It had to happen. It was unavoidable. We had to make the pilgrimage to get the blessing. What am I talking about you ask. Well... This could take a while.
Set your minds eye back a few years. Joseph and I are toiling away up at Sundance. The Pizzeria isn't even a glint in our eye. Our sights are set on opening a bistro and bakery. There we are (the movers and shakers we were) laying down the foundation for this bistro. As fortune would have it my responsibilities as the Tree Room Chef would take me on a business trip to Phoenix, AZ. There is a culinary school there that we were hoping to extract a few unsuspecting souls from. Wanting to make the most of the time there I thought it best we visit this Pizzeria that I had heard and read about, Pizzeria Bianco. We rolled on down there having vaguely remembered hearing there was usually a long wait (2 hours). We put our names down and bided our time getting appetizers at another restaurant. We worked through some descent apps. and made our way back to Bianco's for the main event. For those of you who have never been, it is set in downtown Phoenix on a historic block. Bianco's is housed in a gourgeous old building, the remnants of an old foundry. Beautiful windows on the front. Glowing fire inside. As we ordered and food began coming I felt the excitement of being in the right place at the right time. Truly amazing food came pouring out. So good, you can't even bother with dessert. As we left I began to wonder about our own plans for our restaurant.
Later on down the road I got connected with Dave Tuoumisto of Bajio's fame (Owner of the new Timpanogas Harley Davidson store in Lindon) and he was kind enough to look over our business plan. He let us know that our current ideas and plans needed to be revisited. So we started talking about doing something smaller. As fate would have it, the building we were looking at leasing got sold out from under us and voila. Pizzeria Seven Twelve. Sure, there was the whole building the restaurant, hauling concrete and the like but we've covered that already. So, long story longer, we wanted to go back down and see Bianco's after we had flung some pizzas of our own, and of course pay our respects to Chris. We brought our wives for backup in case things got ugly. I was hesitant to disturb Chris while he was so busy but we went for it anyway and in true form he was willing to talk shop with us. A true gentleman. So if you are ever in Phoenix and feel like waiting for 2 hours outside on a blistering hot sunny day(it's worth it), I recommend you stop in and say hi to Chris. If we're lucky maybe it will remind you of Pizzeria Seven Twelve.
The walk back to the car is much easier with a full stomach.
3 comments:
He was a gentleman. It was a great experience to go and see who and where your inspiration came from. You all have done a beautiful job creating your own wonderful restaurant.
Heritage Schools, Inc. is a residential psychiatric treatment facility for teenagers, located in Provo. We treat 150 boys and girls ages 12 to 18 who have at least one diagnosed mental illness and often drug and alcohol problems as well. Heritage is a non-profit 501 (c)(3), employer identification number 87-0514958.
Heritage Schools is preparing for their 10th annual musical production. On September 25, 26, and 27 Heritage Center Stage will be performing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in our newly built James B. and Lynnette C. Loveland Performing Arts Center. Our professional directors, set designer, and choreographers will lead our young stars in the performance of a lifetime. This will give our students an opportunity to heal and grow, discover talent they never knew they had, help them build confidence, and feel the sense of accomplishment.
At this time we are looking for sponsors for our playbill. I have more information on advertising sizes and prices, as well as package sponsorship specials but am unable to attach them here. Please let me know where I can send it. Due to the quickly approaching deadline, these prices are negotiable.
We are also looking for a company to sponsor a cast party. This is a chance for the students to eat together, take pictures, and make memories. If you would be interested in doing this for about 60 cast members please let me know!
Most of our students come from out out state. When their families come to visit they are always looking for fun, new, and yummy places to eat. This would be a great chance to tell tham about Pizzeria 712. Our playbills will be seen by Heritage staff, locals, and out-of-towners both at the play and the following year as we give out information to perspective clients. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring our musical production or sponsoring our cast party.
Thanks for your time and consideration-
Crissa Pollmann
Administrative Services Coordinator
Heritage Schools, Inc.
801-226-4600
Feeling like a pilgrimage? You'll have to drop in to Pepe's Pizzeria in New Haven, Connecticut. Possibly the tastiest pizza on the planet, but be prepared to stand in a line outside the restaurant until a seat opens up.
Post a Comment