Elite Tasting: Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza

I was already a fan of Blaze from my first introduction at the Desert Hills Outlet location (great place for a quick meal while shopping!) 2 weeks ago, so I was super duper excited to 1) see this Elite event, and 2) get into this Elite event! Woo hoo!
Blaze closed down 2 hours early to the public, so that the Elite event can take place in an intimate, private setting. While waiting for the event to start (since there are always a few early birds to the show, like me =p), I can see that this addition to the Grove area is well received as plenty of people not attending the event showed up to order dinner but were turned away because of the early closing time. Blaze offered those who showed up with a coupon for a free pizza next time, and it shows they care about their patrons to try to compensate them for the inconvenience of showing up the one night they were closed for a private event. Great customer service!
Once the event got underway, we lined up for our custom pizza orders. The servers behind the counter were very patient, friendly, and helpful as orders were placed and questions were asked. Some Unilocalers also opted to add a salad to their order while I tried their s’more pie dessert, which can be heated up for you to enjoy the melted ooey gooey-​ness. Pali Wine was also on hand to complement the meal with some alchy. Thank you very much!
What I really like about Blaze is that 1) the thin crust is just right so that it’s not too thin to not be able to hold all the toppings, but still crisp and thin for that yummy thin crust taste; 2) all the toppings you want for $ 7.95; and 3) your pizza is ready after a quick few minutes in the oven… very nice if you want a quick meal and when you see a long line, it really means it’s continuously moving. I kept comparing Blaze to 800 Degrees in Westwood, which was the only other pizza place I know with a similar concept. I had previously loved 800 Degrees, but each time I compared it to Blaze this night, 800 Degrees just couldn’t hold up.
While Chef Brad did not have a chance to stop by my table to discuss Blaze Pizza and its fresh ingredients and pizza making process, I appreciate learning more from him during the olive oil tasting about the olive oil they use and the pizza dough they make. Both really are quite delicious!
I went home happy and fed, with the remaining slices of my custom Christmas in August pizza in hand, some Unilocaly swag, and a useful Blaze cinch bag with water bottle, shirt, and voucher. Thanks Katie B. and Unilocal team, Blaze Pizza, and Pali Wine for a lovely evening!

Shout out to Katie for such a great event and being a great hug giver!
I’ve been to Blaze before because it’s literally between home and work for me. I made my own pizza this time and the ingredients were super fresh. This was an evening event and everything was still fresh.
The fine was really good. I had the red and I’d definitely cop a bottle of that. The smore pie was so insanely good. What a treat.
I made some new Unilocal friends: Nitar, Adam and Evan. They were pretty awesome to talk to.
The chef was AMAZING. He was so nice. The olive oil demo was great. I’m just jealous I can’t buy it by the bottle.
The swag bag was great! I’m very happy with the book.
Great time had!

This event was very nice… everything was free… the pizza tasted great and got to meet cool people here. Thanks Katie for planning this

Another exemplary effort by Katie B., who (thankfully) let me know there was an opening a few hours ahead of time. I got there a little late to the party so I don’t know if there was any special chat or presentation by Pali Wine Co. but I had a glass of pinot noir and would have liked to learn more about the winery.
I was impressed with the quickness and quality of the finished product, and when Chef Brad came around to speak to my table it was evident why blaze operates so smoothly. He was incredibly well-​informed, eloquent and knowledgeable, answering questions about oven density/​temperature and ingredient sourcing. In our brief chat we learned all about the standards for quality that are implemented across all Blaze locations, and the lengths to which Brad and the rest of the company will go to ensure consistence and excellence when it comes to the standard Blaze dining experience. The olive oil tasting went above and beyond what I expected from the event.
Thanks again to Katie and Blaze for the opportunity to taste the food (and wine), chat with fellow Elites, and remind us all what a fun and unique community we’re a part of.

