A Party Tonight
Troup’s Party on the Patio is the ultimate, family pizza party.
By Jan Walsh
Party on the Patio is an ongoing party that Troup’s Pizza has on the first and third Thursday evenings of each month. Our sons, Jordan and Ross are in town, which puts us in a party mood. So, we decide to enjoy a fun night of pizza, and music with Sam Shober and Friends, with owners, Chef Terrill and Ashley Brazelton.
Kev and I take a seat and send “the boys” to order whatever they want. Knowing they will overorder, we plan to share whatever their choices. Oh my, did they ever! For starters, T’s Wings, Garlic Cheese Bread, Crispy Mozzarella Bites, and Giant Meatball arrive at the table along with beer and wine galore. Terrill’s mouth-watering, meaty wings are grilled, tossed in Terrill’s house hot sauce, which is not too hot but tangy and balanced, and finished by baking. They are so good, the boys go back to the counter and put in another order!
The mozzarella bites are a favorite of mine, and on first bites, are now everyone’s. Don’t let the word, “bites” fool you. These are not the typical pop in your mouth tiny rounds. We add a touch of tomatoey acidity in the marinara to these plump, puffy rectangles. And bite through the golden, crisp outside into gooey and cheesy on the inside.
Who knew you could share a meatball? Jordan generously slices the mammoth meatball into fourths. A mixture of ground round, pork, beef, and lamb creates complexity in this four-dimensional marvel. This brawny ball is served on a pool of red sauce and is smothered in melted provolone cheese and is topped with fresh cut basil. And the aromatic, doughy, garlic cheese bread made of house bread, three cheeses, and Italian seasoning rounds out our apps as we dip in its own marinara and the red sauce of the meatball.
For mains, we share Kev’s recommendation of The Bradshaw and my recommend of Fried Stromboli. And Chef Terrill generously treats us to an off the menu special of Mexican Pizza. Mark your calendar for this pizza next year on the week of Cinco de Mayo. Other than the marvelous Mexican (with layers of crisp tortillas with beef, refried beans, tomatoes, red peppers, Mexican white sauce, and more), I leave the pizza to the guys, and they all agree. Pizza does not get better than The Bradshaw. This pizza is a party in itself! Again, with the manly meat: Bacon, Canadian Bacon, sausage, and pepperoni bond together, melding onto the cheese crust. Its crust also gives rise to a ménage of mushrooms, red onion, Kalamata Olives, and a colorful trio of peppers: red, green, and yellow. This sensational synthesis has it all and pleases all.
The Fried Stromboli is available four ways: Pepperoni and Sausage, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Pesto, or BYO. I have had the chicken pesto several times, and it is calling my name. But my meat lovers order Pepperoni and Sausage. It arrives piping hot and cut in half. Peeping outside the crust is a melding of house cheese, pepperoni, and Italian sausage. Dip a half into the side of red sauce, and this Italian turnover is done. Two delicious ones down. Will have to try the buffalo chicken and build our own next time.
The cheesecake of the week is Blueberry Cheesecake. We share. Unexpectedly the creamy cake is gilded with brulee, think basque style but thicker, adding a delightful dimension atop. It also boasts a thick, handmade graham crust, and is bursting with blueberries. The cheesecake of the week is always a party. Highly recommended!
June 2023 has five Thursdays. Thus, Terrill and Ashley offered three patio parties. Local bands play, and local breweries host the parties, sharing samples of their beer specials for the evening, and swag from the brewery.
The next Party on the Patio is June 29. Katherine Beshear and Daniel Simpson from the Schmohawks will be playing. David Kenyon will be there with his delicious shortbreads and pastries from EEO Bakes, to sample and purchase. Michael Sheehan from Further Images will display his photography of famous musicians and bands, which he has photographed over many years, and will be available to purchase. No better time for you to join the party while Chef Terrill’s Watermelon and Tomato Salad and Peaches and Cream Cheesecake are in season. And you are invited!
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