A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to try Patxi's Pizza new lunch menu, featuring their delicious piadine. A what? A piadine! It kind of looks like a taco, but tastes like a pizza?!
Originating in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, a Piadina is a thin Italian flatbread typically filled with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts and vegetables. A simply yet luxurious meal, Piadine flavors highlight Patxi's quality meats, fresh vegetables and cheeses. Their new lunch menu is available from 11 AM-4 PM with six different piadines, as well as a mini deep dish pizza, and a personal thin crust pizza.
If you've never been to Patxi's, then you're missing out! They specialize in deep dish and thin crust pizza, but all of their other menu items are pretty damn good, too. But we'll discuss that later. For now, piadine!
My friend joined me lunch and we both ordered our own piadine. I got the Whole Hog and she got the Gaucho:
Whole Hog - $8.95
Pepperoni, garlic-fennel sausage, prosciutto cotto, homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, baby arugula, radicchio, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon
Gaucho - $8.95
Spanish chorizo, Calabrian peppers, homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, baby arugula, radicchio, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon
These things were delicious! A different take on traditional thin crust pizza, the best way to describe it is like a taco pizza. I love thin crust pizza, but my least favorite part about it is when some places make it so thin that it becomes soggy. If you've had that happen to you, then you probably know how unappealing that is... unless you like soggy pizza.. ? Anyway, in case you're wondering, the crust has a nice crunch to it and the soggy deal doesn't happen with these! Aside from the piadines, we also ordered a heavenly appetizer.
Artichoke Dip - $9
Oven-baked cheese, roasted red pepper, and fresh jalapeño with crostini
So. Good. Seriously some of the best artichoke dip I've had. Not too salty and the crostinis are delicious. Their focaccia goes well with it, too!
Since we're on the topic of appetizers, let me introduce you to some of their other ones!
Meatballs - $9
Braised meatballs in tomato sauce, basil, and Parmesan with focaccia
Sauce might be a little spicy for some, but still good. Meatballs are tender and their bread is delicious.
PC: @eatingwithjo
Antipasto Plate - $11 (Sm) / $16 (Lg)
Naturally cured meats, artisan cheeses, and accompaniments with crostini
Loved this plate. All the cold cuts were great and not too salty. The sauce it comes with is made with Sicilian peppers and tomatoes, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor. The picture is the small size, but I actually ordered the large size (for two) and ate it all.
Burrata Bruschetta - $11
Creamy burrata, basil-garlic-Parmesan pesto, garlic-roasted tomatoes, and arugula with focaccia
Ugh. Definitely one of my favorite appetizers. It's amazing. That's all I have to say.
Sooo, deep dish pizza?!
Half Favorite / Half Alfredo - $26-$29 (12")
Favorite: pepperoni, fresh mushrooms and black olives
Alfredo: roasted chicken, bianco sauce, broccoli, roasted garlic, and mozzarella
Half Special / Half Greek - $26-$28 (12")
Special: All-natural garlic-fennel sausage, fresh mushroom, green peppers, and onions
Greek: roasted chicken, bianco sauce, broccoli, roasted garlic, and mozzarella
Half Favorite / Half Spinach Pesto - $26 (12")
Favorite: pepperoni, fresh mushrooms and black olives with added prosciutto
Spinach Pesto: fresh spinach, basil-garlic-Parmesan pesto, and homemade tomato sauce with added artichoke hearts
I'm not an expert of deep dish pizza, but I think these guys do pretty well with theirs. I've seen and read a lot of negative and positive reviews about Patxi's, and I've talked to a lot of people about it. General consensus? Most Californians don't realize what Chicago style pizza actually is/don't know what to expect with deep dish pizza. It's dense and it's more like a pie then it is a pizza. That also means you can't eat as many pieces like you would with a thin crust pizza, etc. I can usually only have about two slices, maybe three if I'm really hungry. But one piece of deep dish is probably equivalent to two or three pieces of normal pizza. So, if you're a little upset about the price (ranges from $20-$30), you actually are getting what you pay for. And as you can see from the pictures, the sauce comes on top. Best way to think of it is like the pizza is built backwards.
Their deep dish pizza can take anywhere from 30-45 mins and thin crust takes about 15-25 mins. If you're ordering for pick up, deep dish takes about 45 mins and thin crust takes about 25 mins. If you're ordering for delivery, deep dish takes anywhere from 60-80 mins and thin crush is about an hour. I've had both delivered before and I've only had positive experiences, and the wait time has always been a little shorter than what they said. Also, not sure if this is still a thing, but if your order is over $30, then it's free delivery!
While I love eating from the comfort of my own home, I enjoy the ambiance of Patxi's more! It's a nice open space with a nice bar area and great selection of beer on tap. The service has also always been great when I've gone! Soooo... if you've never had deep dish pizza before.. don't be afraid to try something new. ;)
Happy Dining!