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.

6-Year-Old Nolan Knocks It Out Of The Park With Pizza Creation

Posted on November 1, 2013 by elshepherd

Each weekend, OTTO runs a weekend special — a pizza that you can’t find on our regular menu. The specials are created by an array of members of the OTTO family: the owners, our executive chef, one of our many creative kitchen managers or cooks.

Over the weekend of October 18-20, our special was extraordinarily special in many ways. First, it was the only one created by someone outside of the OTTO organization. Secondly, it was created by a 9 year old boy. Third, it was one of our most successful weekend specials in the 4-year history of OTTO.

Nolan, from Scarborough, ME, was the culinary mastermind behind that special, appropriately dubbed ‘The Nolan Special.’ The delicious pizza featured roasted cherry tomatoes, with bacon and spicy pepperoni. 10% of every purchase was donated to Make-a-Wish Maine.

OTTO was contacted several weeks ago by Make-a-Wish Maine about providing pizza for Nolan’s Wish party prior to his family’s trip to Orlando — he’s a big fan. We at OTTO were so taken with this young man, we asked Nolan if he would be interested in creating his very own pizza for our ongoing Weekend Special series.

Nolan stated that he would want a pizza like a “BLT with a spice to it.” The finished product was a collaboration between Nolan and OTTO’s executive chef, and it was delicious.

Nolan knocked it out of the park with his pizza creation, and we were so pleased to see so many New Englanders gobbling it up.

The pizza was a huge success, selling over 500 slices, and a few dozen whole pies. That’s a success no matter how you, um, slice it.

Great job, Nolan. We hope to collaborate with you again. We know that pizza aficionados all over New England hope so too.

Click here for more information on Make-a-Wish Maine.

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.

Joe Walsh & Friends: Free World-Class Bluegrass Every Monday Night at OTTO

Posted on February 21, 2013 by elshepherd

OTTO’s Arts District location (574 Congress St, Portland) is extremely proud to host mandolin-picking wunderkind Joe Walsh every Monday night at 8pm.

For several weeks now, the acclaimed bluegrass player (not to be confused with The Eagles guitarist) has been helping OTTO break in the new dining room and bar expansion. We’re not sure how long we’ll be lucky enough to host Joe & friends, but it has certainly been a treat.

For the uninitiated, Joe Walsh was the first student at Berklee College of Music to graduate with a degree in performance specializing in mandolin. He currently teaches at Berklee, where he serves as Managing Director of the American Roots Music Program.

The world-renowned fiddle legend Darol Anger called Walsh “one of my favorite musicians on earth.”

While in Boston, Joe played in several bands, including Joy Kills Sorrow, the New England Bluegrass Band and Northern Lights. Since 2007, Joe has called Portland home. He is currently a full time member of the Gibson Brothers, recently named the 2012 IBMA Entertainers of the Year.

Although Joe is certainly one of Portland’s busiest and most celebrated musicians, he has found time to pull together an enormously talented rotating group of friends to perform each Monday night at OTTO. The performances are loose and fun, but certainly not lacking in fireworks.

And to boot, the shows are 100% free.

We can’t think of a better way to spend a Monday night.

Grab your family and friends, pop over for a few pies, some craft beer, and take in some of the best bluegrass you’re likely to hear anywhere.

Here’s a taste of Joe’s playing, from a recent performance at One Longfellow Square:

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 Delivers Pizza 3,158 Miles For Birthday Surprise

Posted on December 20, 2012 by elshepherd

We at OTTO are aware that a lot of folks really, really like our pizza. We have seen all kinds of public declarations that remind us that we’re doing something special. Our beloved Red Sox have placed large orders on consecutive weeks. New Yorkers have declared OTTO the best pizza they’ve ever eaten.

We haven’t yet, however, received a request to deliver pizza all the way across the United States, no matter the cost. (We do offer free delivery in Portland, by the way!)

Joy and Jeff Johnson of Washington, reached out to OTTO to see if there was any way possible we could have a few pizzas delivered for their daughter Devi’s 18th birthday.

The Johnsons discovered OTTO’s Harvard Square location while on a college-hunting trip with Devi, and it was love at first bite. (They nearly missed their plane when they tried to get more pizza on their last day in Massachusetts.)

Since then, Devi and her parents have followed OTTO on Facebook, but simply couldn’t take the posts of pizza pictures any longer (“the daily torture!”).

That’s when the idea was born to have OTTO delivered cross-country as a surprise for Devi’s birthday. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

It was certainly one of the strangest requests we’ve received at OTTO. Never ones to shirk away from a challenge, we worked out a way to make it happen. On Tuesday, December 18th, OTTO’s 578 Congress Street (Portland) staff hand-tossed, built, baked, and packed two vegetarian pies for overnight shipping. The pies were crafted and packaged with great care to ensure they showed up as fresh, and as eye-pleasing, as possible.

The Johnsons, ever the good sports, promised to send photos of our pies arriving 3,158 miles away. As an added gesture of appreciation, the Johnsons made a donation in OTTO’s name to a New England-based literacy program.

We at OTTO wish Devi a very wonderful birthday, and hope that the pizza is as delicious as she remembers.

Now Serving: OTTO Ale by Magic Hat Brewery

Posted on December 7, 2012 by elshepherd

OTTO is proud to begin serving OTTO Ale, a medium bodied golden beer produced by our friends at Magic Hat. The brew is an all-barley malt ale made with the German Hallertau hop – known for its fruity and mildly spicy character.

OTTO serves wine and alcohol in all locations except for our Harvard Square slice shop. (Beer and wine sales at our BU location are imminent!)

OTTO Ale will be available for a limited time and availability may vary, so ask for it by name and give it a try while you can. It goes down great with a mashed potato, bacon, and scallion pie.

OTTO Ale is a great reason for guests to pay a visit to our new 574 Congress Street expansion in Portland, which sports a beautiful, spacious, but cozy bar crafted from salvaged wood. It will soon be a great opportunity for Bostonians to break in the taps at our BU location.

At OTTO, we pride ourselves on being the prime destination for discerning New England pizza aficionados. We also happen to think OTTO makes for a pretty great bar.

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