WOW! I haven’t been to a Unilocal event in years, and now I’m kicking myself for being so silly. I hopped onboard the Blaze train because a) it’s so close to home, b) it’s so vegan friendly, and c) the timing was perfect and I was able to swing by right after work. I couldn’t resist! My husband was a little jealous that no plus ones were allowed, and I was (admittedly) a little nervous to go alone, since it’d been so long. My fears were quickly squashed when I saw Katie B!!! How lucky are we to have such a great community manager?!
I made a beautiful vegan pizza, had some lovely chardonnay, successfully mingled, and made new Unilocal friends. Chef Brad and I talked about the art of using vegan cheese (not too much, high temperatures, and the right ingredients to accompany it) and I went home with so much Unilocal and Blaze swag, including a free pizza coupon. I immediately gave it to my husband, so as to take the sting out of me having a fabulous time, eating pizza without him. I think it worked.
I’ll no longer be intimidated by «no plus ones» Unilocal events! We’re a pretty cool crowd.

Another fab elite event. The pizza was really good and all the ingredients I tried on for size were very fresh and flavorful. I loved the selection of toppings and tried a huge amount of them (no judging) on my pie. Loved them all. I got the spicy red sauce and really enjoyed it. It was the perfect pairing with the slightly sweet roasted garlic.
This place rules for the control freak in me. I get to say which toppings and how much to put on the pizza. Brilliant. I didn’t even know that they had places like this before last night.
The s’more cookie – yes! Perfect little decadence.
The employees are spectacular and really get the whole «service with a smile» thing! Quick and all super nice. I was really impressed about how attentive they were and how much they went out of their way to accommodate us Unilocalers.
I really loved getting to meet the exec chef and getting to know a bit more about the quality ingredients and the olive oil that they use in their cooking. It’s important to know what goes into your food so that you can appreciate it all the more.
As always, it was a great crowd and a great event!

Unilocal’s 365 Review Challenge 2014 #209 — #365
Are you ready for something new that will change the way you think of ordering pizza?
Pizza has been a favorite of mine and I’m fortunate to have had some Blaze Fired Up Pizza which is owned by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, Patrick Schwarzenegger.
I’m looking forward for Blaze Pizza to expand towards the Inland Empire and compete with Pieology. Now that’s fierce competition.
Let’s talk about team behind the counter who were all smiles and greatly took pride in explaining and baking the pizza. Bravo! I love it when someone works well under pressure.
Chef Brad knows his stuff and obviously loves what he does. No question about that. He was very informative about the background of the company, how they take the time to craft and bake the perfect pizza, and to the benefits of olive oil. I’m starting to rethink how I cook my food and plan to use olive oil whenever I cook.
I had two choices in selecting my pizza and decided to design my own and add a piece of Paul to it (meaty). Preferably I like my pizzas with a lot of meat.
In the process of making the pizza or designing it; I had the choice of picking as many items as I want. For the cheese I picked the mozzarella, classic sauce, and meaty toppings with some added veggies. The crust came out crispy and towards the center was soft and chewy. I was in foodie heaven! We also were invited to two wine samples from their vendor. How could you go wrong with wine and pizza? Full of class!
I would like to thank our CM, «Katie B.» for putting together this fun filled event and always is a learning experience. Just having to form a bond with a business will truly lay out a successful path for Blaze. This path is already on it’s course and I see them opening new doors.

When a foodie, shadow chef wannabe, moi, actually gets to chat cuisine, sourcing, technique across the table with the real deal, on par with Harold McGee, Chef Brad Kent*, well it’s nearly as good as eating!
Chef Brad passionately enlightened why The Art Lover’s red sauce dollops on his Blaze signature pizza I chose is unique
. It all begins on the farm: nutrients, watering, timing of the tomato harvest then said tomatoes are cooked quickly allowing the vapors to be captured, returned back into the sauce. Result is a caramelized, slightly spicy concoction that totally delivers.
LOVED his talk on olive oil
. NO more battered, light, heat exposed product in my kitchen.
AND the pizza was REALLY good, fast, like greased lightening minus the grease. Build your own pie or go with one of eight Blaze signature ones

I WILL be back because I devoured an entire thin crust, 12″ pie and didn’t feel stuffed! That’s the difference between run of the mill vs quality ingredients.
Had a GREAT time reconnecting with Unilocal friends and making new ones!
Katie B. your events just keep getting better. Hope that awesome, signature hug will hold me over until we meet again!
Flo, you ROCK! Nice to meet you and thanks for ALL you do!
Pali Wines Co. was a fab event addition
, LOVED the buttery, mellow chard!
*

