Bureau of Pizza Investigation

  The Bureau of Pizza Investigation was a collaboration on 02/21/17 between Red Sauce Pizza, Scottie's Pizza, and Handsome Pizza. This "pop up" event was an awesome chance to try multiple pizzerias at one time, compare them side by side, and learn from the owners of each. 



Handsome



Left to Right: Scottie Rivera (Scottie's Owner), Will Fain (Handsome Owner), and Shardell Dues (Red Sauce). 

The Q&A session with the owners happened after dinner and was moderated by Adam Lindsley of Serious Eats and the Oregonian. 

We listened to each owner talk about everything from their passion for pizza, how they learned to make great pizza, and much more. 

Event Menu

    As you can see above, there was a nice variety of pies. Each were very good in their own way. It was a rare chance to try Scottie's and Red Sauce cooked in a wood fired oven too. This was highlight for me! More on the pies below. 

A look at the oven from my table

     This event was also really cool because the ~50 or so attendees were mostly hard core pizza lovers. The talk at the table was as robust as the toppings placed on the pizza.

Red Sauce Pizza

       The reviews at my table were mixed in terms of favorites of the night. Also, I didn't do any official ratings for my 2017 best pie contest. However, I had a clear favorite. The slice from Red Sauce was the best in my opinion. The crust was perfect, crunchy and airy. The ingredient mix was balanced, and Mama Lil's on a pie is always a great addition. It was one of the best slices I have eaten in the last year.



Handsome

Handsome

    I had the Di Fara that Handsome made, which was good, but overpowered by the spice. It left me searching for another gulp of pilsner to cut the heat. I didn't have a chance to try the other half of the Handsome pie, which was a table favorite.

Scottie's Bianca

    I love a good white pie. I was excited to try Scottie's pizza out of the brick oven after trying his pizza a few days earlier out of the deck oven. The Bianca was good, but didn't measure up to Red Sauce for me in terms of overall taste. The mix of ingredients and my personal preference are probably the reason why.

    I hope to see more collaborative, unique events like this. It was well worth the $45. I walked out full, satisfied, and a bit more educated about Portland's pizza options. I would highly recommend going if they do it again.

Favorite things I discovered about the owners: Shardell managed Apizza Scholls before starting Red Sauce Pizza. Also, one of her favorite slices in town is at East Glisan Pizza.Will and Handsome are dedicated to using local whole wheat flour. He recommends Tabor Bread for exploring more whole wheat baking. Scottie's dad was in attendance as well, and we got to hear about their experiences with living in Brooklyn.