Pele's Wood Fire - Park and King

[tufsu1]

Glad to hear that you were generally impressed/pleased!

[Kay]

Although not sure I'd want to date you 

[Captain Zissou]

The feelings are mutual, Kay, no worries.

What I meant by that was, in order to really enjoy the restaurant on a date setting, you'd end up with a $100 tab and enough food for 4 people.

For me an ideal date restaurant allows you to get 3 courses (at least 1 app or an app and salads, 2 entrees, and a dessert), not have any leftovers, and keep food costs at or below $60.  As long as you're not getting surf and turf, you can do that at most places around town. I have an issue with large portions of my discretionary income being spent on something I stuff my face with, so I keep the $100 meals to a minimum if possible.

If the pizzas were $10-$12 and smaller, I could justify splitting two and getting appetizers and dessert. There is no reason for 2 people to get 2 pizzas, because the things are big and pricey. The fact that most of the appetizers are around $15 (for now at least) limits things as well. However, limiting yourself to one pizza really leaves you unsatisfied. 

If I hadn't been able to sample 3 pizzas, 2 desserts, and 2 apps, I don't know that I would have spoken so highly of the restaurant.  That is why I said it was better for groups than for dates, that's all.

[floridaforester]

My wife and I had been wanting to try Pele's since they opened (seems like weeks ago) and happened to be driving by today at lunch.  There were people at the bar and in several of the booths that we saw while walking by so I assumed they were open.  We walked inside and were immediately told that we needed reservations to eat.  I'm sorry but what is that all about?  They honestly turned away two customers when the place was 20% occupied (if that) at 1:30 on a Monday afternoon because we didn't have reservations?!?

Not a good impression for someone that lives 3 blocks away and can be quite vocal with an opinion about establishments in the neighborhood.  I would think they could have used some discretion and seated us.  We went to Carmine's and got the same great service and food that we always do.  It will be a long time, if at all, before I go back and spend money at Pele's.  They are obviously not Riverside people.

[fieldafm]

Unless something changed today, Pele's isn't open for lunch yet.

[JaxJerry]

You know what happens when you assume?

[Live_Oak]

They'll be open for lunch on Wednesday the 11th.

[ben says]

My wife and I had been wanting to try Pele's since they opened (seems like weeks ago) and happened to be driving by today at lunch.  There were people at the bar and in several of the booths that we saw while walking by so I assumed they were open.  We walked inside and were immediately told that we needed reservations to eat.  I'm sorry but what is that all about?  They honestly turned away two customers when the place was 20% occupied (if that) at 1:30 on a Monday afternoon because we didn't have reservations?!?

Not a good impression for someone that lives 3 blocks away and can be quite vocal with an opinion about establishments in the neighborhood.  I would think they could have used some discretion and seated us.  We went to Carmine's and got the same great service and food that we always do.  It will be a long time, if at all, before I go back and spend money at Pele's.  They are obviously not Riverside people.

As some people have commented, I do not believe they are open for lunch. I'm going tonight to check the place out.

On another note, I can't help but thinking most if not all of these negative Yelp/Urbanspoon reviews are by people who don't really understand authentic Italian fare. Some of the complaints I've seen are "not enough toppings," when Neapolitan pizzas are supposed to be under-dressed. Another complaint: "the ham was too fatty"...proscuitto is supposed to be fatty. Another one: "some of the pizza was burnt"...again, Neapolitan pizza is supposed to be charred on multiple spots. Another one that really bothers me: "limited menu"...they are hardly even open people...

I want this place to succeed....REAL bad...so I look forward to tonight so I can give an honest review on the food...not some half-baked and reactionary response about "charred pizza" or "too little toppings."

[ben says]

Thanks for the review Captain Zissou. I'm going there after work with some coworkers and I'll be sure to get the goat cheese and pesto pizza and check out their beer selection.

How was your experience?

[RockStar]

So it was reservations only and you didn't have a reservation and you're mad at them? I don't get it. They may have been training staff, doing a practice lunch service on friends and family, etc.

It takes the same energy to ASSUME the worst about the situation as it does to assume something positive. Give them some time. And when you're being vocal, try and find something nice to say.

