Pimento’s Mobile Pizzeria
Bridgeland/Renfrew, Calgary
(403) 515-0065

Signature Dish: Italian Cowboy
Dinner & drinks for 2: $18
Rating: *** 1/2

Many Calgarians who lamented when Pimento’s Pizzeria closed its doors in Bridgeland can rejoice once again. The former takeout place has been reborn in an old bread delivery van outfitted with a wood-burning oven.

On Friday and Saturday nights (and for certain special requests), Chef Mario will park the van outside your home and make thin-crust creations from scratch.

There is a catch: Pimento’s currently only serves the northeast area of Bridgeland and Renfrew (though Chef Mario can be sweet-talked into crossing those boundaries for big parties and festivals).

Suddenly, visiting a friend who lives in a lovely Bridgeland condo became a priority. I finagled an invitation and on the appointed evening, the van pulled up outside her building.

In the vehicle’s tiny kitchen, Chef Mario holds court, slicing red peppers, telling jokes, and kneading and hand-tossing the fresh dough.

The Capricciosa ($16/$20/$25) is full of bocconcini, prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, artichokes and black olives, topped with fresh basil. The pomodoro sauce is made simply with Italian organic tomatoes, garlic, and salt. The Napoletana ($12/$14/$17) sings with anchovies, capers, garlic, and oregano.

Chef Mario also does full catering, including delicious Italian appetizers, from his van.

Dining out

Big band brunch
Enjoy a buffet brunch and a 20-piece big band at the Ironwood Stage & Grill (1429 9th Ave. S.E.) this Saturday and next Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults, and $15 for students & children. Call (403) 269-5581 for more information.