Can I use the word “WOP” without offending my many Italian friends? Well…. in this case I don’t have a choice and if I offend you with the reference, then go down to 1216 - 9th Ave SE, walk upstairs and tell Executive Chef Angelo Contrada and his business partner Jesse Johnson how you feel. But while you’re there..... try the pizza!!

This is the latest homerun from the duo that brought us Sugo in 2001. WOP is located right next door to Sugo in the old Nectar Desserts space. The focal point of the restaurant (besides the great pizza and affordable wine and beer selection) is the “Ferrariesque” pizza oven that pounds out pizza at an astonishing pace. The beauty of the oven is that you get a perfect pizza in less than the time it takes to check the oil in your Pinto. The casual warmth of the room is immediate and you feel right at home. This is a spot you can come to in jeans and a t-shirt before a hockey game or dressed to the nines after a charity fundraiser.

Take a minute to peruse the online menu at their website, and make a trip down the next chance you get. The ingredients include Buffalo Mozzarella, the freshest Arugula and Basil, and Spicy Wild Boar Prosciutto, which I tried and it is amazing! You will agree that this is what pizza should be, warm, delicious and fun, like sitting in your Nona’s kitchen! Buon Appetito!

PS. If you run into me around town, ask me for one of the unique “gift certificates” for WOP, I’m gonna beg Ang and Jesse for a stock pile so I can keep one in my pocket all the time.