The first two week after moving to Vermont I was required to quarantine per the State’s covid/health guidlines. This meant I couldn’t go to the grocery store, order carryout, or really even leave my apartment. Luckily, I am living on a small farm and source much of my produce from here. However, none of that satisfied my pizza cravings – which felt more pronounced than usual (isolation drives my need for comfort food).
So I began hunting for places I could pick up a pie when I was deemed Covid free and I stumbled across Folino’s Pizza in Shelburne, Vermont. It had come well recommended by some co-workers and seemed to have all the requirements of a Bailey approved pizza place. The variety of topping and specialty pizzas is what really impressed me – everything ranging from sweet potato to asparagus to more classic favorites like onions and olives.
Most importantly though, they had gluten free crust (which they offer to bake in foil for a charge) and house made vegan cashew cheez sauce (+ $1.00 on any pizza). The expansive topping selection also contains vegan sausage crumbles which I don’t usually go for but is generally a good sign. So I was pretty sold. This would be my first real Vermont pizza experience, and I was not disappointed. I have been back once since the first time and was even more impressed the second go round. My two roommates (meat, gluten and dairy eaters) also love it. It is the easy take out go to for all of us, which is nice because it is only 5 minutes away.
Their covid response has also been pretty admirable. They offer take out and dine in by reservation only. Both times I went to pick up pizza it seemed like there was a lot of distance between groups of diners and everyone was taking proper precautions. I am not particularly keen on dining in right now, but I know it is important for some individuals and businesses right now.
But enough about that. Lets talk about the pizza.
The first time I went I got The Vegan Supreme : tomato sauce base, housemade cashew cheese, veggie sausage, bell peppers, red onions (top of page). I subbed the peppers for olives however. The crust had a really nice flavor and chewy texture, but was a bit under done. I also actually enjoyed the vegan meat crumbles. The texture was undetectable and the flavor was subtle yet had a nice ‘Italian Sausage’ (aka fennel heavy) taste. The sauce was sweet yet hearty and the cashew cheez was a nice addition, but there definitely could have been more of it.
The second time I got The Veggie : olive oil base, greens, roasted sweet potatoes, tomatoes, red onions, balsamic, four cheese blend but subbed the cashew cheez and added pineapple (above). This go round I wised up and asked them to make my pizza crispy. This was the trick! My pizza came out perfect. Crust was perfectly crispy and almost browned at the edges but still chewy and soft where it needed to be. This time they also gave me plenty (and I mean PLENTY) of the cashew cheez. It really brought it up a notch. The thin sweet potato slices were a really nice addition but definitely could have been more roasted. Still I thought they paired really well with the balsamic and pineapple (kudos to me).
Overall both times, the pizza really hit the spot. And I am excited to keep going back and see what crazy flavor combinations I can try! So here is my definitive rating:
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 8/10
- Price: 7/10
- Overall: 8/10
Green and Gluten Free 