Pop Up Pizza
Detroit Pizza – Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Pepperoni
New York Pizza – Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Basil
Originally visited five years ago, though seemingly little has changed save for the desirability of DTLV, it was with Michael Vakneen on-site once again that Pop Up Pizza was visited Thursday, the young man who has since become a recognized name by way of his Pies assisting staff but insisting all he does is assemble the same recipes he created when the countered opened in 2012.
Located at Plaza Hotel & Casino, and as such an unlikely candidate for accolades including the local papers, Tripadvisor and fellow Pizzaiolos singing its praises, guests looking for Pop Up will find it halfway between the property’s front doors and Self-Parking access, the convenience no doubt part of Pop Up’s popularity but even a cursory look suggesting something better than expected.
Based on quality Ingredients and a childhood in his father’s Restaurants, Vakneen finding his love of Pizza during the recession and soaking up knowledge ever since, it is atop Dough treated to lengthy fermentation that housemade Tomato Sauce is carefully spread, the 18” whole Pies a tremendous value ranging from $18-$23 depending on topping for an airy edge and charred bottom that picks up just enough crispiness to be foldable without breaking.
Additionally offering Knots, Wings, Fried Pickles and even a Vegan Pie, all at a fair price and serving their purpose, it was with good fortune that 6:00pm additionally found one of Michael’s Detroit-style Pies fresh from the oven, the overlapping Cheese nicely caramelized into a fine lattice while the bottom was dimpled, buttery and light.
FOUR STARS: Attempting to set aside service, but impossible to do so entirely as two encounters with the same young woman were protracted to the point of exhausting, there is nonetheless no doubt that Pop Up ranks amongst Sin City’s top Slices and warrants a look from anyone in the area.
RECOMMENDED: New York Slice, Detroit Slice.
AVOID: Expectations of getting in and out of the garage in less than an hour unless grabbing pre-made slices, particularly if a new hire is working the register.
TIP: Online ordering is available, as is delivery via Postmates within a five-mile radius of Downtown.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.popuppizzalv.com
