WildfireWildfireUPDATE 28 September 2007 - Wildfire is CLOSED. The wood fired oven is most likely still there. (Have you ever tried to move one). Maybe we'll hear more in future.
We have been following the saga of Wildfire Wood Fired Cuisine for a
few months now, ever since some of our friends noticed a big wood fired
oven up on 8th Street. They weren't open for business yet, but they
were making good pizzas and experimenting with hearth cooked foods.
Then, we got a pizza craving, and naturally remembered hearing about
Wildfire, so we called information and got the number and some
information about the menu. We ordered two pizzas to go and figured
we'd check out the place and see how it looked and how it smelled.
Wildfire is located in the western part of town, out towards the
airport and Port Angeles Lumber. As they say on their card, "Across
both bridges and up the hill", which is meaningful mainly if you know
8th Street.
Well, the place smelled great and the pizzas were delicious. We tried
the Mediteranean with artichoke hearts, pine nuts, pesto, cheese,
scallions, red pepper, red onion and lots of oregano. We also tried a
sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, red pepper, cheese, and black olive
pizza, a meatier alternative. Both were hot and smoky and heavy with
cheese. The ingredients were fresh and distinct. The crust was thick
and chewy, and it had that richness of texture that one gets from a
good pizza oven.
On a Friday night in March, the joint was jumping. Most of the tables
were full, and there wasn't a space free in the rather limited parking
lot. In fact, a number of cars pulled in and tried to park while one of
us was waiting for the pizza pick up. Inside, it was dark and charming
with a view from the hill. Port Angeles is not the prettiest town in
the world, but the sky and harbor have a certain light to them. There
was a fire burning in the outdoor fireplace.
We tried to get a copy of the menu, but they had none to spare. The big
thing seems to be their rotisserie prime rib, which if it is cooked in
the same oven as their pizzas, is probably quite a dish. They also had
chicken, planked salmon, fresh halibut and a number of other dishes,
all prepared using their wood fired oven. We were quite impressed. We
have to get back for a proper sit down meal, though we'll probably come
early to get a parking spot.
P.S. Wildfire opened just in time. We are still reeling from the loss
of Wanna Pizza Me and Godfather. Not only is the pizza great, but we
are spared the Italian Mafia kitsch.
REVIEWED: 11 March 2005
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