That’s amore! And amore is what I’m feeling for Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub. Tucked away in a shopping strip in Westlake I found what is so far my favorite cheese pizza in Austin. It’s a white pizza, with olive oil, garlic and mozzarella, fontina, provolone and parmesan. Simple, garlicky, delicious. This is not your average, kids’ table cheese pizza. When I set out to write a post for the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide 2014, I knew I had to include Marye’s, if only because I can’t stop thinking about that cheese pizza.
Don’t let this pie’s plain look fool you. It’s delightfully flavorful.
This cheese pizza is so good, that for three visits I didn’t order anything else. On the fourth trip, I was compelled by the inner voice of reason to order a salad, as I needed to “eat my vegetables.” And so I learned that their salads are fresh, crisp creations with lovely housemade dressings. The Pear & Gorgonzola salad is mixed greens, pear, chunks of gorgonzola, a scattering of salty bacon and red onion, dressed with a perfect raspberry vinaigrette. I’m not a salad dressing kind of girl. I’m not even a salad lover. But the freshness of the ingredients, and the quality of Marye’s housemade dressings has me hooked. I’ve ordered a salad with every pizza since that first crunchy bite.
The Spinach Salad has toasted almonds along with Granny Smith apple slices, bacon and onion.
Marye’s has been a fixture in Westlake for two decades, but went through a redesign last year, with new owners. Carefully sourcing ingredients, they feature local seasonal items as specials on their menu. Their sauces, pizza dough and salad dressings are handmade daily. The menu has a mix of long term favorites, and new additions of appetizers and desserts. Let me share three words which will have you rethinking the portion size of your entree: homemade ice cream. Made with organic vanilla bean, you know you’ll love it whether paired with a slice of cake or turnover, or a simple scoop topped with chocolate and nuts.
Sandwiches and pizza make up the bulk of the menu at Marye’s. I’ve yet to venture into the sandwich section, as I’m so enamored with the pizza, but I’ve had my eye on the Three Little Pigs, a prosciutto de Parma, Sopressata, Canadian bacon, pepperoni creation with house-made mozzarella, tomatoes and homemade French bread spread with olive tapenade. Sounds decadent, yes?
Veggie lovers will fall for the Nature’s Treat pie, with tomatoes, organic baby spinach, mushrooms, red onion, red and green bell pepper, garlic and olive oil.
You can create your own pizza, but the house specialties are tried and true variations of flavor. Meat lovers can find the Mother Lode (pepperoni, sausage, ground sirloin, Canadian bacon, onions, mushrooms, green and red bell peppers) and a kicked up Southwest pie (ancho chile sauce, olive oil, chicken, tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, cheddar and corn chutney) among the carnivorious offerings. Vegetarians aren’t left out, with five specialty pies. Gluten-Free folks can order their pizza with GF crust (sandwiches can be made with GF bread), and Vegans should know that Marye’s also works with Vegan cheese.
To make your meal even more memorable, in addition to the sunlit, airy dining space, Marye’s offers organic milk for the young ones, the usual selection of soft drinks and iced tea, coffee, wine and beer. Yes, local craft beer is available, and often on special at $2.50 a pint. Call ahead to order a take and bake lasagna (meat or veggie) or pizza, and make mealtime at home easy on a hectic day.
Must try salad: Marye’s salad, a popular plateful of organic spring mix, romaine, organic wild baby arugula, Granny Smith apples, onions, organic caramelized pecans, feta and vinaigrette.
Pizza not to be passed up: The Stack: liberal amounts of pepperoni, mushrooms, Italian sausage and black olives, this will quickly become your favorite.
Location: 3663 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 4G. Marye’s is located across the parking lot from Breed & Co., and next door to the fabulous Vom Fass (stop in if you have a moment).
Catering: Marye’s offers catering, with delivery on orders of $100 or more. For more information, or for take & bake orders call (512) 327-5222.
When can I sample their deliciousness? Marye’s Gourmet Pizza Pub is open Mon – Thurs from 11am to 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm, and Sun 11am – 8pm. Pizza is served by the slice from 11am – 6pm.
WiFi: Yes! Look for the password at the counter when you order.
Website: www.maryesgourmetpizza.com
Social Media: Friend them on Facebook to be in the know on promotions, and specials, including their very much in demand but only available in season Farmer’s Market Brussels Sprouts. They are working on becoming active on Twitter, and perhaps if you follow them it will help them find their pathway.
