Attempt #110 - Aroma

Venue/Menu

The Venue 

1100 3^rd St. SE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319)777-6119

 

Aroma pizza is located inside New BO (Bohemia) City Market.  It is open Thursday – Sunday only, and closes at 8pm on Thursday-Friday, 6pm Saturday, and 4pm Sunday.  They also serve drinks and some small snacks there as well.  Since it in located in a booth, near the other end of the facility, there are tables and chairs. With a nearby bar, and other food vendors present, it contains a large variety of foods.  One thing to note, is that the vendors at this facility do not have a standalone retail location, so often they are just getting their business started. 

Prosciutto, $13

 

The Pizza

Chicago Style: No

Crust Thickness: Thin

Menu: https://aromapizzaonline.square.site/s/order?location=11ea7110dba3dcafb0c80cc47a2ae378

Participants: 9 (3 children)

Pizza Ordered:  9

Sizes Offered/Ordered: Personal (12”) / Pepperoni, Margherita, Prosciutto, Pesto Prosciutto, Sausage, Sausage with Peppers, Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Buffalo Chicken  

Pieces Cut: We got to cut our own pizzas!

Chicken, Bacon, Ranch, $13

 

1. Buffalo Chicken Ranch - Buffalo sauce with garlic, chicken, and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino .romano, and parmiagiano reggiano). Finished with Ranch Sauce. ($13).
2. Chicken Bacon Ranch –  Buffalo sauce with garlic, chicken, and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino .romano, and parmiagiano reggiano). Finished with Ranch Sauce. ($13).
3. Prosciutto Pesto - Pesto Sauce with Prosciutto, tomatoes and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmiagiano reggiano). ($14).
4. Prosciutto - Our house red sauce, garlic, ground proscuitto, and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmiagiano reggiano). ($13).
5. Pepperoni – Our house red sauce, garlic, pepperoni, and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmagiano reggiano) make this our number one selling pizza. ($12).

   

   Buffalo Ranch, $13

6. Cheese – Our house red sauce, four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmigiano reggiano) and EVOO. Vegetarian. ($11).
7. Margherita - Our house red sauce, garlic, tomatoes, and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmigiano reggiano). Finished with EVOO and fresh basil. ($12).
8. Prosciutto – Our house red sauce, garlic, ground proscuitto, and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmiagiano reggiano). ($13).
9. Sausage - Our house red sauce, garlic, local Sausage Foundry mild Italian sausage, and four cheeses (hard mozzarella, soft mozzarella, pecorino romano, and parmigiano reggiano). ($12).

 

The Verdict

Sauce: Slightly sweet on the red sauce.  Nothing else stood out.

Cheese: A little light on cheese with some of the ones we ordered.  I could use some more of that.

Margherita, $12

Crust: A thin crust for a brick fired oven.  I would have loved to see a larger size option for the pizzas in the future.

Toppings: The ingredients were of good quality and they tasted great.  However, they often slide off the slices, so it was hard to eat at times.

 

Final Comments/Considerations:  

Pizza was great on an empty stomach!  The crust was cited by several as the best part, chewy yet firm.  An adult could easily get a whole pizza for dinner, or split one with two children. 

Pepperoni, $12

 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.

Overall 8.08

Cheese 8.08

Topping 8.58

Sauce 7.67

Crust 8.42

Venue 8.33

Cheese, $11

Favorite: Prosciutto

Sausage with Peppers, $12

Sausage, $12

Attempt #109 - Baroncini Ristorante Italiano

 

Venue Outdoor Seating

The Venue 

104 S. Linn Street

Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 337-2048

 

Chef Baroncini’s philosophy of using fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients is represented in his contemporary Italian cuisine. Gianluca Baroncini graduated from the Italian national culinary institute in

Venue Store Front

Verona, Italy, in 1991. He is the former Executive Chef of Terrazza Di Giulietta in Verona, Italy, executive chef of the Mauro’s catering. He worked as Assistant chef at the Ristorante Il Desco, which received a two star Michelin guide prestigious award in Verona, Italy.  The restaurant had tables outside on the sidewalk as well as inside, booths, tables, and bar seating. 

Venue Inside

The Pizza

Chicago Style: No

Crust Thickness: Thin

Menu: http://baroncinirestaurant.com/menu/

Participants: 7 (3 children)

Pizza Ordered:  6

Menu

Sizes Offered/Ordered: Personal (12”) / Pizza Tartufi, Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare, Bianca, Pizza Pancetta, Margherita, Smoked Ham and Mushrooms

Pieces Cut: We got to cut our own pizzas!

