by Andrea Clarke
Elm Staff Writer
Domino’s is out and Red Brick Pizza is in. Hailing from southern California, this neighborhood pizza joint has opened up 70 stores nationwide and has now planted its roots in Chestertown. At just two weeks old, this pizzeria promises to be a new hangout place for Washington College students.
Equipped with five TVs, each with a handheld remote for customers to use at their leisure, and a happy hour from 4-6 p.m., Red Brick Pizza is ready for any WC students eager to watch the some football.
Freshman Sam Fitzgerald said that Red Brick Pizza has “a sports bar feel but also a relaxed, lounge atmosphere,” thanks to the wood-burning fireplace, big leather arm chairs, spacious booths and soft lighting.
In addition to standard soft drinks, Red Brick Pizza has an impressive beer collection, including Corona and Miller Light, with Coors Light and Yuengling selling at $1 a pint during happy hour. An assortment of red and white wine is also offered.
As for the pizza itself, this new restaurant proves its worth. Of all the food’s distinguishable traits, operations manager Michael Buckius said the restaurant depends on its fresh ingredients to gain an advantage over competitors, such as Domino’s and Procolino Pizza. The dough is made fresh daily and heart-healthy olive oil is used on every pizza.
Buckius proudly said that “[the] pizzas have half the fat of commercial cuisine, a result of [the] healthy and gourmet ingredients.” Each pizza is also made with 12 different spices and no MSG. Napkins will come in handy, because the cheese is very stringy and the fresh vegetable toppings are plentiful.
Buckius said that two new pizzas options, whole wheat and gluten-free, “will be available in about three weeks.”. Red Brick Pizza does not sell individual slices. The smallest pizza appears is about the equivalent of two and a half slices, and customers can either build their own or choose from the 18 different recipes available.
Red Brick Pizza also offers chopped salads, gourmet gelato ice cream, and fire-roasted fhazanis. Customers can order their salad in one of three sizes (small, medium, and large) and there are five types to choose from.
Freshman Abby Thomas is especially fond of the Red Brick Pizza gelatos, which she said are “delicious yet light and refreshing“.
Also, the restaurant gives lunch a unique spin with its signature flat bread fhazani sandwiches. Each is fire-baked and available in seven different recipes, but unique creations are welcome.
Any of these items can be ordered for either take-out or sit down dining. Along with its fast service and squeaky clean surfaces, Red Brick Pizza’s environmental awareness is just one of the several things that set this neighborhood pizzeria apart from the rest. If customers stay to eat, the food will be served on recyclable paper products with drinks in biodegradable, corn starch cups. The tables are also made out of recycled material, along with the interior paint and furnishings. Expect the to-go boxes to be eco-friendly as well.
These are the facts. You be the judge. Call Red Brick Pizza at 410-810-8904 for delivery, or visit them at 834 High Street for sit down dining, located right behind Subway. They are open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.