Under Pressure

I haven't visited the area of Queen & Bathurst much since the pandemic closed my Yoga studio. So on Saturday, I walked there to try a vegan pizza from plant-based Pizzeria Du now that Virtuous Pie has closed. On the way, I passed by Alexandra Park which, like other parks in the city, has become little tent cities for indigents. But here they weren't clustered together but spread throughout the park. It might explain why there were few park visitors except for families with kids by the playground.

I ordered the Florence ($15) and the 10" pie came out smaller than expected, closer to a personal pan pizza. It was a nice lunch with a good crust and piled generously with mushrooms, shallots, grape tomatoes, and pesto sauce. But overall, it was disappointing given the price to food ratio ($19 with tax and tip). The crust had a good chew (better than Virtuous Pie) but middle-of-the-pack for Toronto. I was hoping for more given articles highlighting the fact that the chef (who had passed away suddenly) spent two years perfecting it. The toppings were surprisingly bland for sun-dried tomatoes and pickled shallots. The mushrooms lacked an enticing earthiness; perhaps they should have been grilled separately. The only note-worthy ingredient was the almond and cashew ricotta which had a rich and creamy texture.

If someone was strictly vegan, then this would be a good visit. Otherwise, you could find or assemble a vegetarian pizza from any number of better candidates.