Restaurateur Tom Kaufman, the wine expert behind two Valley favorites -- Rancho Pinot and Union Wine Bar & Grill -- says he's shooting to open his newest operation this Thursday, the 17th, at the Hilton Village (6149 N. Scottsdale Rd.).
It's called Humble Pie, and although the menu's not available just yet, Kaufman promises a selection of pizzas (baked in a gas and wood-burning Earthstone oven), salads, and organic vegetable sides, as well as an extensive wine list, wine and beer flights, and ten beers on tap.
Kaufman explains that the pizza at Humble Pie will definitely be different. "It's all about the crust for us," he says, adding that he was inspired by L.A.'s Pizzeria Mozza, a collaboration between Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joe Bastianich. (Years ago, when Kaufman and his ex Chrysa lived in L.A., Chrysa worked for Silverton at Campanile.)
So what's up with this crust that Kaufman has spent two months trying to perfect? The bottom will be crunchy, he says, sort of like the bottom of an English muffin, but there will also be a chewy component. The texture will also evoke the flaky fluffiness of ciabatta or a croissant.
I don't know about you, but I'm dying to try it.
To start, Humble Pie will be open daily for dinner; lunch service will be offered in a week, and pizza-to-go will be available in two or three weeks. For more information, call 480-556-9900.