These guys have invested a huge amount of themselves into making this venture a positive impact on the neighborhood. If you live 3 blocks aways, (I do as well), you should be excited about it. But rather you come on here to rant that you'll probably never give them another chance to win your business because of some perceived slight? Again, I don't get it.

Riverside people? Puhleeeese.

[thekillingwax]

They are obviously not Riverside people.

Startin' to sound like a good thing to me.

[ben says]

Just got back from Pele's...Was there with a party of 6.

Pro:
Gorgeous, and I mean gorgeous interior. Great place to put a restaurant, and Pele's design team did a fantastic job. It's a big restaurant, but it feels "just right"...really beautiful.

Con:
Wow...ok.

1) Margherita sauce was completely flavorless and very watery. I mean really really flavorless/watery. I've been eating Pele's for 2 years, and never has it come as close to tasting so bland. Highly disappointed, considering the Margherita has always been my go-to pie.

2) Where's the salt??? I'm not salt freak, but everything, with the exception of one pie (the salumi), needed salt.

3) I tried the wings at the urging of many who have been to Pele's so far. Again, completely flavorless. Not sure what the big deal is with these things. Tasted like they were sitting on a bunch of burnt-out coals, plain and simple. Also, they weren't cooked enough...the skin was gummy and peeling off. I understand baking is healthier than frying, but if you're going to bake wings, make sure the skin is crispy.

4) Had to ask the staff, two different waiters, three times, to refill my water, and to bring napkins. WAY too many waiters in this place. Never knew who to ask for what, and there was no communication. We had three of our party waiting up front because the hostess told them the party wasn't there yet. Meanwhile, we waited 20 minutes to make the connection that 1/2 our party was sitting up front.

5) The bread they serve at the beginning...why? Cold and tasteless.

6) Pizza dough was way too soft on all but one of our pies. At an oven that holds such a consistent temperature, I'm very surprised all the pies came out differently. Funny how most of the yelp and urbanspoon reviews over talking about "over-charred"...my experience was quite the opposite.

7) The home-made pasta, which three of the party of 6 ordered, was all around pretty bland. The filling in the manicotti tasted like I could make it at home. And, while I appreciate the idea of homemade pasta, the taste didn't work, and the texture was even worse. Ask any born and raised Italian what kind of pasta they prefer, and they'll all (nearly guarantee this) say they prefer boxed pasta. If you're going to make home-made pasta, make it good...melt in your mouth good.

All in all, VERY disappointed. I love these guys, and have been eating their pies for 2 years. I wouldn't shut up to family and friends with the "try Pele's." I recognize and understand how important this restaurant is to Riverside. I WANT them to succeed. But, and this is coming from someone who is extremely easy to please, this place needs work. Once everyone gets off their "this is a beautiful place" high, and starts realizing the food is mediocre at best, they may find themselves in quite a bit of trouble. I won't be going back for another month or two, if at all. Sucks, because I have family coming in from Sicily, and I was hoping this place would be a top-teir establishment.

I hope Pele's ownership and management is reading these Yelp and Urbanspoon reviews...

[thekillingwax]

Yeah, I'm gonna have to pass on it for a few months at least. Between the comments here, elsewhere online and my co-workers, it sounds really underwhelming. Then again, I might not really be the target audience for this kind of thing. We put up with a bunch of BS to get "super authentic" pizza from Antico in Atlanta and I was really pissed afterwards, I'd hate to repeat it.

[Lucasjj]

2) Where's the salt??? I'm not salt freak, but everything, with the exception of one pie (the salumi), needed salt.

3) I tried the wings at the urging of many who have been to Pele's so far. Again, completely flavorless. Not sure what the big deal is with these things. Tasted like they were sitting on a bunch of burnt-out coals, plain and simple. Also, they weren't cooked enough...the skin was gummy and peeling off. I understand baking is healthier than frying, but if you're going to bake wings, make sure the skin is crispy.

7) The home-made pasta, which three of the party of 6 ordered, was all around pretty bland. The filling in the manicotti tasted like I could make it at home. And, while I appreciate the idea of homemade pasta, the taste didn't work, and the texture was even worse. Ask any born and raised Italian what kind of pasta they prefer, and they'll all (nearly guarantee this) say they prefer boxed pasta. If you're going to make home-made pasta, make it good...melt in your mouth good.

