Introducing AUTOHELM: A Hoppy Amber Ale Brewed By Rising Tide in Collaboration with OTTO

Posted on December 4, 2014 by elshepherd

Everybody knows that pizza and beer go together like, well, pizza and beer. It’s a well-known fact that Portland, Maine has no shortage of either.

Rising Tide & OTTO: A match made in heaven

Starting December 10, in Maine, diners at OTTO will be able to pair their pie with Autohelm, a deliciously hoppy amber ale brewed by Rising Tide Brewing Company in collaboration with OTTO. By mid-December, OTTO diners in Massachusetts will be able to do the same.

This limited special collaboration will be available exclusively at OTTO.

Our neighbors at Rising Tide have been brewing beer about as long as we have been selling pizza. Both OTTO and Rising Tide have strikingly similar histories: Independent businesses launched by pairs of lifelong New Englanders with a passion for crafting artisanal provisions. Both pairs followed winding paths that led to their recent successes. Both, in just a handful of years, have become celebrated staples of the Portland food & drink scene. Both have recently cracked increasingly competitive markets out-of-state, while staying fiercely loyal to the home town. Both are also very committed to supporting local organizations and giving back to the communities in which they live and work.

OTTO’s Lindsey Gordon pours on the hops

While OTTO and Rising Tide have partnered on a number of occasions — road races, charity events, and other local initiatives — it wasn’t until fall of 2014 that the idea came up for an actual collaboration. It made complete sense. Soon the collaboration process began, and the brewing kicked off on November 12, with several OTTO team on site to assist.

Everyone at OTTO and Rising Tide looks forward to sharing the fruits of this exciting (and delicious) collaboration the public. The first keg will be tapped at a special kickoff event on Wednesday December 10 at our Munjoy Hill location (225 Congress Street, Portland). Rising Tide (and OTTO) brewers will be on the scene.

There will be swag.

Most importantly, there will be no shortage of delicious Portland-born pizza and beer.

OTTO & Rising Tide kicking off the brewing process

OTTO & Rising Tide kick off the brewing process

Two Ways to Give the Gift of OTTO (and One Way to Receive $500 in Pizza!)

Posted on November 13, 2014 by elshepherd

The bad news is that holiday shopping is stressful for millions of Americans. The good news is, um, who doesn’t love pizza?

In an effort to make it easy to give the gift of OTTO this holiday season, we have implemented a brand new super-easy gift card system that is fully integrated with each and every OTTO location, including delivery and online ordering! card_side-photo

Send an OTTO Gift Card via Email
If you’re like some of us, you may prefer to do your holiday shopping in your pajamas from the comfort of your home. Totally not a problem. Just go to ottoportland.com, click on the Gift Card banner, and order a gift card in any denomination to be delivered via email.

Gift Cards via email work pretty much like an Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. The gift-receiver will get a stylish, personalized email with all the details, and only needs to print out the email and show it when it’s time to pay. The 12-digit code in the email can also be used for phone orders or online orders. Recipients can go online to check their balances or to reload.

Did we mention that by simply purchasing a gift card online, you (yes, you, the gift-buyer) are automatically entered to win a $500 gift card of your very own? That’s, like, a large pizza every month for two whole years just for giving someone a really cool gift.

Or, Give the Gift of Plastic
If you’re like some of us who aren’t into computers and whatnot, you can give an old-fashioned gift card that can be kept in a wallet or purse (or in a sock, really — who are we to judge?).

Traditional gift cards can be purchased at any of our locations in Maine and Massachusetts. Simply ask your server, bartender, or cashier, and they’ll be happy to assist. Just like our E-Gift Cards, these can be purchased in any denomination, and can be redeemed (or reloaded) at any location — including online orders and phone orders.

See how easy that was? You’re all set! Enjoy the rest of the holiday season!

Slugger Walk Week: A Special Pizza, Wally The Green Monster & More!

Posted on May 2, 2014 by elshepherd

As the official carb-loading sponsor of Slugger the Sea Dog’s walk from Fenway Park to Hadlock Field for Tourette’s Syndrome, we’re pleased to announce some special events taking place at OTTO’s locations in Boston, Portland, and beyond.

Fundraiser for Tourette’s Syndrome: Featuring Wally the Green Monster (OTTO 888 Comm Ave)
On Monday, May 5, from 5-9pm, while Slugger is busy trekking from Fenway Park towards Portland, we will be holding a fundraiser at our BU location (888 Commonwealth Avenue) to help Slugger reach his goal of raising $20,000 to benefit The National Tourette Syndrome Association and Camp Twitch and Shout, a camp for children and teens with Tourette Syndrome. Since Slugger can’t be there himself, he’s asked his good pal Wally the Green Monster to come by. Wally will be on hand, cheering on his pal, posing for photos, and certainly scarfing down some pizza.

