[drum roll] Welcome to Anika‘s first post as our very own neighborhood vegan correspondent. Thank you, Anika!
Opened just five months ago in September of 2009, Turnpike Pizza operated under my radar until their ad boasting of a “vegan friendly menu” floated in front of the eyes of a few hungry vegans searching for the next great thing.
Three vegans and an omnivore all agree that the New York style vegan pizza we ordered from Turnpike was one of the best we have ever had. The brilliant owner and proprietor, Ric Monteiro, doesn’t just offer a cheese-less pizza, instead he invested in hottest vegan product to hit the market: Daiya Vegan Cheese*.
Vegan Pizza at Turnpike | Copyright VeganScore.com
Although the list of toppings wasn’t the longest that we had seen, Turnpike does have lil’ Mama’s sweet and spicy peppers, which are the secret ingredient to any truly delectable pie. The crust was thin on the bottom and baked to a crisp, but the crust on the outer edge was thick and bubbly, but not too chewy. The vegan mozzarella was smooth and flavorful.
Not only was our grub delicious, but pie was affordable and the atmosphere was perfectly casual. A large selection of beer for us jolly adults, soda for the tadpoles, and easily arrangeable tables make this place ideal for groups. Hello birthday party! (March 4 in case you are thinking of getting me something). If you live within 1-1.5 miles of the joint, they also offer delivery – and within this small radius, your pie will definitely be hot.
Ric and the team at Turnpike aren’t just stopping at vegan mozzarella; starting today, he plans to have a non-dairy pesto option for the the Green Lake pie, and tofu to available for the Mojave pie (#1 pizza). Starting in March they will also have vegan Italian sorbet. Spring is looking bright indeed.
You are lucky enough to live in the sweet embrace of Greenlake: don’t take your location for granted. Order delivery or Walk, cycle, skateboard, or jog over to Turnpike. Bring all your vegan friends.
*Daiya is dairy, nut, soy, and gluten-free–good for people with allergies. It has 33% less fat that cows milk cheese, no trans fats, no cholesterol, no preservatives, no hormones or antibiotics.
[Ed. note: While Turnpike Pizza is an advertiser on My Green Lake, we are happy to report that Anika was not aware of that while writing her review - her words come straight from the heart/stomach.]
