The vegan turned me on to Via 313 because she was a fan of the vegan offering that she tasted at the original trailer on East 6th Street. I must admit that I had a sneaking suspicion that the non-vegan option was going to taste like shoe leather and seriously lack the properties that make up a quality slice of pie. Let me be the first to say that I WAS WRONG. Via 313 is Heaven on a plate covered with the creamiest of melted cheese, tangiest sauce, and spicy pepperoni that this Carnivore has ever enjoyed. Perhaps even more impressive is the crispy crust that, while it holds the toppings and cheese perfectly, seems to melt in your mouth the moment that you close your lips after each glorious bite. To say it is the best pizza I have ever eaten is an understatement.
Last night’s visit to the 45th street brick and mortar location was spectacular. We treated the vegan’s Grand Parents to our favorite pizza joint and they were blown away. I even caught Grandma slicing off the edges of the crust with a knife and fork because she enjoyed the “pizza bones” so much that she couldn’t help herself. I don’t mind telling you that watching a “sweet old lady” of nearly 80 years enjoy a slice of pizza with a smile from ear to ear was, in my opinion, priceless.
In honor of this review, my pizza selection was The Carnivore. I normally just order the original pepperoni pie but have to say that I will forever choose The Carnivore going forward. The ham and bacon complement the two types of pepperoni so well that I found it difficult to save a piece to bring home to enjoy as my Sunday morning breakfast. On a side note, I recommend the broccoli and cauliflower appetizer. This vegan friendly dish is one that even the most ardent of carnivores can support. Via 313 scores 4 cow faces from this carnivore. I can’t wait to return.
I’m not entirely sure how to follow my carnivorous companion’s review but I’ll give it a shot. My favorite food growing up was pizza and when I decided to become vegan in 2006 I figured that I had to say goodbye to that chapter of my life. And honestly I did for a while. Sure there were “options” but none were satisfactory. That’s when I turned to tacos.
Now days there are plenty of dairy-free cheeses on the market and they are leaps and bounds from those humble beginnings. Even so, Via 313 takes it to the next level. Not only is the crust amazing as my grandmother raved, the toppings are just as intriguing. First the cheese, listed as “dairy free” on the menu is melty and tastes like Follow Your Heart pizzeria blend; however, I have never confirmed the brand. Also, you may think that I would only have vegetable options but you would be incorrect. Besides the typical mushroom and black olives that I normally would order, Via 313 now offers a tempeh “sausage” that is delicious and makes a vegan feel less like the odd woman out even in a “Keep Austin Weird” culture.
That said, we did go for the broccoli and cauliflower appetizer and you should too!
It should also be mentioned that our guests ordered the omnivore which was a nice middle ground for the rest of the world who aren’t nearly as dichotomous as we are. They loved it and said next time they came to town it wouldn’t be primarily to visit their favorite granddaughter! This is why I must grant this meal a full five rutabagas.
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