Blue Velvet Artisan Pizza & Pastry lab review

Mile end and specifically Henley Beach Road houses some secret gems of delicious exotic cuisine, ranging from sweet to savoury. The one eatery that seemed to satisfy every member of my family was Bruxelles Creperie, whose sweet and savoury dishes hit the spot no matter what time of day. Dare I say, in its location has opened a new eatery offering an experience just as unique.

Albeit the restaurant's name is a bit of a mouthful, it does have a nice ring to it and describes the experience in a neat little title. The beautiful blue structures against the rustic brown of the coffee machine in the window and the colour of the lettering draws you in, making you want to know what's going on in there.

Unfortunately, the dining area is closed off and their dessert windows are not stocked up like they usually would be but what was there looked delicious. More Importantly, where there was a wall separating the front of house and the kitchen is knocked down to make way for an amazing pizza oven and an open kitchen layout.

Menu

Blue Velvet's menu boasts some interesting combinations to make some delicious flavours, with their most expensive pizza being $24 (the one I have my eye on next time). All their individual pizzas are 11 inches. A popular choice for customers seems to be the Pizza alla pala, a square-shaped sheet pan pizza perfect for two people, with maximum two toppings. It seems to save you a couple of dollars and the person you're dining with will be satisfied, as they can choose their one topping, even if it's all for you (double satisfaction).

I am not the biggest fan of desserts but knowing I had to pick one out, the cheesecake at the display seemed to call my name almost, it looked that good.

I walked out of the store with a Margherita pizza, a cheesecake tropicana with crushed pistachios on top and a blood orange soda for $37.50.

Food

Opening that pizza box when I came home, I saw exactly what I wanted to see. That margherita pizza had the exact right amount of sauce without the dough going soggy, right amount of mozarella and fior di latte (have to respect the combo of both). As it comes out of the oven, it is drizzled sparingly with olive oil. Every bite tasted just as good as the last one. Their crust I have to admit, is one of the best I have had ever. It is the dough and crust you strive to make at home, when you envision perfect dough, this is what you envision. What made the the pizza one of the best for me was the char on the bottom of the crust. Each bite of the charred crust, paired so well with the acidity of the San Marzano tomatoes, it cannot be put into words. That ain't burnt, there is a strategy to this crust (and notice how there is little to no grease in that box).

That cheesecake Tropicana was the ultimate pièce de résistance to that pizza. As I was waiting for my pizza, the woman by the desk explained how she makes the almond biscuit crumble and flambe meringue , which sold the cheesecake even more. Those elements added so much to the cheesecake, it made it irresistible. Its one resistible quality would probably be its price, in my opinion. $14 is not a crazy amount by any means but lowering that to maybe $12 or $10.50 like the tiramisu, the cheesecake would sell more. (Look at these layers.)

Pandemic or not, you need to make your way to 70 Henley Beach road, Mile End and try an amazing pizza and wonderful desserts. They absolutely deliver on their offerings. On my next visit, I have my eye set on that calzone and the salmon e rughetta. Blue Velvet offers up amazing pizza at an area where good quality traditional pizza is a little scarce and it stands out due its flavour and most of all, it is done with love!