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Show flathread Paradise BY KATHERINE ELLIS /ARTS PHOTO BY CONNOR ALLEN EDITOR 8 { THECHRONY I NEWS I OPINION I ARTS I SPORTS I WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 } E very once in a while, a restaurant manifests its undeniable goodness in your life and you are never the same. That restaurant is Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria. It's not just the modern decor, the dark paneled wood and warm lighting. You can't attribute it solely to the cheery workers or smiling host. You can't even let the food do all the talking. It's the combination of it all that provides the perfect dining experience. Located on the corner of Sugarhouse's bustling main square at 1044 E. 2100 S., Flatbread makes for a great lunch, dinner or date night. In the evenings, lights strung over the patio are aglow, beckoning to passers-by.The garage door that doubles as a wall is opened to let in the cool evening breeze. Once seated, you'll be presented with a mouthwatering menu designed to tickle any flatbread lover's fancy. Overwhelmed with the myriad of options, I asked the waitress for a recommendation. Maggie LaStayo, a senior in health, society and policy at the U said, "I have worked here for two years and I never get tired of the baked goat cheese." The explanation that followed was glorious: "The goat cheese is baked with tomatoes and seasonings and can be spread on warm fluffy pieces of foccacia." Armed with this knowledge, I ordered confidently: baked goat cheese, the margherita pizzetta, the polpetta panini and a bowl of macaroni and cheese. When the food arrived it was beautifully plated and looked too good to eat. Almost. I dove into the goat cheese, spreading a thin layer on the warm foccacia. The spices from the cheese were a surprising complement to the tomatoes, and I found the perfect bite contains a thin layer of cheese with at least two tomato pieces. The margherita pizzetta is a perfect introductory pizza for a flatbread beginner. The classic combination of charred flat crust, red sauce, mozzarella and a hint of basil create the timeless pizza decorated in the colors of the Italian flag. The crust had a perfect crunch and was soft where the mozarella melted into the dough. Next came the mac and cheese, which as the menu claims, is "quite possibly the finest you'll ever have!" The noodle to cheese ratio was sublime and there was just enough seasoning to bring the dish together as a whole, with no one flavor overwhelming the others. Tasty tip: try it with a side of the tomato soup! Finally, I had saved a little room for the Polpetta Panini, which includes the essential Italian meats, meatballs and pepperoncini. Topped with marinara sauce, asiago, parmesan crust and toasted to perfection, I could hardly eat another bite, I was so deliriously full of happiness. That is, until I saw the dessert menu. Cue the chocolate melting cake from my dreams. Add vanilla bean gelato and I was done for. Everything was reasonably priced and the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. lunch menu gives you a generous portion of two items from their menu for only $10.25. Their Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. every day has items at $4, $5 and $6. Closing time extends to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making for the perfect way to wrap up date night. This is a place for flatbread pizza lovers, avid foodies and good dining connoisseurs alike. If you're planning on paying them a visit, Maggie recommends the Diavola Neapolitan Pizza or the Bianco Magnifico Fine Pie for the truly adventurous eater. Buon appetito! k.ellis@chronic.utah.edu @ChronyArts 9 |