Before Nancy Silverton and Mario Batali made waves with Mozza and its artisanal pies, there was Wolfgang Puck and his pizzas. The Austrian didn't invent the California-style pizza but he is widely credited as the man who popularized it in the 80s. His success inspired such empires as California Pizza Kitchen. But now, with every new pizzeria doing the what’s-old-is-new thing, his kind of pizza seems as fashionable as parachute pants. So when I went to eat at South Coast Plaza's Wolfgang Puck Bistro after all these years--the first time I’d ever done so--it felt more like visiting an distant uncle I never got to know. And it looked as though he was now well past his prime. The restaurant has now become as well-worn as a roadside diner.
But the pizza was everything I expected it be, and maybe a little more. The crust is dead flat, the same thickness and texture from the leading edge to the middle, but the topping I chose (and the one our tired-looking waitress recommended) actually tasted like what was advertised: a complete Buffalo wing appetizer. Not only was there a vinegary hot-sauce reminiscent of the last time you were at a sports bar, but also drizzles of blue cheese dressing, and pieces of celery.
The irony was thick: here was a pizza invented in California in the 80s, paying homage to an appetizer invented in New York in the 60s.
Wolfgang Puck
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 545-5439
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Gyutan Tsukasa - Costa Mesa
Sometime within the past 8 years...maybe 7 years ago...I recall having a salmon sandwich and fries platter at this Wolfgang Puck that wasn't bad...though my opinion might have been skewed because finding above-average casual food on the grounds of South Coast Plaza proper is not that easy.
ReplyDeleteLawry's Carvery's excellent Prime Rib sandwich beckons right across the way, but I'd agree that if you're with some less carnivorous dining companions (who don't want to pay about $15 for a Lawry's sandwich and potato chips), Wolfgang Puck's pizzas, etc., might hit the spot.
JB,
ReplyDeleteLawry's *IS* expensive ain't it? And that's just the sandwich. I usually go for the platter, which upon finishing always makes me wonder why I didn't go to Little Saigon for cheaper-by-at-least-10-bucks com tam instead.
Wolfgang has some odd flavor combinations, but when they work they are great - and this one looks delicious. That would be great with a little alfredo instead of the hot suace base!
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