Coyote Creek Pizza Co.

The front door slides open electronically. As pizza places go, that's different.

But then, as pizza places go, Coyote Creek Pizza Co. is different in a lot of ways, from the ingredients and selection, to the curious geographical origins of some of the offerings.

If this is Italy, it must be the southwest section. How else do you explain foccacia loaf on the same side of the menu as the black bean soup? Greek items often show up on a pizza palace menu, but Texas fajita pizza? Or shish kabob? And what about the 'Roadrunner?' What is that?

Actually the latter is so named because it's light. The Roadrunner--$9, $13.50 and $19--is a savory concoction of honey-cured ham, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, goat cheese and basil. It'll fill you up without weighing you down.

If your tastes run more to the traditional, there's the Coyote Kitchen Sink, the restaurant's version of the combo. Italian sausage, copa cola ham, pepperoni, olives, green pepper and onions for the same prices as the Roadrunner (all pizzas come in 10, 14 and 16 inch sizes).

There's also a Vegetable Sink, $7.75, $12.25 and $17.75 and a Northwest Delight with roasted hazelnuts, mushrooms, green apples and red onions on a garlic-ricotta base for $8.85, $13.25 and $18.75.

All in all, there are 22 pre-designed designer pies to choose from, all interesting, all inventive. Along with marinara and garlic-ricotta sauces, pesto is also available. You can even get sides of sauce for dipping. And all of these ingredients come to play in the do-it-yourself section. You can create a pizza as simple or chaotic as you want.

Other differences? Well, calzone isn't uncommon in most pizzarias, but stromboli is. Stromboli is like a thin pizza that's been layered and rolled, yes, kind of like a burrito, but more complex. A calzone goes for $4.95, the stromboli $5.95. Both are very good.

For those who want to stay on the lighter side, there are plenty of salads, including a Greek, $3.50 and $5.95, the Coyote Creek spinach, $3.50 and $5.95 and a Caesar, $3.25 and $5.75. There's an antipasto plate for $6.50, the foccacia loaf--bread with baked-in pesto and garlic--wfor $7.25, and, of course, the black bean soup, $2.50.

There are daily specials and pizza by the slice available, as well. You can slip in and out for under two bucks in less than two minutes if you really have to, but it's nicer just to sit down and relax. The Coyote is a no-stress zone.

The restaurant also offers a good selection of micro beers, a nice wine list and maintains at least six white and red wines daily for by-the-glass sale. And because the Coyote has a retail license, you can get a bottle of vino to go with that pizza to go.

That's different, too.

Copyright © 2000 - 2007 Coyote Creek Pizza Co.