Pizza, wine, and smores… what more could you want at an elite tasting event? How about an education on olive oil by their chef, free swag, fun folks, and Katie B? This was a great event. Intimate enough that I could get to know some fellow Unilocalers –especially those I’m ‘friends’ with and have never met. Now, we ARE friends. Made new ones as well. And oh, that pizza…
I’m the type of guy that goes to a place and modifies nearly everything I order. At Blaze, I get to call the shots from the get-​go which is so much more convenient. I’ve been wanting to try Blaze for some time as I have friends who are hooked on their pizzas and keep telling me to go. I went, and I will come again! The staff was kind, resourceful, and had pleasant facial features. There was a great selection of toppings and many cheeses to choose from (I chose them ALL, by the way.) The feel of the restaurant is warm yet it is efficient in seating. There really wasn’t a dull moment the entire time and the event went by too quickly!
Oh, Katie B… corporate must be so proud of L.A. east. Events like this show you know how to keep all of us motivated to continue Unilocaling away!

THANK YOU KATIE for hosting such a lovely and delicious event! I’m so happy to be a Unilocal Elite :)
Blaze Pizza is fast food at its finest. The whole process takes about 3 – 5 minutes, the pizza is only in the oven for 180 seconds, insanely fast! I loved how there were options to choose from, that was a good starting point. I customized the White Top and was very pleased with my heavenly creation.
Aside from the pizza, I really enjoyed learning about the process and ingredients used. The chef went into great detail about sourcing ingredients and reasoning behind the pizza cooking for 180 seconds.
I’m excited to return for my *free* pizza!!! I look forward to trying something new. Another awesome benefit is gluten free crust and vegan cheese, woo hoo!

Good Lord, Yes! Katie B knocked it out of the park again with some help by awesome hosts, Blaze Pizza and the Pali Wine Co.
Very impressive across the board: starting with a very drinkable Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Great to sip on before getting down to pizza.
Pizza? They have a few in mind already, you may tweak and twerk those, or start from scratch (so to speak) and get creative. Jackson and Kevin and I mixed and matched and it’s fun to share. I ended up making (and eating) two pizzas: The first was a collision between the Meat Lovers and the Link (as in sausage). For good measure, I threw on garlic, cooked onions and jalapenõs. Love. And if that’s not enough, try the pesto (or the bbq, or the ranch) and dip into that. Oh my yes.
Then, I hopped an idea suggested by Sean of Blaze, who mentioned the viability of putting TWO pizza crusts together. So, I made the Deep Ish Pizza, or, as Jackson dubbed it, The Double Stack. Threw sausage, mushrooms, red onion, and the two different mozzarellas they offer. Loved that, too. (Takes about 80 seconds for the thing to cook, too, btw.)
And, whatever you put on your za, it’s still the same price. That’s impressive.
We tasted and learned about Olive Oil, and the meticulousness that the Chef/​Owner puts into the ingredients here. Sold. His passion is unmistakeable, and I’m really glad to have been here at this Event. Why? Well, other than the opportunity to hang with the Elite Community, it got me in the door at Blaze. Pizza is almost a blur to me with how many different shops and chains seem to open all the time. This has a great product, a good price, and a winning attitude.
Details down to the S’mores cookies. They are McVitties, people! Anyone who’s ever tasted those in England or in select markets stateside know how good they are. You cannot fake this stuff.
The salads looked great. Beet and goat cheese. Or Caesar (with or without chicken). And the salads can be side, or larger, entrée sized. Oh, the blood orange soda — I forgot to try. I heard great things about it, but, I opted for the Pinot Noir by Pali Wines. I liked the Pinot — and it wasn’t super dark, yet still had good body. And, it went really well with my meaty bold and spicy pizzas.
Cool Swag, too! Cold Bev Sig Cup from Blaze. BOOK ON OLIVE OIL!!! Yes. A cool Tshirt, too, and thin pack for tossing a couple things for, say, the gym. And that’s maybe where I’ll need to go after a fun feast like this. Thanks, guys. Very delicious.

