Believe It Or Not

We recently received a comment from a blog reader challenging our statement the Settebello was the best pizza join in Utah. This reader claimed that in fact, Pizzeria 712 in Orem was actually the best pizza in Utah. So, being the hounds that we are, we decided to do a little research on the subject and sent out an honorary member to snoop around for us. Thanks Sarah. Here are her thoughts:

I'm experiencing a great deal of PTSD about the shock I experienced last night, and what I'm about to write on a site devoted to one of my favorite restaurants, Settebello. Okay, here goes. Pizzeria 712 is as good as, if not better than, Settebello.

I live in Orem, so the Chow Hounds challenged me last night to look into this horrendously offensive claim that a restaurant in Orem could possibly be better than Settebello. I've lived in Orem for 2 years, and have become extremely disenchanted by the food choices here. Any time I want to eat out and actually appreciate my food in my own city, I'm forced to travel to the furthest reaches of the city to Sundance Foundry Grill or Tree Room. So, when I heard about a pizzeria in Orem, I expected something along the lines of Brick Oven or the Pizza Factory. Pizzeria 712 in fact has spectacular pizza. However, because I also love Settebello, I will reconcile the two by stating that the focus on flavors is very different. Settebello focuses on truly authentic Italian flavors and pizza. Pizzeria 712 is similar in terms of soft, thin-crust pizzas, however the Sundance influence is very apparent, it is decidedly more American than Italian. (In a way, that obvious influence for me was somewhat disappointing.)

Although I love the Sundance restaurants, I'm Jonesing for a little variety in Orem. But, I'll forgive them because now they're closer to my house and focus on pizza. We had a delicious salad, and a spectacular pepperoni-style pizza with a sweet soppressetta sausage. I'll leave the appetizers and desserts to the chow hounds. I simply couldn't stuff myself with more delicious food. Now, here's the real shocker - hold onto your pants - they have wine! The list is short, and limit themselves to one of each of the 5 main varieties (i.e., a pinot noir, a chianti, a merlot, etc.). For us wine drinkers in Happy Valley, we've pretty much accepted that to get a glass you either have to stock up at home or go to a chain (ugh!). It's refreshing to find it at a less expensive restaurant that isn't a chain. The atmosphere is fabulous and very a-typical of Utah County, and (something I don't mean to offend families with children, but I at least appreciate after eating at Chili's after Texas Roadhouse after Chili's) isn't specifically designed to accommodate children and large families.Okay, I'm going to stop here.

I realize I might be overly gracious to this restaurant due to the fact that I ventured there with very very very low expectations. But, I will say that for those of you that find yourself beyond the End of the Earth (i.e., the Point of the Mountain), this is the best restaurant I've been to aside from the Sundance restaurants on this side of the prison. Certainly worthy of a Chow Hounds review.

Well there you have it. It sounds like we might have to make a pilgrimage to Happy Valley and see what all the fuss is about..... Stay Tuned.