 

PIZZA TARTUFI – Truffle mushroom pizza with roasted grape tomatoes, asparagus, and Italian sausage.  Topped with mozzarella. ($15).

PIZZA ALLA FRUTTI DI MARE – Classic thin crust with a seafood tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and a medley of shrimp, by scallops and mussels ($19).

Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare ($19)

PIZZA PANCETTA - Our four-cheese Bianca with smoked bacon and onion over a crisp thin crust. Fresh arugula added on request ($15).

MARGHERITA - Traditional Italian pizza with house-made marinara sauce, melted mozzarella chunks and fresh basil over a classic thin crust ($14).

BIANCA - Blend of mozzarella and parmesan, without marinara over a crisp thin crust. Garlic and/or fresh arugula added on request ($13).

MARGHERITA - Traditional Italian pizza with house-made marinara sauce, melted mozzarella chunks and fresh basil over a classic thin crust ($14).

SMOKED HAM AND MUSHROOMS - Our house made marinara with mozzarella cheese, smoked ham, and champignon mushrooms ($14.50).

 

The Verdict

Pizza Pancetta ($15)

Sauce: Some of the pies had sauce that was VERY rich (Pancetta and Tartufi), and others didn’t have enough (Margherita, Bianca).  I felt this could have been more consistent across all the pizzas. 

Cheese: Fresh mozzarella cheese paired well with most pizzas.  The Great White had a bit too much for my liking.

Crust: Firm, it held up well. 

Toppings: Some pizzas toppings didn’t flow very well together (Pizza Tartufi); however, others like the Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare were near perfection for a seafood pizza!

 

Final Comments/Considerations:  

Smoked Ham and Mushrooms ($15)

I enjoyed the venue, having a very European feel by having outdoor seating.  It was very accommodating for the kids, and had decent service.  I would consider coming back for the Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare, since it was the best thing on the menu for Pizza, and I would totally order 2x Torta Al Mascarpone!  So very delicious…basically a Crème Brulee  cheesecake

Bianca ($13)

Margherita ($14)

 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.

Overall 8.43

Cheese 8.00

Topping 8.57

Sauce 7.14

Crust 7.86

Pizza Tartufi ($15)

Venue 8.86

Favorite: The Nat

Attempt #108 - Your Pie, Marion, Iowa

Venue-Outside

The Venue 

2791 7th Ave,
Marion, IA 52302
(319) 377-5367

 

Venue-Oven

Due to COVID-19, our Pizza Attempts has been on pause as the pandemic has raged across the world; however, we are glad to be back!  Your Pie has been established in Marion, Iowa since August of 2020.  A chain, mostly based on the south eastern part of the United States, this restaurant provides a quick, oven fired pizza with an affordable price tag of $8.99, plus $3 to add in a pop and a gelato or brownie.  

Venue-Menu

Venue-Topping Selection Bar

The services was great, and the waitstaff was helpful.  The facility was new, and very clean, brightly planted whites, with table and booth seating.  Around the back, there is an outdoor cement dining patio, which is sunny, but great for small kids, since they are fenced in that area.   

The Pizza

Chicago Style: No
Crust Thickness: Thin
Menu: https://yourpie.com/menu/
Participants: 10 (10 children)
Pizza Ordered:  12

Sizes Offered/Ordered: Single (12”) / 3x Pepperoni, 1x Cheese, 1x Custom Meat – Salmi, Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, 1x The Ischia, 2x The Nat, 1x The Lineage, 1x Southern Heat, 1x Great White, 1x BBQ Chicken

Crusts Offered/Ordered: White, Wheat, Cauliflower, Gluten Free
Pieces Cut: Triangular

 

The Ischia - Extra virgin olive oil, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, garlic (White Crust, $8.99)

Custom Meats - Pepperoni,
Bacon, Ham, Salami

The Nat - Basil pesto, mozzarella, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, chicken (White Crust, $8.99)

The Lineage - Marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, red onions, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers (White Crust, $8.99)

Southern Heat - Buffalo sauce, mozzarella, chicken, red onions, jalapeno (served with ranch or blue cheese) (White Crust, $8.99)

Cheese

Great White - Extra virgin olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, ricotta, feta (White Crust, $8.99)

BBQ Chicken - BBQ sauce, mozzarella, chicken, cilantro, red onions (White Crust, $8.99)

 

The Verdict

Sauce: Decent. 
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella cheese paired well with most pizzas. 

BBQ Chicken

The Great White had a bit too much for my liking.
Crust: A little soggy on some of the heavier pizzas.
Toppings: The toppings were fresh, and delish.  Since the pizzas are quite small and thin, the toppings make or break the dish. 