It’s been awhile since I could make it to an Elite Event, and this was one was a surprised, because I was waitlisted, but Katie asked me last minute if I can make it due to few open spots. Big Thanks to my fav Community Manager of all time, Katie B (please pardon me for writing Kathy B on the PM, whoopsie)
Met old Unilocal buddies that I hadn’t seen in ages, Kevin P and Tess M. Made new friends with Shannon R, Ellen C, and few more that I bumped into. Glad to run into Nitar L as well.
The made-​to-​order pizza was great and it’s like lining up in Subway but this one was made into pizza. Super cool that Chef Brad came out to educate us regarding the ingredient and taught us about how the olive oil is being used in the dough making. I personally would never know how EVVO smells or tastes if not because of this event. Pretty neat.
It’s always a bonus if I leave any event with some goodies and this one does too! We got all the Blaze tote bag with more stuff inside. Also, my coworkers just went to Blaze for lunch before I went to this event and they loved it. Now I can say I LOVE it too!!! Big Thank you to Blaze and Katie B for organizing this, it’s an awesome experience

I have to admit, I almost cancelled my reservation.
I mean, really, it’s a make-​your-​own pizza place that’s a chain, blahblah. Haven’t we all been to one of these before? Tomato, tomoto.
BUT.
A. They had me at «spicy red sauce». I mean, who does that?! YUM. Delicious. I will forever get that sauce when I come back.
B. Those smores cookies! I mean, who does THAT?! Now I’m just repeating myself.
C. The fantastic, welcoming staff! Everyone was so friendly and helpful including our wonderful executive chef. I think I would drive out to this location just for the service.
D. Free stuff! I don’t think I’ve ever been to an elite event where they were SO giving. Can I post my pic of all of my new treasures? (psst, sorry to my tablemates for getting greedy with shot glasses! Cheers!)
E. for Elite. It is always great to meet new people and network… as in network good places to eat!
I think this was one of my favoritest and most fun elite events thus far. Short and sweet (and spicy). Thanks for being such great hosts, Blaze! And thank you, Katie, for always being so great at what you do.
Just BLAZE!
…wait, I don’t think that means what I want it to mean…

I finally made it to one of Katie B’s Elite events and I had a great time. The event was very well organized; awesome venue; informative and of course, Unilocal swag & this time — Blaze swag too!
The restaurant was closed to the general public; Elites only. No plus ones. Blaze brought in Bradford Kent, CRC (Executive Chef) to mingle and to educate the crowd about Blaze’s philosophy and their ingredient selection and cooking processes. The rest of the Blaze staff was just as awesome.
We were able to order anything off the menu or create whatever concoction you could think of — but I went with one of their signature pies — The Green Stripe. Pesto drizzled over grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, chopped garlic, mozzarella and arugula. It was delicious. I definitely recommend. I also enjoyed a Caesar Salad, their Blood Orange Lemonade and one of their Smores.
Thanks to Katie and her team, Brad and the rest of the Blaze staff for an amazing experience. I especially appreciated the discussion about choosing ingredients, different pizza ovens and olive oil!
And another thanks for the tee shirt, the water jug, the coupon for another FREE pie AND the book about Olive Oil.

Although I’ve never been to Blaze, I already heard so much about it. From their free pizza promos to… ok maybe just from the free pizza promo. So glad Unilocal hooked up with them and gave us a private tasting. They pretty much closed down the store to the public for the Unilocal elites! And we pretty much got to try whatever we wanted on the menu.
I opted for the meat eater pizza. Pepperoni, crumbled meatballs, red onion, mozzarella, red sauce. Simple and delicious. Exactly what I wanted. Katie also thought of a game for us to play. It was called «Name your own pizza!» So pretty much we were supposed to think of a creative, cute, fun, or funny name for our own creation. I was already full from eating so much pizza, so I didn’t wanna waste food and make another one just for the sake of playing the game. So I took a picture of James S.’ «deep dish» pizza, and called it the double stack. Because essentially, it’s just 2 pizza dough stacked together to get that «deep dish» chi-​town style pizza. I must say, after trying out all the pizzas, I am a fan.
Looked at the menu, it’s super cheap too if I had to pay for it. (Under $ 8 for any pizza, anyway you want it.) Big thanks to Blaze for being so super awesome and generous to the Unilocal elites. And of course big thanks to our favorite CM, Ms. Katie B!
PS. Thanks for helping me out on the tip Kevin T.

