Coal's Artisan Pizza announces early April opening

[Robin Garr]

I can't wait!

PRESS RELEASE

First Coal Fired Pizza Comes To Kentucky
Coals Artisan Pizza coming to the Vogue Center in St Matthews

Mark Peters, co-founder of Coals Artisan Pizza, along with his wife Madeline and sister, Ginny, knew he was bringing a unique style of pizza to Louisville.

“There is a real artisan pizza movement happening across the country,” Peters explains. “The new pizzerias are using old world methods in dough making as well as using traditional coal fired ovens. These ovens can generate over 1000 degrees of heat creating ethereal pizzas. We wanted to bring that type of pizza experience to Louisville”.

That temperature comes from a 7500 lb oven that is heated with anthracite coal. At 25 million BTUs per ton it cranks out quite a bit of heat. “A coal fire is much more challenging to start and is more difficult to manage than a wood fire or gas burner”, explains Peters, “Simply getting anthracite coal burning requires an ignition source in excess of 900 F. We do that by lighting a mesquite fire and placing the coal over the fire”.

Why is that heat important? “A pizza will cook in just 4 minutes,” said Peters, “By allowing the heat to penetrate the dough quickly the baking time is reduced. This quick baking method preserves moisture in the crumb and creates a wonderful thin and crispy crust. Only an oven with that searing heat can create such a pie.”

Executive Chef Mike Hungerford, of Phoenix, Arizona, will be working the oven. “That kind of heat does marvelous things to food” said Chef Mike, “For example our chicken wings come out crispy and slightly charred keeping the meat moist and juicy”. Most of the food prep will utilize the oven. “At the end of the night we let the coals die down and by morning the oven is still hot at 350 degrees which we can use to bake breads or prep food for the pizzas”.

With the use of the oven Chef Mike will focus the menu on new and unique flavor combinations for the pizzas. One example is the Fried Green Tomato pizza with country bacon and a blend of mozzarella, ricotta and mascarpone cheeses. “It will knock you out”, said Hungerford.

They are also committed to sourcing local products. “We consider ourselves a regional pizza restaurant. It is important that we work with local suppliers, such as Weisenberger Mill, who will create a custom blend of flours for Coals Artisan Pizza”. The new menu will also feature the classic toppings familiar too many pizza aficionados but with a twist. “These pies are thin and come out slightly charred”, explains Hungerford, “We can hold back on the baking time but just a little char is the signature flavor of a true coal fired pizza”.

Coals Artisan Pizza is a full service restaurant and bar featuring craft beers, an eclectic wine list and regional bourbons. The restaurant seats 74 guests in the main dining room. There is patio dining for 24 on the adjacent Vogue Promenade and a private party room that can accommodate an additional 34 guests.

The restaurant will open the first week in April. For more information you can access their Face book page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coals-Art ... 4160439522

Coals Artisan Pizza
The Vogue Center
3724 Frankfort Ave
742-8200

I'm sure many of us are certainly looking forward to their opening It sounds like they have done everything right and it will be the premier gourmet pizza restaurant not only in Louisville by a large area.

I was running errands this afternoon and stopped in to see Mark and Madeline. Madeline was kind enough to give me a guided tour of the new establishment...In a word, it's gonna be awesome. Here's kind of a short version of my "take" on things...

First off, there is nothing in the way of Louisville pizza that "goes" where Coals is going...The word that pops into my mind is "-classy-". It has somewhat of an Urban Loft feel to it as well as a hint of European elegance. High ceilings, subdued lighting, lots of dark (ebony ?) stained wood, plenty of exposed brick. The oven is simply beautiful and I'm guessing you'll be able to see it from any seat in the house. The bar is fairly short...not sure how many it will seat...If I'm a betting man, I'd say 10 to 12 people. Talking to Madeline, their menu will be a combination of pizza, sandwiches, apps and salads. The beer and wine list, as discussed here previously, will be extensive with at least a couple of nods to the locals.

I'll go out on a limb here (correct me M&M if I'm off base) but the "draw" (at least as I see it) is that this is going to be a "date night" destination...It's still in the construction mode but I did not see any evidence that there will be a huge "Big Screen" presence, thus I don't envision a big basketball/football/frat crowd. Neither do I see Coals being a big draw for the kiddie pizza party crowd....Rather than all of that, this place "feels" like it will be a nice place for folks who want to enjoy a night out with some friendly conversation. I think it's gonna be a hit.

Thanks. We are pretty excited to open our doors. It has been a long time coming!! I would just add that we would welcome the frat boys and the kiddies with open arms. However, we did model the restaurant after the many pizzerias we visited across the country. A wonderful, homey place to get a pizza, linger over a glass of wine and feel like you went out to dinner but without the sticker shock. I cannot wait to start meeting all of you at the restaurant!

The link to the Facebook page doesn't open on my computer.

The link to the Facebook page doesn't open on my computer.

Try this link

So I'll get to try this place when I return from NYC it seems. Awesome.

I can't wait. Everyday I walk by just hoping today is the day. Lots of luck to Mark and Madeline from thier future best customer.

I can't wait. Everyday I walk by just hoping today is the day. Lots of luck to Mark and Madeline from thier future best customer.

Best future customer ....Ahhhhhh THAT line starts behind Stevie P. After all...I DO have a pie named after me

I can't wait. Everyday I walk by just hoping today is the day. Lots of luck to Mark and Madeline from thier future best customer.

Best future customer ....Ahhhhhh THAT line starts behind Stevie P. After all...I DO have a pie named after me

I think a lot of us are going to be fighting for that designation

Alright guys....you have to join foursquare and become the mayor Now try and figure that one out!!! I am learning too

Alright guys....you have to join foursquare and become the mayor Now try and figure that one out!!! I am learning too

Foursquare mayorships are awarded to your customers with the most days checked into your venue over the last 60 days, and only users who have uploaded profile photos are eligible.

The mayor will always be visible on your foursquare venue page as well as on all the mobile clients (good for special verification/redemption). This title is up for grabs for customers that visit you often, but is not achievable by employees, owners, or manager. You can provide rewards to those crowned in the specials management section, once your venue has been claimed.


I'm gonna run for the pizza party

HEY !!!! No fair. I just read where in order be a Foursquare Mayor that you have to "check in" on an (insert raised pinky finger) "app"...Screw that. This Homie don't -do- "apps".

This Homie don't -do- "apps".

Well we're both in the same playing field there since I don't either, especially when you have to use a real picture! Maybe we can run for the governorship since I heard they are a dime a dozen these days!