Papa John's in Bangalore

On my trips to the U.S., I fell in love with Papa John’s pizzas. Every bite reinforced their claim of using the best quality ingredients and fresh doughs kneaded with mineral water. Back home, I tried to replicate the experience in everything from door-delivered pizzas to gourmet offerings at Mediterranean restaurants. But nothing matched up.

Till now. When I heard Papa John’s has finally arrived in my city, I scurried over to check it out. The interiors of the 1774 sq ft restaurant are bright and cheery, I noted distractedly as I studied the menu.

For non-vegetarians, there was Mexican Ole, Chicken BBQ, Hawaiian Volcano, Indian Splendour, Pepperoni Pizzazz and Chicken Florentine, but I was bowled over by the vegetarian options: Sweet Heat with jalapenos, red onions and pineapple, Rainbow Veggie with fresh red and green peppers and golden corn, Spring Fling, Veggie BBQ and several more. My fave was the Green Garden Delight, with mushrooms, black olives, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and a spinach alfredo sauce. There are also starters, salads and pastas.

Biting into the toothsome pizzas, I learnt that they use only fresh-packed tomato sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes and only mozzarella cheese. And the little things made a big difference: Two free pepperoncinis (a sweet green chilli pepper from Greece) to freshen the palate and a special garlic sauce to dip the crust in. The Very Berry Pie made for a super ending.

And you know what my fave song is nowadays? “I’m going for a pizza.” It’s better than Ibiza!

Papa John’s Pizza, Phoenix Idiom, Plot no. 35, Airport Road, Murugeshpalya (next to old Kemp Fort), Bangalore 72. Tel: 41507272. www.papajohnsindia.com. Pizzas range from Rs 75 to Rs 475.