Editorial
Front Page - Friday, August 21, 2009
Weekly Indulgence
Samara Litvack
I’ve had the pleasure of eating at some wonderful restaurants in the three years I’ve lived in Chattanooga, but when someone I know comes to town for the first time, there is never a question as to where I take them for their first Scenic City meal.
Lupi’s downtown was my own first Chattanooga dining experience, and I remember thinking that if everything here was that awesome, I knew I was going to love this town.
If you’ve never been to Lupi’s – and, for the life of me, I can’t imagine how you’ve not – allow me to explain it to you. Seated on the corner of Broad and 4th, this pizzeria is one of the most unique eateries in the city.
Lupi’s has served hand-tossed, New York-style pizza since 1996 in its main location and has since opened two other locations, in Hixson (a mile past Northgate Mall on Hixson Pike) and East Brainerd (at the corner of East Brainerd and Jenkins Roads).
The downtown location is the only one I’ve ever visited, primarily because of its proximity to everywhere I’ve ever lived and worked. The other locations are larger than the original, but I absolutely love the downtown location, with its funky décor, the trees stretching along the ceiling, each table uniquely decorated and – by far – the coolest bathrooms I’ve ever seen.
Lupi’s serves a full pizza menu, and by that, I mean a nearly exhaustive list of all imaginable toppings – everything from the basics, like (my favorites) mushrooms and onions, to slightly more unusual items, like roasted corn, fresh basil and zucchini. Baked right on the brick, pizza can be ordered by the slice, for $1.90, with toppings for 45 cents each; whole 12-inch pie for $10.35, with toppings for $1.25 each; or a 16-inch pie for $11.50, with toppings for $1.70 each.
Lupi’s slices are huge, the toppings are fresh and the red sauce/mozzarella combination is out of this world. I could easily get full on one slice at lunch, but I usually order two so I have leftovers to take home.
When I first started going to Lupi’s, I’d always start off with a house salad – fresh lettuce, mushrooms, onions, carrots and shredded mozzarella cheese, with a side of dressing, your choice. (I usually get the Italian. It’s wonderful.) You can add any pizza toppings to a salad, too, for an additional 90 cents.
For the first time ever, I had Lupi’s bruschetta last week and, as expected, it did not disappoint. Jumbo slices of toasted bread topped with Parmesan cheese came served with a side of Italian salsa, which is basically a combination of all my favorite things in life — tomatoes, onions, the works.
I’ve also had Lupi’s calzones, which are built from the same topping list as the pizzas and salads. They are humongous; I couldn’t eat a calzone in one sitting if my life depended on it.
While they’re traditionally made with Lupi’s wonderful red sauce, you can substitute a delicious white sauce instead. (This can also be done on a whole pizza, but not by the slice.)
Lupi’s has one of the friendliest staffs in town; they work hard to take impeccable care of their customers. The restaurant uses many locally grown ingredients, from Sequatchie Cove and Crabtree Farms. They also have a fantastic beer selection (displayed above the ordering counter), with over 40 brews served by the bottle.
Lately, on lazy weekend afternoons, my friends and I have been ordering Lupi’s to go. Since I live in Red Bank, it’s just a quick trip down 27 to pick up any of our favorite selections. (Mine these days, I must add, comes topped with onions, mushrooms, artichokes, roasted garlic, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese.)
We also order Lupi’s take and bake selections. Aimed at eliminating the “soggy delivery” problem, you can call ahead orders of pizza, calzones, bruschetta, cookie dough or lasagna, take them home and cook them whenever you’re ready. Lupi’s even provides a special baking tray to eliminate the at-home mess.
Surprisingly, even to me, I’ve never tried one of Lupi’s desserts. They have cookies and brownies, and I’m sure they’re both as amazing as everything else on the menu. As a matter of fact, I’ll probably head back there for lunch today and try one out for myself.
Lupi’s also offers catering for a variety of events. With three days’ notice and a minimum $250 order, plus a $25 delivery fee, Lupi’s will bring pizza, salad, lasagna, dessert and drinks to your event.
They offer drop-off or full-service delivery, and have catered private parties, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. (Contact Chris at Lupi’s downtown for more information on catering.)
Lupi’s locations are open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 to 11; Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and closed on Mondays.
Contact Samara at samara@hamiltoncountyherald.com
|
|