The Slugger Special: A One-of-a-Kind Pizza To Benefit Two Great Organizations (All Locations)
In honor of Slugger’s heroic walk, we will also be serving a very special pizza creation, The Slugger Special, from Monday May 5 through Sunday May 11. We’re pretty sure you’re gonna love it. (We happen to know sea dogs and green monsters do!) This grand slam of a pie features house-made meatballs paired with herbed ricotta, bacon, and fresh herbs. Right?

A portion of every sale (slices and whole pies) will be donated to Slugger’s cause.

The Slugger Special will be available at all locations.

For more information on Slugger’s walk, or to donate today, click here.

What’s That Weird Mesh Thing In The Pizza Delivery Boxes?

Posted on March 14, 2014 by elshepherd

Every once in a while, we are asked about the weird mesh thing that we put under the pizzas in our delivery boxes.

Photo by ‏@Great_Local

As strange as they may seem, a lot of science went into the mesh liners, and ultimately they help ensure that our delivery pizzas arrive tasting as delicious as possible.

Many pizzerias just place the pizza directly onto the corrugated cardboard. The reality is that the average pizza sits for 15-30 minutes in a cardboard box (which sits inside a thermal delivery bag). You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realize that a hot pizza in this environment will produce a significant amount of steam and condensation, resulting in a pizza that has lost much of the crispness that OTTO fans enjoy.

The mesh liner raises the pizza off of the cardboard, which allows air to circulate freely around (and under) the pizza. Pizza sitting directly on cardboard tends to allow grease to seep into the crust, and the crust will often absorb some of that cardboard taste. Ew, right?

This modern scientific wonder also happens to be heat resistant and cut resistant, and made from an FDA-approved material.

While food quality is most important to OTTO, we also care about the environment and sustainability. OTTO’s mesh liner is not just re-usable — it’s also recyclable.

At OTTO, we’re always looking into new ways to approach age-old challenges. We welcome suggestions and feedback from our guests on ways we might improve their experience.

OTTO Rocks! Submit A Record Cover Mash-Up And Win $100 Worth Of Pizza

Posted on May 9, 2013 by elshepherd

We invite you to salute OTTO’s 4 years of serving pizza to discerning New Englanders! Post your own versions of OTTO-themed record cover mash-ups on our Facebook timeline and WIN!

On OTTO’s 4th birthday, June 18, we will choose the three best entries and award the following prizes:

1st place: $100 OTTO gift card & an OTTO T-shirt
2nd place: $25 OTTO gift card & an OTTO T-shirt
3rd place: 5 ‘free slice’ cards & an OTTO T-shirt

Entries may be posted on our timeline or emailed to contactus@ottoportland.com.

OTTO reserves the right to remove and/or disqualify entries that are not suitable for all ages, or which are otherwise not aligned with OTTO’s good taste.

We will add the very best entries to our ‘OTTO Rocks!’ Facebook gallery, and elsewhere.

Get to it! We salute you!

OTTO’s Fundraiser Series – Updated Schedule for Boston and Portland

Posted on March 18, 2013 by elshepherd

Several great reasons to eat an entire pizza without feeling guilty.

OTTO is pleased to be hosting an ongoing series of fundraiser nights to benefit regional charities and community organizations. At each event, a portion of sales will be donated to the dedicated organization.

The series, which began in February of 2013, runs weekly in both Maine and Massachusetts, with Maine fundraisers taking place at OTTO’s new 574 Congress Street expansion, and the Massachusetts fundraisers taking place at OTTO’s BU location at 888 Commonwealth Avenue. The events are from 5pm – 9pm unless otherwise noted.

OTTO looks forward to partnering with many wonderful regional charities, schools, and non-profit organizations. The fundraiser series further extends OTTO’s philanthropic initiatives – the restaurant has been actively supporting charities and non-profits since opening its doors in 2009.

In addition to raising funds, OTTO owners and staff hope the events will help raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and provide a venue for networking, brainstorming, and speaking with potential volunteers. OTTO also looks forward to working more closely with organizations and becoming better acquainted with those who dedicate their time to these causes.

The series is still in its infancy, and OTTO encourages charities, schools, and organizations to reach out to discuss opportunities. Those interested should send an email to contactus@ottoportland.com.

As of this writing the schedule is as follows (all dates are subject to change):

OTTO 574 Congress St. Portland (Arts District)

May 28 – Community Television Network
June 4 – SPACE Gallery
June 11 – Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
July 2 – Environmental Health Strategy Center
July 9 – Maine Youth Leadership
June 25 – KidsPeace
August 6 – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership of Maine
August 13 – Portland Youth Dance
August 20 – International Children’s Enrichment Program

OTTO 888 Comm Ave, Boston (across from BU)
May 27 – Brookline Literacy Partnership

Please consider supporting these organizations by stopping by OTTO during their events. A percentage of each purchase will go directly to the organization. It’s a great opportunity to eat an entire pizza without the guilt!

The Verdict on OTTO’s Gluten-free Crust

Posted on March 7, 2013 by elshepherd

Since we launched gluten-free crust on Feb. 28, many people have asked, “How is it?”

