Trends, Fresh Herbs, Fast-Casual: The Early Word on Live Basil Pizza in Glendale

In early February, Live Basil Pizza opened in Glendale, making it the third Denver location of the chain developed by Smashburger founder Tom Ryan. Aiming to blend fast-casual with a pizzeria, Live Basil relies on fresh, natural and organic ingredients and modern aesthetics in the mainstream market. But in an ever-growing sea of fast-casual concepts, how does Live Basil compare? Here's the early word on Live Basil Pizza in Glendale.

The Anticipation News: Before the location even opened, a user took to Twitter to express excitement. "Hey Denver. That screaming sound was my son discovering a @livebasilpizza is going in on Colorado Blvd." [Twitter]

The Menu News: The Denver Post provided a run-down of menu options and the cooking method. "Using an open-flame oven, the restaurant turns out such classic pies as the margherita and sausage with wild mushrooms, plus some tasty variations, including a "Colorado pizza" with bison sausage and green chiles." [DP]

The Comparison News: Over on Yelp, a reviewer drew comparison to another fast-casual concept. "Average average average; Mod market is so far superior and better favors; thought the Colorado Bison/Green Chili was well average and the 3 meats was below average. Ceaser was below average. We were excited to try; disappointed we did; will not be back." [Yelp]

The Positive News: A tip on Foursquare provided a favorable endorsement. "Huge salads, specialty pizzas, and fast service. Worth the trip." [Foursquare]

The From-the-Horse's-Mouth News: Reporting on the opening, Cafe Society noted the use of hydroponic basil on the menu, and spoke with founder Tom Ryan, who explained the philosophy of "'organic, all-natural, authentic, imported, or live ingredients'" in addition to Live Basil's signature herb. [Cafe Society]

The Trend News: Live Basil Pizza was mentioned in a Forbes list of 12 hot food trends for 2014. Citing "better-quality pizza" as one of the things to look out for, Live Basil is an example of "the rise of artisan, gourmet pizza chains." [Forbes]

The Salad News: Reporting for Zagat Denver, Ruth Tobias called out a salad in addition to her favorite pies from the menu. "Arugula, grape tomatoes, chopped pistachios and shaved Parmesan are tossed with lemon vinaigrette to make for a nice palate-cleansing salad. For the deeply hungry, there are heartier options as well." [Zagat Denver]

— By Ashley Hughes

· Tony Pasquini Talks Pizza, Community, and Doing Good [EDen]
· A Handy Guide to 25 Iconic Pizzerias Across Denver [EDen]
· Pizzeria Locale Going Into Common Grounds Space [EDen]