Mellow Mushroom

Today, we tried the new chain pizza place in town, Mellow Mushroom, located near Mason’s on Joyce Avenue.

Overall, it was really good.  I can’t wait to go back.

We ordered a Greek Salad, a small order of pretzels, and a pizza that was half pepperoni and half kalamata olives.

The salad was ok.  I didn’t realize that restaurants actually used iceberg lettuce on salads anymore.  I thought that was only saved for BBQ joints and pizza joints from the 70′s.  However, there was crunchy iceberg lettuce, in a restaurant that actually has Tofu, Tempeh, and other things on the menu.  Romaine would’ve been great.  Spring mix would be nice as well.  But Iceberg?  Bring it to me as a wedge with ranch and bacon.

The pretzels were really tasty.  We ordered the garlic parmessan on recommendation of the waitress.  They were real pretzels, made with the same dough used in the pizza crusts.

Oh, did I mention they had Woodchuck cider on tap?  I think they have around 16 beers on tap, more in bottles, and a full bar.

The pizza was really good.  The dough was great, chewy, and a bit crunchy, and it had flavor.  A rarity in these parts.  The red sauce was tangy, not too salty, and was really tasty.  The toppings were great.  The pepperoni wasn’t too greasy, a nice thickness, and the kalamata olives were plentiful.  Several places are really stingy with the toppings.  I’ll have to order a spinach pizza next time.

My only real complaint about the pizza is the same complaint that I have with every pizza joint in the South.  Oregano, or the lack there-of.  A few dashes of oregano on top of the pizza before they slide it into the oven does wonders.  Having a shaker of oregano on the table would be even better.  I guess I’m just going to have to start bringing my own.