The rise of the Gourmet Pizza/Wine Bar

"Let's have a pizza today!"

How many times have we said that as an easy option for a fast, no hassle meal? But this has gradually changed over the last year as fast food customers have begun to demand healthier and fresher alternatives.

While burger restaurant chains have adjusted their menus to meet these rising demands, including lowering the price of their burgers, the big pizza chains have been struggling. Rising cheese prices have not made it easy to compete.

And not only have the big pizza chains been attacked by burger chains, but also by smaller, independent pizza restaurants. "Grazie" in Scottsdale, AZ is a perfect example of this.

After only a few years, Grazie has expanded to three pizza/wine bars in the greater Phoenix area, each one tailored to its particular market. Most recently I visited the .D.C.Ranch location, which is more upscale.

Pizza/wine bars are sit-down places with a wide selection of wines, and beer is also served. Grazie is also a wine shop, so if you like the wine you had with your meal, you can buy a bottle or more to take home! The menu prices are reasonable and the personnel very professional and open to diners sharing their dishes.

We were four people and we ended up sharing two bottles of wine, one red wine and one white. Our wines were very pleasant for the price.

The salad we first shared was large, well presented and very delicious. The mixed greens were fresh and appetizing, with fresh red peppers cut thinly, parmesan cheese sliced thinly and a quality Italian salad dressing - you could taste the quality of the olive oil in the dressing, a very refreshing touch after often being served readymade, low-quality dressings that usually spoil the whole salad.

Following the salad, we shared three different pizzas and they were all delicious. Real gourmet pizzas with a crust that was just right for all of us, just the right amount of quality cheese, tomatoes without too much acidity and flavorful olives.

All in all a very uplifting gourmet experience for a decent amount of money in nice surroundings. Needless to say, we will be back!

Here are the locations for the three Grazie's in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area:

1: Old Town Scottsdale
2: Verrado
3: Canyon Village

I forgot to tell you that Grazie also has wine tastings on a regular basis that include your meal. Here is a link to their website:
Http://www.grazie.us/

Enjoy your visit when you go!\



Pia

http://www.piaseuropean.com/