A new project by local “Dough Whisperer” Noel Brohner just launched at Surfas Cafe in the Culinary District, a charming industrial stretch along Washington Boulevard very reminiscent of Philadelphia in the 1990s.
Slow Rise Pizza Co. has earned a name in the culinary community through their live and virtual pizza-making classes with specific segments for home cooks and fellow restaurateurs. Known for virtual pizza-making classes that frequently sell out, Brohner works as a pizza consultant with some of the best chefs in America alongside a cadre of celebrity clients that encompass renowned executives and A-list actors. In addition to now offering live pizza-making classes in LA, Slow Rise is also testing out a new concept with Sicilian-style slices at Surfas Cafe.
Surfas alone is worth the visit if you’re ever in Arlington Heights or just shy of Mid-City along the 10. Surfas is a restaurant supply store open to the public if you’re in the market for kitchen tools and equipment that’s more durable or off-the-cuff than what you’ll find in a typical home goods store. Home bakers can find all kinds of exotic flours, leaveners, chocolate decorations, and other baking supplies in both individual and commercial bakery quantities, including Valrhona chocolate bars literally the size of barbecue grills. But in addition to professional chef supplies and gourmand curiosities, Surfas also has the equivalent of an open mic for local restaurateurs to try out new concepts without having to commit to a pop-up that may or may not take off.
I took a seat with my pizza by a wall of canned tomatoes, the literal secret ingredient that makes restaurant pizza sauce so good: if you always thought jarred sauce was mid but that making your own was too physically and mentally taxing, this wall of San Marzano goodness has you covered.
The Slow Rise concept slices come in plain, pepperoni, and a handful of vegetable varieties, and the plain and zucchini definitely didn’t disappoint with the perfect ratio of corner crunch and semi-charred cheese with a bright and fruity sauce that definitely wasn’t mid jarred sauce. You’ll have to stay tuned on the Slow Rise Instagram to find out where the concept will go, but for now, Surfas Cafe is located inside the store on 3225 Washington Boulevard (enter on the corner of 3rd Avenue) and open 9AM to 3PM Monday through Saturday (the retail store is open until 5PM.)
