We are always on a quest to find the best slice of pizza in Chicago, which often leads us to explore eccentric, unconventional, and even surprising options.
Recently, Max Robbins, the Culinary Director at Lettuce Entertain You, launched a Chef Pizza Series in collaboration with WG Pizzas and Alex’s Washington Gardens. This monthly series brings together some of Chicago’s most esteemed chefs, presenting their unique pizza interpretations.
The series kicked off last month with Robbins’ signature “Pizza A La Vodka,” which combines traditional Italian flavors with the classic tavern-style. This pizza is topped with vodka sauce, Calabrian chilies, basil, smoked mozzarella, and Parmesan. After a successful launch, this pizza is now permanently available.
Max Robbins, the Culinary Director at Lettuce Entertain You, said:
I used to go to Alex’s Washington Gardens and order their pasta with vodka sauce. It was my favorite dish as a kid, and it holds nostalgic value for me. I wanted to keep my pizza simple and classic.
Alex’s Washington Gardens has been in Highwood since its start in 1982. However, its history of serving tavern-style pizza dates back to 1944—when it became the first restaurant in Lake County to offer pizza.
WG Pizzas is a new delivery and carryout restaurant specializing in tavern-style pizzas located in Avondale. It serves signature crispy, cracker-thin crust pizzas, made famous by its sister restaurant, Alex’s Washington Gardens.
This March, Chef Won Kim of Kimski and Lilac Tiger will be stepping into the spotlight. The chef (who also designed the WG Pizzas logo) introduced the Black Truffle & Mushroom pizza. This creation is far from your average pie.
It features layers of black truffle, miso cream sauce, and a sautéed four-star mushroom medley. And if that doesn’t convince you, it’s also topped with caramelized onions, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a balsamic glaze. Our mouths are watering just thinking about the slice.
Who will be featured in the Chef Pizza Series?
March — Kim from Kimski & Lilac Tiger presented the Black Truffle & Mushroom pizza.
April — Javauneeka Jacobs, Sous Chef at Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill, will showcase her culinary talents.
May — Billy Zureikat, known as Billy Z, will present his signature Tripping Billy Pizza.
June — Ivan Valdez, the executive chef and owner of Taquizas Valdez, a popular new Mexican restaurant in Irving Park, will be featured.
July — Mike Quinlan, the owner and beer director of Links Taproom & Brewery, will debut a special “Chicago Steak & Ale” pizza.
August — Charles Wong of Umamicue, which specializes in Central Texas barbecue with Vietnamese and Chinese influences, will be in the spotlight.