A couple friends of mine, who are both sous chefs, went there the previous week and made the exact same three complaints.

[Gonzo]

Ben,

At least you gave it a try and gave your honest opinion afterwards. that is really all anyone can ask. I can tell you my experience was much different on both occassions I have been to the restaurant in the past two weeks.

2) Where's the salt??? I'm not salt freak, but everything, with the exception of one pie (the salumi), needed salt.

I have been to many upscale restaurnats that do not place salt shakers on the table. If memory serves, Bistro Aix does not put salt on the table either. However, as it is a common cooking staple, it is always avaialbel upon request. Just ask and I am sure someone would have brought you some.

3) I tried the wings at the urging of many who have been to Pele's so far. Again, completely flavorless. Not sure what the big deal is with these things. Tasted like they were sitting on a bunch of burnt-out coals, plain and simple. Also, they weren't cooked enough...the skin was gummy and peeling off. I understand baking is healthier than frying, but if you're going to bake wings, make sure the skin is crispy.

Again, my experience was completely different -- as were several of my friends'. I found the wings to have a wonderful lemony flavor with a hint of spiciness. The wings I got were fall off the bone tender and perfect. You may have gotten a bad batch. I am never shy about sending something back if it is not done properly.

4) Had to ask the staff, two different waiters, three times, to refill my water, and to bring napkins. WAY too many waiters in this place. Never knew who to ask for what, and there was no communication. We had three of our party waiting up front because the hostess told them the party wasn't there yet. Meanwhile, we waited 20 minutes to make the connection that 1/2 our party was sitting up front.

We had the opposite here, too. Our water was refilled so often that I doubt that the level in my glass ever fell an inch below the rim of the glass. Napkins were not an issue either. And regarding the rest of your party, I generally watch for friends that I am expecting. The hostesses, while they should have done a better job at connecting you to your party, are generally slammed with trying to get names taken to add to the waiting list and seating people. Not to mention, the bar area has been truly packed every time I have been there which makes it even more difficult to match mixed parties. In many upscale restaurants they won't even seat you unless your entire party is there.

5) The bread they serve at the beginning...why? Cold and tasteless.

I'm not sure what bread you got, but the bread I got was wonderfully soft in the middle and perfectly crunchy on the outside. I will admit that it was served cold, but that is the case in most of the restaurants I ate at in Italy, too.

6) Pizza dough was way too soft on all but one of our pies. At an oven that holds such a consistent temperature, I'm very surprised all the pies came out differently. Funny how most of the yelp and urbanspoon reviews over talking about "over-charred"...my experience was quite the opposite.

I can't speak to this other than to say it sounds like someone may have taken your pizzas out of the oven a tad early.

7) The home-made pasta, which three of the party of 6 ordered, was all around pretty bland. The filling in the manicotti tasted like I could make it at home. And, while I appreciate the idea of homemade pasta, the taste didn't work, and the texture was even worse. Ask any born and raised Italian what kind of pasta they prefer, and they'll all (nearly guarantee this) say they prefer boxed pasta. If you're going to make home-made pasta, make it good...melt in your mouth good.

Again, I can't speak to this because I have not had the pasta yet. But, as soon as I do I will report back. I do however find it hard to beleive that any self-respecting Italian would prefer boxed over fresh-made pasta.

All in all, VERY disappointed. I love these guys, and have been eating their pies for 2 years. I wouldn't shut up to family and friends with the "try Pele's." I recognize and understand how important this restaurant is to Riverside. I WANT them to succeed. But, and this is coming from someone who is extremely easy to please, this place needs work. Once everyone gets off their "this is a beautiful place" high, and starts realizing the food is mediocre at best, they may find themselves in quite a bit of trouble. I won't be going back for another month or two, if at all. Sucks, because I have family coming in from Sicily, and I was hoping this place would be a top-teir establishment.

I hope Pele's ownership and management is reading these Yelp and Urbanspoon reviews...

Believe me, they are and are working very hard to shore up the weaknesses. They are still a very new restaurant and are getting thier feet underneath themselves. Other than a chain restaurant that has step-by-step proceedures in place for everything from cooking the food to scrubbing the toilet, it takes a while to get everything just right. The folks at Pele's want to be top-notch and are working hard to get there. I say give them a month and try them again. I think you will be surprised at the difference.