We got a sneak peak at the posh pizza and wine bar Humble Pie before it opens tomorrow. (Earlier this week, the Scottsdale-based chain held a soft opening for media and friends.)Β So if you're looking to hit up La Encantada for some Black Friday deals and need a bite, here's what to expect:
THE CONCEPT
Approachable menu of sandwiches, salads and personal pizzas from the wood-fired oven. Single dining room with fresh but minimalist decor and a full bar. Lots of happy hour specials and deals. Altogether, the restaurant feels like a casual alternative to North Italia across the street.Β
THE MENUΒ
If I had to pin this place on a map, I'd probably move toward California rather than Naples.Β
Starters are basic but sophisticated: meatballs, cheesy bread, caprese, etc. Our fried calamari came with a zesty basil dipping sauce and a lemon wedge wrapped in cheese cloth and tied up like a gift. Β
Pizza pies are divided on the menu between white β buffalo chicken, roasted mushroom with pancetta β and red β margherita, meat lovers, etc. They've also got some funky ones like the Egg Pizza and the B.L.T. with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise piled on top.Β
We split a chicken caesar and one of the fancier pizzas, the Schreinerβs Sicilian Sausage with housemade mozzarella and wrinkly little fronds of dark roasted fennel, which brightened everything up a bit. The pock-marked puffy crust was truly exceptional, with just enough chewiness to back up that fluff. Β
DON'T MISS!Β
All of this is pretense to the main attraction, the sublimely soft chocolate chip pizza cookie with vanilla ice cream on top! I'm a sucker for these things so I really am in no position to judge them accurately. But man, it's a pizza cookie at La Encantada!Β
