Dough-n’t Miss Out | Pizza Fest MTL 2023 is Layered with Flavours and Fun!
11-24th Octobre 2023
Montreal’s pizza landscape beautifully marries a myriad of global influences into a single, harmonious culinary experience. Traditional Italian pizzas, with their authentic, rich flavors, lay the foundation of the city’s pizza culture. New York’s influence introduces a style that boasts thin, yet supportive crusts and generous cheese layers. The French touch adds a dash of luxury with creamy bases and gourmet toppings such as brie and truffle. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern inspirations sprinkle the scene with bold zataar spices, olives and unique, aromatic flavors. Together, they create a pizza tapestry where each cultural thread contributes to a diverse and delectable menu for the city’s inhabitants and visitors alike. For this year’s edition of Pizza Fest MTL, our pizza picks are:
1. COLONEL MOUTARDE (Plateau) – “Texane”
Nestled in the heart of Plateau, Colonel Moutarde brings a slice of Texas right to our doorstep with their “Texane” pizza. Imagine a pizza that marries the bold and hearty flavors of Texas with the finesse of Montreal’s culinary artistry. The “Texane” is a melody of smoky barbecue sauce, succulent pulled pork, crispy onions, and a cascade of melting cheese. It’s not just a pizza; it’s an experience, a bold statement of flavors that are both robust and meticulously balanced.
2. MELROSE (NDG) – “Classique Pizza”
Melrose, a cozy spot in NDG, takes us back to the roots with their “Classique pizza”. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and this pizza is a testament to that. With a perfectly charred crust, rich tomato sauce, and a heavenly blend of cheeses, the “Classique pizza” is a homage to the timeless Neapolitan tradition. It’s a reminder that the essence of a great pizza often lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients.
3. PIZZA FACE (Laval) – “Cornichons”
Venturing into Laval, Pizza Face introduces a playful yet surprisingly sophisticated “Cornichons” pizza. A daring creation that features thinly sliced pickles, a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce, and a generous sprinkle of dill. It’s a pizza that challenges the norms, teasing the palate with its tangy, creamy, and herbaceous notes. A must-try for those who appreciate a culinary adventure and a fresh perspective on what a pizza can be.
4. PIZZÉRIA GUSTO (Saint-Léonard) – “Mortadella e Pistacchio”
In the heart of Saint-Léonard, Pizzéria Gusto crafts a pizza that is a symphony of unconventional yet harmonious flavors – the “Mortadella e Pistacchio”. Imagine a base of velvety béchamel, topped with delicate slices of mortadella, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, and a drizzle of honey. It’s a slice where creamy, salty, sweet, and nutty notes perform a delightful dance on your palate, offering a culinary experience that is both luxurious and comfortingly familiar.
5. GENTILE PIZZA PARLOUR (Westmount) – “G.O.A.T”
Gentile Pizza Parlour in Westmount brings forth the “G.O.A.T” – a pizza that doesn’t just stand for ‘Greatest of All Time’, but also features the delectable flavor of goat cheese. With a base of tangy tomato sauce, it’s adorned with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, creamy goat cheese, and a sprinkle of zesty lemon zest. The “G.O.A.T” is a celebration of vibrant, fresh, and uplifting flavors, providing a refreshing twist to the classic pizza profile.
As the scents of bubbling cheese and freshly baked dough waft through the crisp Montreal air, the city transforms into a haven for pizza lovers. Pizza Fest MTL is not merely a festival; it’s a journey through the rich, diverse, and innovative world of Montreal’s pizza scene. From the classic and comforting to the bold and avant-garde, each pizzeria tells a unique story through their creations, inviting us all to be a part of this delicious narrative.
In a city where culinary arts are celebrated with such fervor and creativity, Pizza Fest is a testament to Montreal’s unyielding spirit of innovation and its deep-rooted love for food that brings people together. So, dear Montrealers, let’s raise a slice to the pizzaiolos, the creators, the innovators, and to us, the adventurous eaters who make such events a saucy, cheesy reality!
