141.0…Pizza Hype

Last night, we finally made it to Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizzeria in Encinitas for dinner. We had tried going awhile back with Joe & Alicia but the wait was too long. We had heard so many good things about it. We got there super early for dinner and got a table just in time before a line formed outside. 

My husband and I split the LIttle Gems Caesar Salad (with garlicky bread crumbs & parmigiano reggiano) to start:

It wasn't the best Caesar salad but it was good. 

I was most excited to dig into the pizzas! The four of us ordered four different pizzas to try. I chose the "Red Oak" (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, San Daniele Proscuitto and arugula):

It was good but I felt the arugula needed to be tossed in a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It was missing something.

Alicia chose the "Classic" (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, fennel sausage and crimini mushrooms):

This one was probably the best of the ones we chose. 

My husband chose the "Blue Ribbon - Extra Blue Ribbon" (with cherry tomatoes and parmigiano reggiano):

This was the only one my husband would eat (picky eater) so I didn't try this one. Wouldn't want to steal pizza from him. :)

Joe chose the "Signature" (lemon EVOO, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, parmigiano reggiano, lemon zest, red onion and basil):

This one had a unique flavor which I enjoyed. Overall, I liked each pizza but I couldn't quite understand all the hype. I think Alicia and Joe made better pizzas when I was over there for dinner last time! 

Here's where Blue Ribbon redeemed themselves: dessert. I had heard many wonderful things about their Butterscotch Pudding (with sea salted caramel & fresh whipped cream):

This definitely lived up to the hype. It was incredible. I would go there just for the butterscotch pudding. Delish!

Breakfast this morning was scrambled egg beaters with chicken sausage, salsa, cheddar cheese and parsley. 

I took Arnold in to get spayed. Poor girl. She's going to have to have a cone around her head for two weeks. 

I went to the gym and came home. Today is the last day of spring break for the kids so I'm trying to get the house cleaned up a bit before all the madness starts again.

Lunch was a repeat of yesterday. I can't help it….it's so good and filling! Tuna salad, veggies, ranch dressing and Mexican Bean Salad.

When was the last time a restaurant didn't live up to it's hype for you?

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