 

Final Comments/Considerations:  
I would consider Your Pie to be a decent place to attend, especially with coupons, otherwise it can add up really quick.  The pizzas aren’t super filling, since they are quite small and thin, so if you were really hungry, I would look elsewhere.  If you are looking for a quick lunch, this place is a good option, especially for those staying at the newly built nearby TownePlace Suites by Marriott. 

 

The Nat

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.

Overall 7.50
Cheese 6.80
Topping 8.50
Sauce 6.60
Crust 6.90
Venue 7.55

Favorite: The Nat

Great White

The Lineage

Southern Heat

The Ischia

Attempt #107 - Papa Murphy's 7th Ave, Marion, Iowa

Venue

The Venue 

2240 7th Ave Suite 3,
Marion, IA 52302

(319) 447-9646

Due to COVID-19, only my immediate family, and mother-in-law was able to partake in this month’s pizza attempt.  We ordered take out from Pap Murphy’s in Marion, Iowa.

The Pizza

Chicago Style: No

Crust Thickness: Average

Menu: https://order.papamurphys.com/menu/papa-murphys-7th-ave

Participants: 4

Pizza Ordered:  3

Sizes Offered/Ordered: Medium (12”), Large (14”), Family (16”) / 1 Family (Veggie), 1 Medium (Combo), 1 Kid sized Mini (Cheese)

Crusts Offered/Ordered: Traditional, Thin, Stuffed / Traditional

Gourmet Vegetarian (Family Size)

Pieces Cut: Triangular

GOURMET VEGETARIAN - Our Artisan Thin Crust, topped with Creamy Garlic Sauce, Whole-Milk Mozzarella, Fresh Spinach, Sliced Zucchini, Sliced Mushrooms, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Roma Tomatoes, Mixed Onions, Cheddar, and Herb & Cheese Blend

MURPHY'S COMBO - Our Original Crust topped with Traditional Red Sauce, Whole-Milk Mozzarella, Salami, Premium Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Sliced Mushrooms, Mixed Onions and Black Olives, and Cheddar

NO KID HUNGRY MINI MURPH - Papa Murphy's is partnering with No Kid Hungry to donate $1 for every Mini Murph sold online!

Mini Murph Kids Pizza

The Verdict

Sauce: The sauce was good, sweet. 

Cheese: Hardened quickly.

Crust: Decent, but it was oily.

Toppings: The toppings were average – not too impressive.

Final Comments/Considerations:  Two words. Gourmet Vegetarian.  From someone who loves the meats, this pizza is great.  Get it in thin crust though.  You must be thinking, what has happened to Joe during quarantine, THIN crust come on!  Seriously, though, its very delicious. 

Side note, they give out a free kids tattoo if you get a  $3 mini murph pizza.

Murphy's Combo (Large)

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.

Overall 8.00

Cheese 8.25

Topping 6.50

Sauce 8.25

Crust 7.75

Venue 0.00

Favorite: Gourmet Vegetarian

Kids Tattoo (From the Mini Murph Kids Pizza)

Slices

Attempt #106 - Tomaso's 7th Ave., Marion, IA

Venue

The Venue
1111 7th Ave,
Marion, IA 52302

(319) 377-6102

Due to COVID-19, only my immediate family was able to partake in this month’s pizza attempt.  We ordered take out from Tomaso’s Pizza World in Marion, Iowa.

The Pizza

Chicago Style: No

Crust Thick

ness: Average

Menu: See photo

Half Pepperoni Half Sausage Detroit Crust Large

Participants: 3

Pizza Ordered:  1

Sizes Offered/Ordered: 1 Large

Crusts Offered/Ordered: New York Thin, Detroit, Chicago / Detroit

Pieces Cut: Triangular

½ Pepperoni , ½ Sausage

The Verdict

Sauce: The sauce was excellent, very tasty – but a little light, I would have liked more.

Cheese: Great caramelization along the edge of the crust.  Loved it.

Crust: Firm and bready – excellent!

Toppings: The toppings were plenty, average consistency.

Slices

Final Comments/Considerations:  How did it hold up compared to last time?  Very well, and consistent!  This came in at #4, underneath the last time we rated Tomasos.  My seven year old son who only eats cheese actually enjoyed the pepperoni, so that alone was a huge win for us. 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.

Overall 9.17

Cheese 9.69

Topping 9.00

Sauce 8.33

Crust 9.33

Venue 0.00

Favorite: Pepperoni