Discussion of Robin Garr's Uncle Maddio's review

[Robin Garr]

Get your pizza burrito-style at Uncle Maddio's
LEO's Eats with Robin Garr

If you like the way the crew at Salsarita's, Qdoba, Quizno's or Moe's throws together a burrito to order, using fresh ingredients they assemble on the spot, I think you might like Uncle Maddio's pizza, too.

This new spot, in the new building located at Bardstown and Grinstead where the familiar green John Riley Auto Service long operated, does pizza fresh and fast, in an assembly-line model that appears based on the fresh-burrito concept.

There's a logical reason for this resemblance: Uncle Maddio's, now a 30-unit chain and growing fast, launched in Atlanta a few years ago under the tutelage of a founder who'd jumped ship at Moe's.

The good news is that the staff here does not yell "Welcome to Maddio's!" when you come in the door.

And the pizza, let it be said, is pretty darn good, winning on the basis of quality toppings, if losing a step or two for a crisp but ultimately forgettable crust that appears to have been designed with a focus on speed. That could be a handicap in the highly competitive, pizza-rich Highlands environment, where Maddio's is situated about midway between Impellizzeri's and the Papalinos/Wick's cluster, and not much farther from Za's.

Still, if you're in the neighborhood and in a hurry, and a speedy, decent pie fits your criteria, it's well worth paying a visit to this new Uncle. This goes double for locavores and hippie-food lovers, who'll find free-range chicken, all-natural beef, locally produced vegetables, vegetarian and vegan interests, and gluten-free options all well represented on an omnivorous bill of fare.

Read the full review on LouisvilleHotBytes,
http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/get-y ... %E2%80%99s

And in LEO Weekly:
http://leoweekly.com/dining/get-your-pi ... %E2%80%99s

Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint
2011 Grinstead Drive
690-8871
http://unclemaddios.com
Rating: 81

And the pizza, let it be said, is pretty darn good, winning on the basis of quality toppings, if losing a step or two for a crisp but ultimately forgettable crust that appears to have been designed with a focus on speed.

I finally got around to using my discount and checking the place out, and I have to disagree about the crust. While it was crisp, the wheat crust had a toothsome quality that I quite liked. It wasn't particularly chewy, but you knew it was there and I felt like it stood up well to the toppings (which as you said are top notch). I had the BBQ chicken, and I have to say that the one ingredient I wasn't sold on (roasted corn) ended up being one of my favorite additions to the pie, as was the extra layer of barbecue sauce slathered under the cheese by the helpful pizza magician.

Most importantly, how could you leave off the information about that incredible Coke machine? I think I had as much fun figuring out what I wanted to drink as I did figuring out what I wanted to eat! It was one of those Coke Freestyle machines (see also this: http://www.asylum.com/2010/05/26/coke-c ... -innovati/) that gives you hundreds of drink options with lots of fun flavor additives. While I normally just drink water, the Coke machine won me over thanks to Orange Coke Zero and Cherry Sprite Zero.

I went in with low expectations, but came out suitably impressed, and I am nothing if not a pizzavore.

[Robin Garr]

I went in with low expectations, but came out suitably impressed, and I am nothing if not a pizzavore.

First, I don't insist that everyone agree with me. I tend to expect pizza crust to resemble good quality, yeast-raised Italian bread, and I don't think Uncle Maddio's can accomplish that kind of crust within their quick-service model. It's a necessary compromise and, I think, a fair one. Others may not be as picky as I am, but in reviewing, I like to be able to hold up a standard and evaluate how closely an eatery may come to it.

As for the Coke machine, it sounds awesome. Either it wasn't installed yet at the time of my review, or else I was oblivious.

Most importantly, how could you leave off the information about that incredible Coke machine? I think I had as much fun figuring out what I wanted to drink as I did figuring out what I wanted to eat! It was one of those Coke Freestyle machines (see also this: http://www.asylum.com/2010/05/26/coke-c ... -innovati/) that gives you hundreds of drink options with lots of fun flavor additives. While I normally just drink water, the Coke machine won me over thanks to Orange Coke Zero and Cherry Sprite Zero.

I went in with low expectations, but came out suitably impressed, and I am nothing if not a pizzavore.

We experienced the Coke machines at " the World of Coca-Cola" in Atlanta last year- really cool. ( but some of the possibilities are really nasty ). Are they charging like they would for a regular restaurant soda, or is there an up-charge for mixing flavors?

Deb

We went there sunday and had a pleasurable experience. The coke machine is weird. 100 different flavors?

Coke machine? I've been twice and had beer both times. Huh . . . Coke machine you say. Will check it out Thursday night when I'm there for TRIVIA!!

Coke machine? I've been twice and had beer both times!

I approve this line of thinking.

Firehouse Subs has those Coke machines. Considering how unnatural soda beverages are already, I think this is the next logical step in the progression. Where does all of that syrup come from anyway?

I like the idea behind Uncle Maddio's. About how long is the wait for the pie? Are they using regular ovens or conveyor belts?

The pizza comes out pretty quick and I agree with Robin that it's laurels rest on the topping selection. I got tofu, spinach, portobellos, and goat cheese on my wheat crust pizza recently. It came out pretty quick, and it was tasty. I had a moral squabble with myself about it's non-local ownership, but it was good. The service was really nice, too. Regarding the sodas, I've seen the same machine at Pei Wei in Indy and my niece tripped over herself a couple of times making a suicide pop. I'm a terrible aunt and let Megan have whatever she wants when we go out - it was a two and a half soda dinner that night and Meg hit the ceiling a few times.

I think the website says the pizza cooks in 7 minutes. It didn't take long and it was perfect. I love that they offer vegan cheese and tofu. I also can't wait for Mellow Mushroom to open because they do too.

Are they using regular ovens or conveyor belts?

Conveyor.