CJ: Inconsistency costs Original Impellizzeri's

[Robin Garr]

Marty gets around to Original Impellizzeri's for this week's CJ review and finds the resurrected Highlands institution good but disappointingly inconsistent in the quality of its pizza dough (and breadsticks). It's mostly a positive review, although he dings store-bought salad dressing and a lackluster beer list and speaks a bit ambiguously about the pizzas being expensive but very filling. Overall, these issues, apparently, knock Benny's pie shop down to a 2 1/2 star rating.

The proof is in the dough
Impellizzeri's pizza is loaded

Original Impellizzeri's Pizza
1381 Bardstown Road
(502) 454-2711

I really agree with the comments on the heaviness of the pizza (a negative for me) and the expense. It's sad, because we live right around the corner and it would be a great family place to go for dinner. Boom Bozz has by far the best pizza near us, but we have to do take-out... Best case for me would be if Boom Bozz had a eat in area like Impellizeri's or even Za's...

. . . good but disappointingly inconsistent in the quality of its pizza dough (and breadsticks) . . . he dings store-bought salad dressing and a lackluster beer list and speaks a bit ambiguously about the pizzas being expensive but very filling. . . .

So who ya' gonna believe? After reading Marty's column, scroll down to the Velocity link and jump to the Bar Hopper's review of the same place:

". . . the beer list isn't a mile long, but it's still got plenty of choices, and the quality of the brew is surefire. We decided on a pitcher of BBC Nut Brown Ale ($12), and later we had a couple Red Hook seasonals — a spicy winter ale ($4 per glass) that was a great match for the chilly weather outside."

He likes the atmosphere and the service and spends some lines about the pizzas, but he never says whether or not the food is good -- only that it's BIG.

[Robin Garr]

So who ya' gonna believe? After reading Marty's column, scroll down to the Velocity link and jump to the Bar Hopper's review of the same place:

". . . we had a couple Red Hook seasonals "

I'm gonna believe Marty. Velocity's record in artisan beer and wine criticism is atrocious, and here's a simple example: Red Hook, though originally a Seattle micro, is now mass-produced and distributed by Budweiser.

I always thought that the pizza at the "Original" Impellizzeri's was dense...hard to get through more than a slice or two at a sitting, depending on the toppings one piled on....but inconsistent breadsticks??!! Don't tamper with a legend!

I've yet to have a negative experience at the "new" Original Impellizzeri's. However, I like the dense, filling pizza and I don't order salad there.

As far as the beer list goes, it could have more options but at least the BBC Nut Brown is offered.

Robin is it possible to start a beer section on the site? That way we could move the endless beer fighting to it. The beer discussions are getting to be like the chain vs indy battles.

I really agree with the comments on the heaviness of the pizza (a negative for me) and the expense. It's sad, because we live right around the corner and it would be a great family place to go for dinner. Boom Bozz has by far the best pizza near us, but we have to do take-out... Best case for me would be if Boom Bozz had a eat in area like Impellizeri's or even Za's...

I though I saw something here about Boom Bozz expanding the Highlands location to offer table service.

Robin is it possible to start a beer section on the site? That way we could move the endless beer fighting to it. The beer discussions are getting to be like the chain vs indy battles.

We need at least 3 more sections. One for chain lovers vs anti-chain lovers (though each have their good and bad), another for microbeer vs enormous, mega, gigantic, humongous, larger than the world/universe beer and a 3rd for politics.

Uhm, I hope the kind reader of this post will find the grain of humor embedded within. Some people on this board seem to have a problem with my humor. So, just to make sure, I am somewhat serious and more than likely joshing with you.

You know who you are.

So who ya' gonna believe? After reading Marty's column, scroll down to the Velocity link and jump to the Bar Hopper's review of the same place:

". . . we had a couple Red Hook seasonals "

I'm gonna believe Marty.

Actually, my post was a dig at the C-J with, I guess, a subtle jab at the inconsistent reviews about the place with the "inconsistent" dough.

I had inconsistencies of my own with their pizza. A small one that can be attributed to personality. I like to get garlic, spinach, and sun dried tomatoes. A few times it is perfect and the last two times it had way too much garlic. At least a half a cup of garlic. Unless you love garlic more than you like balanced flavors you would probably be a little upset given the price. I love their pizza but I wouldn't recommend not going into exact details about the measurements of your ingredients.

Robin is it possible to start a beer section on the site?...

I think that is a great idea, Bill. There appears to be enough interest in the topic from a significant number of members to start a separate beer forum on this site. Based on the frequency of beer posts and discussion, seems it would have more traffic than a couple of other forums here. What say you, Robin?

[Robin Garr]

Robin is it possible to start a beer section on the site?...

I think that is a great idea, Bill. There appears to be enough interest in the topic from a significant number of members to start a separate beer forum on this site. Based on the frequency of beer posts and discussion, seems it would have more traffic than a couple of other forums here. What say you, Robin?

I have somewhat mixed emotions ... I'm not entirely averse to the idea, and definitely always willing to consider a reasonable proposal that seems to have wide support.

But I'm not really crazy about "balkanizing" the forums without serious consideration. The subsidiary sections now are pretty clearly distinct, while beer (and wine) seems like an integral part of the local restaurant scene and this more difficult to justify splitting off.

Bottom line, I'll consider it, but would hate to see it either get lost or reduce action on the main forum.

Also, if we did it, should it be beer only, or "tasty libations" in general? The latter might make a stronger case for a separation from restaurant food, and could also open up more discussion of bars and watering holes and such.

Impellizzeri's is some of the best pizza in the city. It's a louisville legend in my opinion and enjoy the pizza and atmosphere that they have. The beer list is okay and besides the beer is always COLD. I didn't know that they had opened up in a new location untill a few weeks ago and was gald to hear it. I will be back.

I for one would hate to see any kind of split in the forum. I would end up reading more in the "tasty libations" section, and would miss out on a lot of things in this forum.