Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton, prepare to throw down: American Flatbread pizza

Nothing but love for Pizzeria Mozza, but things might be different if American Flatbread had Los Angeles locations beyond the Whole Foods freezer section.

Clarity: American Flatbread sells its frozen pizzas at gourmet-ish groceries across the country. I've never bought them. However, I have been to American Flatbread in Los Alamos (great wine list, too) and eaten pizza baked in its portable wood-fired oven (see above). It made an appearance at the Malibu Wine Festival earlier this year and may have a space at the American Food and Wine Festival Sept. 29.

These photos were taken in Paso Robles at Windrose Farm, which hosted a Tomato Tasting festival Sunday. Flatbread owner Clark Staub brought nothing but his dough (a 36-hour rise, just like Mozza) and buffalo mozzarella; everything else came from the farm. (Click through for larger images.)

In Los Alamos, Flatbread makes do with a one-acre garden plot behind the restaurant. This begs the question of coping in Los Angeles (rooftop garden? solved!); Staub says they've looked at spaces and continue to consider their options.

In the meantime: Wine tasting in Paso Robles? Go to American Flatbread in Los Alamos on the way home. In Solvang? Head 17 miles NW. Need a road trip? There are worse ways to spend 2 1/2 hours on the 101.

One thing: Flatbread's hours suck. It's 5-10pm, Friday and Saturday.

American Flatbread, 225 Bell St., Los Alamos, CA 93440. (805) 344-4400

Comments

[Clark staub]

Wow! Thanks so much for the kind words - in a throw down I would lose bigtime but I appreciate the challenge.

[Ellen, Mitch & Ben]

We have made pizza pilgrimages to American Flatbread a family tradition -- even spur of the moment after a family party. Have the time, gotta have the pizza. Everyone up at the restaurant is wonderful, and the pizza is the best.