We tend to have high standards regarding the food we serve, but we figure the best critics are our guests, especially those who are either already big fans of OTTO, or who are gluten-sensitive and familiar with what’s available in the marketplace.

A few comments from those who have tried OTTO’s new gluten-free crust option:

“The crust was buttery and crunchy! My room mate even said if I hadn’t told her the crust was gluten-free she wouldn’t have even known… I ate four whole slices and didn’t get a stomach ache!…Thumbs up for OTTO’s gluten free pizza!” – Gluten Free Babe (blog)

“Probably the best gluten free crust I’ve had.” – Facebook fan

“It was awesome, thank you so so so so much for getting GF pizza dough!!! I’d say it was actually the best GF pizza i’ve had so far.” – Facebook fan

Come to any of our locations and try our gluten-free crust. We’re pretty excited about it, and we’re always looking for feedback. Our goal is to provide the best pizza for gluten-sensitive diners in all of New England (and beyond!), and your reviews will help us ensure that we meet our goal.

Happy eating!

OTTO To Provide Gluten-Free Crust Option

Posted on February 25, 2013 by elshepherd

On Thursday, February 28, OTTO will begin providing a gluten-free crust option appropriate for guests with mild gluten sensitivities. Guests will also be able to wash their pizza down with a bottle of Estrella Damm, voted the World’s Best Gluten-Free Lager at the World Beer Awards.

Thousands of Portland- and Boston-area gluten-sensitive eaters have been dying to try OTTO’s mashed potato, scallion, and bacon pie, or the butternut squash, ricotta, and cranberry option. Starting Feb. 28, they can dig in.

Every pizza on OTTO’s menu, with the exception of the three-cheese tortellini (which is gluten-based) will be available on the new gluten-free crust. Gluten-free pizzas will be available as 10″ pies.

OTTO’s gluten-free pizza is appropriate for guests with mild gluten sensitivity. However, it is not recommended to guests with celiac disease. While the crust is prepared off-site in a 100% gluten-free production facility, current store operations cannot guarantee that each hand-tossed pizza does not contain trace amounts of gluten.

OTTO realizes that the launch of gluten-free pizza will not only be music to the ears of gluten-sensitive eaters throughout New England, but to their families and friends as well, as families and friends often limit their dining choices to restaurants that are appropriate for the whole party.

OTTO looks forward to winning over a whole new wave of pizza aficionados.

OTTO Fundraiser Calendar: Good Food, Good Causes

Posted on February 20, 2013 by elshepherd

Several great reasons to eat an entire pizza without feeling guilty.

The series will run in both Maine and Massachusetts, with Maine fundraisers taking place at OTTO’s new 574 Congress Street expansion, and the Massachusetts fundraisers taking place at OTTO’s BU location at 888 Commonwealth Avenue.

OTTO looks forward to partnering with area charities, schools, and non-profit organizations. The fundraiser series further extends OTTO’s philanthropic initiatives – the restaurant has been actively supporting charities and non-profits since opening its doors in 2009.

As of this writing the schedule is as follows (all dates are subject to change):

OTTO 574 Congress St. Portland (Arts District)
March 12 – Casco Bay High School Model UN
March 19 – Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
March 26 – Ronald McDonald House
April 2 – Portland Veterans’ Acupuncture Clinic
April 9 – American Liver Foundation’s Run For Research
April 16 – Portland Ballet
April 23 – LearningWorks

OTTO 888 Comm Ave, Boston (across from BU)
March 18 – The Lawrence School
March 19 – Project Mailbox
March 25 – Grub Street Writers
April 1 – Boston Marathon fundraiser to support the Boston Bruins Foundation
April 8 – BU Center for Gender, Sexuality & Activism
April 15 – Project Mailbox
April 22 – OnStage Dance Co.
April 29 – Children’s Center of Brookline
May 6 – Brookline Arts Center

OTTO Launches Delivery in Brookline

Posted on February 13, 2013 by elshepherd

This week, OTTO officially ventured into the Boston pizza delivery market with the launch of full-service delivery in the Brookline area.

While OTTO’s home city of Portland, ME has been enjoying delivery service for a little over a year, Boston-area pizza fans have been chomping at the bit for home delivery of their favorite signature pies.

People living and working east and south of Commonwealth Avenue (including Boston University), north of Boylston Street, and west of The Fenway, can order any of OTTO’s pizzas, salads, and beverages — with no delivery fees and no minimum order required.

Residents and workers only need to remember one phone number for delivery, regardless of which OTTO is closest to them. The number, which is also OTTO’s central number for catering, is 617-499-3352.

OTTO wants to remind its Boston that they are committed to feeding as many hungry residents and workers as possible. The initial delivery area is sure to expand in the coming months, but OTTO wants to ensure that the delivery service exceeds the expectations of those who frequent the restaurant.

In addition to delivery, OTTO provides full-service catering in the Boston area. OTTO is perfect for events ranging from business meetings to wedding rehearsal dinners. In addition to our signature pies, OTTO provides a variety of salads, beverages, and desserts. Both catering and delivery can be ordered via the same number: 617-499-3352.

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