Restaurant review: Pizzology Mass Ave

Pizzology has earned a good reputation in its first location and it is no surprise the second location is doing just fine as will the third location opening soon with name-to-remember Ed Sawyer  caretaking spot 3 in the Village of West Clay.

Having the restaurateur with the golden touch, Neal Brown, at the helm locks in high quality, locally sourced food and craft beer options.

Located in the old Aesop's Tables premium spot, Pizzology offers a window seat to virtually everyone and an outdoor eating area, which is always appreciated in this town. The decor is stark (as seems to becoming the norm) and playful.

The staff on ~ Every. Single. Visit. ~ was over-the-top professional, friendly, efficient and worked as a team. From the front door's hostesses to seating to ordering and the remainder of each visit the service was impeccable. No waiting for a check, no searching for a server who disappeared... because they were attentive and on-the-spot with refills, suggestions off the menu and the one time a server did not have an answer, he immediately found out and returned with it. I can easily say this is the hands-down best service I have seen in the casual dining group in a long time.

Ed Sawyer

Smack dab in the middle of the Arts & Theatre district, at 608 Mass Ave., makes it convenient for those attending live performances at Old National Centre, Phoenix Theatre, Theatre on the Square, and First Friday art patrons.

Hostess ~ Sara Brady

I stopped in several times. The first couple of times we ended up not trying the pizza somehow, so I went back with a fellow pizza fan and we tried one. Then (naturally) another trip was needed to try different toppings. Altogether I have tried out this eatery six times since they opened (May 20) through August 1.

So, let's get to what you really want to know...
Salads. I love a truly great salad. I do. These didn't hit the mark of greatness. And, oddly enough, the portions were rather small compared to all the other dishes on each visit.

This pizza is not going to be for everyone. It is Napolese style, so it is thin crust. If you are like me then you like a variety and this spot serves it hot with a nice selection of specialties.

Here is a key factor with Pizzology, however. The pizza, although fine, isn't my favorite selection on
the menu.

Whaaaaat? Yes, I said that out loud in front of God and everybody.

So what do I recommend you select off the menu?

Mussels. PEI mussels so tender and juicy they will call your name when you least expect it. Served as an appetizer built for two, this could easily be served as an entree. As the menu reads: Italian Mussels, one pound of fresh PEI mussels, salumi, garlic, white wine, olive oil, fresh herbs. No matter what else happens, request an extra order of bread sticks with this. You will thank me later.

Bottom Line: Go counter intuitive and order the non pizza items for the best of what Pizzology has to offer.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes food and wine magazine columns ~ Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks, is a magazine and newspaper journalist and photographer covering travel, food, wine & spirits, luxury, hotels, spas, et al, as well as a restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Fox 59 Morning News Show's Travel & Leisure expert. Find her also at GottaGo.us, BroadwayWorld.com and FoodDigital.com. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Food Review: Jockamo

When asked, I tell people I am a restaurant critic, not a food critic. The difference? My review covers more than food, by rating on the traditional 1-5 stars in six separate categories: Appearance, Menu, Service, Product, Style and Website.

Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza is well known in historic Irvington. Opening a second location was inevitable. Rather than following the well-worn path to Broad Ripple or Mass Ave, owners Mick McGrath, Nancy Duncan, and Bob and Laura Stark headed to 401 Market Place, Greenwood.

Upon entering Jockamo's, I was welcomed with a sweeping view of the warm, inviting decor. Hostesses handled well the wait list; a good sign. Once seated, the official inspection of the menu began — I admit to being a menu junkie.

Hummus

Appetizers include standard breadsticks with dips, as well as the interesting choice of hummus, a pureed chickpea dip. It’s accompanied by pita and toppings of onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil and Kalamata olives.

Sammies are represented by six choices, including the California roll with lump crab meat and the Healthwich. A variety of salads are offered, including Greek, spinach and house.

Caliente and S-Five

The bar area is set off by a half-wall from the spacious dining area, which has tables set far from each other, eliminating the jostling which occurs at so many eateries.

The beer and wine menu is nicely suited for the fare, while the entree menu is extensive, giving apt descriptions. Opting to halve two pies in order to taste four flavors seemed prudent. The recommended Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon stood up well to the pizza.

The ‘zas arrived piping hot with a not-too-thick crust and a balance of cheese and toppings. The Caliente was exactly that, hot, and covered with peppers. The Slaughterhouse Five is a generously portioned all-meat variety, while the Cheese Louise is a five-cheese treat.

The Philly Jack is a good version of the famous sandwich. Noteworthy is the quantity of choices available of traditional, original gourmet and custom styles. Sauces marry well with toppings and the crust is worth eating by itself.

The Philly and Cheese Louise

The service projects a small-town, favorite hangout feeling with greetings between guests and staff, who likely know each other from local activities. Friendliness, however, should never replace efficiency. These two key ingredients blend well at this tucked-away gem.

The website, found at jockamopizza.com, is easy to maneuver, but doesn’t encourage interaction from visitors. Also, when clicking on page four for the wine list, the kid's menu and soft drink list pops up instead. Listing local products used earns points as this topic becomes less of a trend and more of a decision-maker for diners.

Bottom Line: Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza knows what it wants to be and achieves it with quiet confidence. Nothing showy… just true to itself.

                                  Stars earned out of 5 
                                          ~ 4 ~

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.


Photos: EJMusgrave, Jocakamo

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.