One word — well — one abbreviated word to describe tonight. WTYEIAR. Which stands for «Wow This Unilocal Event Is Absolutely Rockin».
Tonight was my first EVER elite event in LA. As a Unilocaler of Australia, I was very fortunate and blessed to be part of this and boy has it been absolutely «Blaze-​in” — haha. I got to make a pizza which I named «Captain Jala-​Roni», which is a concoction of a cheese base, jalapenos and pepperoni. It was absolutely delicious. I also got to learn about the importance of olive oil in the making of dough and their pizza crust. It was absolutely awesome. However, what’s even more awesome was with all of the awesome things that happened tonight I got to spend them with a couple of awesome humans, Malique and Lana!
Blaze, you are Blazin’. You definitely have not seen the last of me. And guess what? I’m takin’ people along with me. That’s right. I’m taking MORE people. So get your, uh, stone. oven??? ready. The interior of your store is amazingly cozy and fit for a good hangout. Your staff is INSANELY friendly, and by golly your food is spectacular. I am completely convinced that your business will continue to serve amazing pizza and will traverse the globe, stuffing peoples faces with pizza that’s overflowing with quality.
BUT BEFORE I GO: I just really want to thank Blaze for accommodating the people who came tonight, Pali Wine for the wine and to Katie who organised the night itself. I had an awesome time. I hope to see you Unilocalers around!

blaze (blāz)
n.
1. A brilliant burst of flame.
2. A bright or steady light.
3. A brilliant, striking display.
4. A sudden outburst, as of emotion.
Yes, all of the above.
First off, Katie B. always knows how to throw an amazing Unilocal party. Fun was had by all in this intimate event at Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza. I really enjoyed getting to laugh it up with my new Unilocal pals, Lana D. and Mathan M.
It was so fun to line up and watch our dough get stamped into the shape of a pizza by the I-don’t-know-what-it’s-called-pizza-dough-stamping machine. Then we got to pick out our own toppings. My pizza, «Blaze of Glory», included: classic red sauce, shredded mozzarella, ovalini mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, artichokes, banana peppers, black olives, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, mushrooms, a little finishing sea salt, and oregano. I can’t believe how fast the pizzas came out (180 seconds). The pizza was delicious! I will definitely be bringing back some friends next time.
I also really appreciated having tastings of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pali Wine Co, and I fully intend to visit their tasting room the next time I’m up in Santa Barbara. The wines especially went well with the olive oil tasting and lessons from Executive Chef Brad! This olive oil was grassy goodness!
Thanks again for the amazing evening with new friends and fun swag!
CITATION:
blaze. (n.d.) The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. (2003). Retrieved August 27 2014 from

OMG, Blaze Pizza you are on fiyaaaaa.
I am such a FAN! The event was intimate and amazing! Delicious make-​it-​yourself pizza with as many toppings as you’d like, coupled with a very tasty salad and a bomb cookie s’more to end the meal.
But wait, there was more! Our lovely Chef Brad K. came out to teach us a little bit about olive oil and how they prepare their pizza crust, and I am impressed. I learned how to get the aroma of olive oil, and realized I can eat the baked dough all by itself. Plus, the generous offering of wine was not a bad touch either.
Thank you Blaze Fire, Pali Wine and Katie B. for another fun after work party. The generous swag provided will be put to good use!

This is a great event! You can’t beat pizza! And wine never hurts!
Thanks to Blaze, Chef Brad and of course our host Katie B.

So impressed!
This place was amazing. I hate to compare but personally, I think it beats out Pizza Rev and Pieology by far in regards to quality and you can taste it with every bite. The dough takes an extra 15 minutes to make because they put it through another process according to Chef Brad. Plus I loved that they served side salads (I always prefer to have a side dish with my pizza).
It was exceptionally awesome tonight because we also got to try olive oil and we got a run down on the chemistry of it plus a cool book to top it off along with some other goodies.(I love olive oil and I’ve been olive oil tasting before so that was super neat).
Plus the wine from Pali Wine located in Santa Barabara… which they don’t typically serve went awesome with the pizza.
In anycase, it was a very fun event and I had a blast meeting and chatting it up with my new fellow Unilocaler friends Mathan and Malique.
Thank you Katie, Blaze Pizza and Pali Wine!