Contributed by:
Joseph Kirchmer/YourHub.com
Article Contributed on: 2/11/2009 4:55:47 PM
Truth be told, I've always held a slight grudge against Pizzicato, the upscale pizzeria at the corner of East 13th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street.
For years, this space was the home of the ultimate in fast-casual eateries, Chipotle, and therefore, one of my favorite places to get my big burrito fix. But, of course, the Denver-based chain packed up and left this location for reasons unexplained and it left a rather bitter taste in my burrito-less mouth.
Not that I can't find a dozen other Chipotles in the city - they're ubiquitous and the new restaurant next to Twist and Shout on Colfax Avenue serves as a decent fill-in. There was something comforting, though, in knowing that I could drop by and get a burrito on my way home from work, to be enjoyed in the utter sanctity of my Capitol Hill apartment.
In fact, I remember having these sort of intense visions of Chipotle burritos whilst walking home after an intense, post-work workout in the Denver Newspaper Agency's small gym. Something about the combination of the rice, sour cream and hot sauce was just totally overpowering in a way that I can't completely describe.
Anyway, after Chipotle left, the folks at Pizzicato took over pretty quickly and gave the place a remodel complete with new chairs, tables and decorative art. I've been there exactly three times since they opened - the first being when they gave away free slices for their grand opening.
I went back shortly thereafter, but hadn't returned until I finally decided to write about them in this blog. So, there I was, at Pizzicato, about to dive into the $3.50 slice of salsiccia roma I ordered, remembering all the good times I'd had when it was Chipotle - the tin foil, the smoked Tabasco sauce that I stole so many times, the copy of Westword to go along with my meal.
It was all too much. I had to leave - quickly - before the experience became too emotional.
As for the pizza here, what can I say, it's great albeit a little pricy. If I had more time and, really, more money, I would try as much as I could on their extensive menu, but alas, money is tight in my profession. I've asked my boss if the company would pick up the bill for these reviews and got brushed off quicker than you can say "worst economy since the Great Depression."
If you like pizza of the upper crust variety - excuse the awful pun - by all means, try this place out. After all, there's not many places where you can find pizza topped with lamb sausage, oysters or carando prosciutto ham.
It's just a little bit too much for my tastes, though.
Pizzicato is located at 1300 Pennsylvania St. Call 303-957-2550 for information.