Review of Ravenite Pizzeria, Fairhope, AL, Jan 2009

 

Ravenite Pizzeria (*1/2) ($)
102 N. Section Street
Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 929-2525

I recently read a review in which the reviewer stated that the Ravenite served Brooklyn, NY quality pizza right here in LA (Lower Alabama)! Well, I’m not sure where he had been eating pizza in Brooklyn, but I found this pizzeria’s pie to be just fair quality at best.

On my recent visit to Ravenite with some friends, I entered the dimly lit, lively space really expecting a very good pizza. I ordered my typical pie for reviewing New York style pizza establishments, the basic Italian sausage and cheese pizza. I was disappointed starting with the aroma, which was dominated by the overtones of the bold sauce, and the let down was complete upon the first bite.

The cheese on the Ravenite pie was an adequate quality mozzarella, but not particularly remarkable in any aspect. I noticed it did tend to reveal an almost separated quality, as in the components of the cheese separating, as it cooled, which can sometimes produce an undesirable, stand-out flavor. This quality in cheese tends to destroy the flavor blend of the pie.

The sauce on the pie was full-bodied, simply throwing off the balance of the whole pie. The strong, somewhat acidic and salty flavor of the sauce dominated the flavor of each bite of this pizza. In fact, the strong nature of the sauce almost hid the very tomato essence it is intended to display.

Unfortunately, the crust did little to help this pie. The crust was bready, airy, somewhat thick edged and flimsy. It didn’t have the nice thin, browned and lightly charred texture and flavor a good New York crust should display. The sausage on the Ravenite was good. It was light, slightly sweet and well spiced; however, maybe a bit sparse.

The service at Ravenite is a bit “off-handed”, but courteous and professional. The establishment serves a good selection of beers and hosts live music regularly. The utensils are sturdy and the napkins of good quality; however, if it’s really good pizza you seek, keep looking; you can do better on the Eastern Shore.

Enjoy your pizza!