We all love a good pizza. But Yeshvin Mathew (26) and Tanush Thomas (31) definitely take it up a notch. The partners who gave us Brick House Bistro went from wanting pizza on their menu to deciding to start up a whole new brand, Crust Pizzeria, in one conversation. That was six months ago. And now tied up with food delivery platform Swiggy, the two are testing the waters operating out of their bistro outlet in Besant Nagar. “It has been about two weeks since we began taking orders,” says 26-year-old Yeshvin, with a broad smile. “So right now we are experimenting with our new menu, taking feedback, tweaking ingredients, that kind of thing,” he adds. Till a standalone outlet is set up later in the year, the pizzas will be included in their dine-in menu at their Besant Nagar outlet by early May.
As per Yeshvin’s recommendation, we try the Portuguese Chicken over a sit-down at their outlet overlooking Elliot’s Beach. The meat spiced with peri peri combined with brined and pickled red chillies with a stellar tang — is definitely up on our favourites list right from the get-go. If you are looking at a quick bite, there’s always a round of Chicken nuggets or Garlic Bread to satisfy hunger pangs. Or The God Father, a double decker sandwich of sausage, salami and a bulls eye to boot — for a heavier pick-me-up.
Determined not to get distracted though, we choose to save our unfortunately limited belly capacities for what we came for: 10-inch pizza goodness. If done right, these can make you delirious with joy and ‘say cheese’ long before the self-indulgent selfies are clicked. But here’s what gets us excited even before the rest of our slices make it to our table. Unlike most places that offer up a solo pepperoni option, Crust dishes out not one but four varieties of toppings in the pork section. There are deep fried bacon bits drowning in cheese with a hit of heat, courtesy slivers of green chillies. While another one that lives up to its name ‘Bloody Relishious’ comes topped with chicken salami, pork sausage and peri peri mayo with a zing that has us hooked.
Before you ask — the green section of the menu is just as busy. From a classic Margherita to a fun Green Goblin order that presents a liberal drizzle of basil pesto sauce. Toppings apart, Yeshvin reveals that experiments are underway with new flavour bases as well. “Right now we have an oregano and herb base that is in the works,” he shares. Although, sadly, it isn’t ready to taste just yet. “We’ll have it ready for you on May 1, when we officially open for dine-in service,” he promises.
Pizzas are priced upwards of Rs 275. Crust Pizzeria in Besant Nagar delivers to Adyar, Alwarpet, Kotturpuram and MRC Nagar. Details: 9677214114.