Pizza Today, the top trade zine in the pizza world, has named Seattle’s Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria the “2010 Independent of the Year.”
Tutta Bella has made quite a name for themselves. In 2004, they were the first Pacific NW restaurant to earn Associazione Verace Pizza Napolitana certification, which means their pizza is the real deal — authentic Neapolitan. Last year they were awarded with one of five “hot concepts” awards by Nation’s Restaurant News. In March, they were deemed the 2009 Full Service Operator of the Year by the Washington Restaurants Association, an award PMQ Pizza Magazine called the “foodie Oscar.” USA Today published a positive Fodor review in June. And now this: 2010 Independent Pizzeria of the Year.
How ever will they celebrate these accolades?
Why, with free pizza of course!
All four Tutta Bella locations are offering one free pizza per table August 16-22 (note: dine-in only).
I spoke with Jennifer Lapensee at the Stone Way location because this all sounds too good to be true & I had to hear it myself.
Q: You’re serving a free pizza to every table the whole week?
A: Yes.
Q: Any pizza? Or do you pick one and serve it to everybody?
A: Any pizza on the menu.
Q: For real?
A: Laughter.
If you’re not yet convinced that this “deal” is worth it, check out the in-depth Pizza Magazine article describing Tutta Bella’s Neapolitan pizzas (and salads, and pastas, and hand-made desserts), authentic ingredients, as well as their commitment to using local, organic ingredients when appropriate. And then there’s the 90-second, 800 degree not-so-slow-cooking pizza baking method. The full article is here. Flip through to pages 58-68.
Jennifer thinks the tiramisu is the best item on Tutta Bella’s menu. Tutta Bella’s Brand Manager, Karen Stutesman, says the tiramisu is the best dessert item on the menu.
They can both be right, yeah?
Buon appetito!
Tutta Bella owner, Joe Fugere, is meeting with President Obama today in Pioneer Square. Who says he’s lost his political capital??!!
It’s true! Walked in about 5:35pm and waited less than 10 minutes for a table. I got my glass of wine before happy hour finished. The pizza, although free, took some time due to the crowd.
Thanks for the confirmation, Stacey!
My family went last night – had to wait for a table cuz it was mobbed. But the service was surprisingly quick and attentive given how busy they were. Also – and this is the best part – we ordered 3 pizzas and assumed they would probably take off the least expensive one. But wrong – they gave us the most expensive one free! Nice job, Tutta Bella – you know how to keep customers coming (thus the massive crowd on a Monday night).