dive?” But it wasn’t a dive, it felt more like a city pizza joint. We were quickly seated and noticed the staff was chatting with all the patrons and the restaurant was filled with “regulars.” I love that! It instantly gives you that small town feeling. Technically we were “outsiders” but we were treated with the same friendly service as everyone else. The waitress helped me pick out a delicious Italian beer that was refreshing after our walk around town.

For lunch we decided to try a pizza and an entrée.

We picked the pizza Salvatore: San Marzano Tomatoes D.O.P., House Made Mozzarella, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Prosciutto di Parma. YUM! The authentic wood fire brick oven did it’s job! This was Neopolitain crust at its absolute best! A lot of restaurants try but can’t get this crust right, but La Piazza Al Forno nailed it! Not too over done or burnt but had the perfect crisp-ness topped with fresh, mouthwatering ingredients…I see why they made it onto the Food Network.

The Chicken Marcela was homemade goodness. The chicken was pounded very thin with just the right amount of breading, accompanied with a decadent Marcela sauce. The side of plump spaghetti was the perfect Italian addition.

If Glendale’s La Piazza Al Forno is considered a “Dive,” I am jumping in head first!