Overall Rating: Fair (* 1/2)
Pizza type: Southern Italian Inspired
Pizza ordered: Margarita (Cheese, Tomato, Basil)
Crust: After a couple of visits, the crust on the Tuscan Oven pie remains disappointing. Although cooked in a actual wood fire oven, the crust does not exhibit the thin character of a Southern Italian or Neapolitan inspired pizza. It is a bit thick in the middle and even thicker and more bready on the edges. In addition, it seems the cooking temperature is rather low, not allowing the crust to char and gain any characteristic wood fire undertones.
When I asked, the baker was not able to tell me the target temperature of the oven; I suspect the temperature varies, and even more so when a number of pizzas being baked. Bottom-line, the crust was equivalent to the average gas-oven, carry-out pizza.Sauce: The sauce on the Tuscan Oven pizza was fairly good and basic. Although a bit sparsely applied, it had a fresh tomato flavor. Any spices used in the sauce did not come through, and it was slightly acidic.
Cheese: I was not at all impressed with the cheese on my pie. It was salty, oily and had a slightly sour edge in the flavor. In addition it was simply too heavily applied, certainly over-powering the other flavors that could have come through.
Other Topping(s): The basil on this pie was very fresh and present in most bites. It was actually the best quality ingredient. Atmosphere: The restaurant has a fairly open and comfortable atmosphere, centering around the wood oven. It didn't really have the neighborhood pizzeria feel, but inviting for small groups and families.
Service: Table service was excellent, from a very friendly staff. They were very attentive and paid attention to detail.
Utensils: Sturdy tableware and high quality napkins.
Overall: I classify The Tuscan Oven as good suburban neighborhood pizzeria serving a fair quality pizza, but not significantly better than most franchise pizza places. The wood oven certainly adds a cozy feel and hints at a pizza that is a cut above, but a cut-above product is not delivered.
If you are looking for a basic pizza in a bit more unique setting, give The Tuscan Oven a try. If you are looking for a first-quality, Southern Italian/Neapolitan inspired wood oven pizza, you may be disappointed.
If you are looking for a basic pizza in a bit more unique setting, give The Tuscan Oven a try. If you are looking for a first-quality, Southern Italian/Neapolitan inspired wood oven pizza, you may be disappointed.
Payment: Cash / Credit cards
