Vampin' in Bellarmine University's Concord

Bellarmine University's Newspaper, The Concord, started a new feature called "What the Locals Are Doing," and asked TVL to contribute for the inaugural installment.  I join DJ and record shop owner Matt Anthony as we talk about what we're listening to (Matt) and eating (me.)  My contributions include descriptions of a couple of my favorite menu items at two local places, and a shout-out to a neighborhood market I dearly love that is closing its doors for good next month.

What the Locals Are Doing.

Fried Pizza at Tony Boombozz

Overcome with curiosity about Tony Boombozz's new Montanaro, "Louisville's "FIRST and ONLY fried pizza," we made a trip to the Taphouse at Bardstown and Eastern to try one.  We really like Boombozz's pizzas, and I love how this location has a separate entrance, cash register and dedicated parking spots for takeout orders. 

They describe the Montanaro like this: "Not to be confused with deep-fried state fair fried creations, the authentic Italian pizza features a flash-fried crust that’s sauced, topped with fresh mozzarella a single topping and baked until crispy and golden."  After reading that, relief washed over me.  I had previously envisioned something that never should have been deep fried in the first place, like a candy bar or stick of butter, made more disgusting by a crust of icky oil and crunchy cholesterol. Thank God, I thought - not another monstrosity of whatever-the-hell, plunged into the deep fryer only to be pulled out and grimly displayed.

This pizza is a delight.  One of the most satisfyingly crisp and chewy crusts I've had in ages.  The sauce has a little zip to it, and the dollops of fresh mozz provide creaminess. Strips of fresh basil and a dusting of parmesan cheese top the pie. 

• Vampin' Lady True Confession: These pizzas are really just enough to serve one person, with maybe a piece left behind if you're not a huge eater.  The first time we ordered the Montanaro, we did not know this.  The second time, we got smart and ordered one for each of us. I made a simple salad to go with them, and it all made for a great dinner.