Jerome: Belgian Jennie's Bordello Bistro & Pizzeria
Arizona Eats: Pizza restaurants around the state by Roger Naylor (Special for The Republic)
Better than food of the gods, pizza is the food of youth - the meal that defines the most carefree years of our lives. While any pizza sounds awesome when we're teenagers, as adults we appreciate things like handmade dough and fresh toppings. Bite into these artisan pies and it will be a long time before you yearn for a pizza from a national chain again.
Jerome: Belgian Jennie's Bordello Bistro & Pizzeria
"Pizza should be a fresh creation that combines layers of flavor and texture for a truly memorable dining experience," explains Tom Pitts, owner of Belgian Jennie's, named for a famous madam.
Sounds simple, but that translates to a time-consuming process of making fresh dough daily, hand-shredding cheeses and tracking down the highest-quality ingredients. The result is a New York-style, cheese-laden pie. The crust has snap on the outside and a fluffy inner texture. Freshly ground herbs enhance the zesty sauce and creamy mozzarella. Two kinds of Asiago cheese add a rich nuttiness to the doughy edges. Fresh toppings are generously added, but it's the luxurious abundance of cheese and tender crust dissolving in your mouth that leaves the lingering impression.
Belgian Jennie's also offers a full slate of Belgian beers and an extensive wine list, including many from local vineyards. A 16-inch cheese pizza costs $17.95. Slices aren't available, but you can get a 6-inch, one-topping pizza for $6.95.
