S1, E53: Pizza Nono/ Nona Bistro - Will McMaster
Salt Lake City's culinary scene is undergoing a remarkable transformation, blending nostalgia with innovation to create a dynamic food culture that is both cherished and groundbreaking. In this episode, we embark on a journey with a young entrepreneur whose passion for pizza has breathed new life into the city's dining landscape. From the early days of Lita's Pizza Classic to the award-winning Pizza Nono and the vibrant Nona Bistro, we trace the path of a culinary visionary dedicated to perfecting the art of pizza-making.
The episode begins by exploring the bustling Ninth South corridor, a vibrant area that has become a hotspot for food enthusiasts. This part of Salt Lake City is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and community spirit. Once home to mundane office buildings, it is now a thriving hub of eateries and cafes. Highlights include favorite spots like Loki Coffee and Central Ninth Market, where locals gather to enjoy a diverse range of culinary delights. The transformation of these buildings into beloved community spaces underscores the city's growth and the creation of vibrant communities around new real estate projects.
Next, the podcast delves into the world of pizza memories, taking listeners on a nostalgic journey through childhood favorites and iconic local spots. Establishments like the Pizza Oven and Ratskeller in Sugar House are fondly remembered, reflecting the deep-rooted love for pizza in the community. The episode balances these memories with a discussion on the broader food landscape, emphasizing the simple pleasures of fast food favorites like McDonald's. This segment celebrates the community's passionate opinions on what makes the best pizza, highlighting the local recognition of top pizzerias in Salt Lake City.
The entrepreneurial journey from New York to Salt Lake City is a central theme of the episode. The young entrepreneur's story begins with homemade pizza experiments and evolves into mastering the complexities of a wood-fired oven. His path is marked by challenges and rewards, drawing parallels with the process of home brewing beer. The narrative takes us through vibrant neighborhoods in New York City, where life in places like Chinatown and Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, shaped his culinary vision. The return to Salt Lake City, driven by the financial crisis and the need for more space, marked the beginning of a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. Starting a consulting business allowed him to work independently and creatively, laying the groundwork for his future ventures.<br><br>The podcast then focuses on the practical aspects of opening a wood-fired pizza restaurant. The importance of decisiveness and overcoming self-doubt is emphasized, along with the challenges of building out a restaurant space and navigating permits and health department regulations. Scaling up pizza production from a home kitchen to a commercial setting involves mastering dough fermentation and maintaining quality, a process supported by insights from early employees with industry experience. The passion for pizza-making and the blend of art and science required to create high-quality dough are central to this segment, showcasing the dedication and creativity involved in the culinary endeavor.
As the episode progresses, it explores the vibrant and evolving food scene in Salt Lake City. Cooking with a wood-fired oven and creating a rustic, small plates menu are highlighted, along with the integral role of Sarah Winward in designing the space and enhancing its natural beauty. The rich history and ongoing transformation of the area are discussed, with notable establishments like Forage, Mateo, and Manolis contributing to the dynamic food culture. The concept of 'adult nights out,' reminiscent of pre-pandemic Portland and Brooklyn, underscores the city's growth into a hub for food, art, and community energy.
Nostalgia and preservation are key themes in the latter part of the episode. A nostalgic walk through Salt Lake City's neighborhoods evokes memories of local grocery stores like Buy-Rite and the simple joys of walkability. The charm and community feel of areas like 15th and 15th are celebrated, along with the potential for similar development in the Marmalade district. Unique spots such as Allen Park, affectionately known as Hobbitville, are highlighted for their blend of art, nature, and history. The importance of maintaining walkable, community-oriented spaces amidst modern development is emphasized, celebrating the distinctive character of Salt Lake City.
The excitement surrounding new developments is palpable as the episode discusses the growth and transformation of downtown, particularly focusing on the upcoming opening of "Notes," a natural wine and small plates extension of Nona Bistro. This new venture aims to offer a cozy, aperitivo-style spot for a glass of wine and a bite before a night out. Personal passions, such as being part of a dad band, add a multifaceted dimension to the narrative, showcasing the diverse lives led outside of the restaurant scene.
The episode concludes with a reflection on the joys and challenges of running multiple restaurant locations. The rewarding experience of making pizza dough every morning is described as both meditative and a return to the roots of pizza-making. The diverse roles involved in managing a restaurant, from cooking to accounting, are touched upon, highlighting the creative satisfaction that comes from hands-on work. The success of the new bistro in Salt Lake and the anticipation of upcoming additions to the pizza menu are celebrated, ending the episode on a note of gratitude and eagerness for future endeavors.
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