Meal Plan: Marchese's Olive Pit

Just because you know about a restaurant doesn’t mean you know what you’re doing there, and asking the server what’s good isn’t always the most direct route to the best dish. In Meal Plan, The A.V. Club plays the part of your foodie friend, telling you what to order at area restaurants. This week, we plot out your meal at Marchese’s Olive Pit (1100 S. First St. 384-9555)

To start off: Fresh bread with your choice of dip ($3)
Forget what killjoys say about filling up on bread before your meal. Marchese's fresh bread appetizer goes above and beyond. Served warm from the oven, each order serves as either a satisfying appetizer on its own or a handy vehicle with which to scoop up a hearty dollop of one of Marchese's six zesty dipping sauces. The bread, roasted red pepper spread, olive tapenade, herbed olive oil, and marinara sauce are all vegan, and cheese lovers will especially adore the roasted garlic cheese and pesto spreads. 

Main course: Dan's Vegan Pizza ($18)
“Vegan cheese" might seem like an oxymoron, but the vegan cheese on Dan's Vegan Pizza is tasty for animal sympathizers and omnivores alike.  Applied lightly over an olive oil, garlic, and herb-brushed thin crust, the homemade "cheese" provides a wonderfully savory flavor that even manages to roughly approximate "real" dairy”—and yes, it even melts. Meaty kalamata olives, earthy mushrooms, and a sprinkling of searingly hot serrano peppers subtly complement this delectable soy-based concoction. Less adventurous eaters will find solace in the rest of Marchese's ready-to-please pizza menu, divided into Red Sauce and (you guessed it) No Red Sauce sections along with the option to create your own pie from scratch. Lisa's, Gina's, and Pete's Pizza are all great choices for regular old meat-and-cheese pizza fans.

Wash it down: Coppola Rossa ($6)
An in-house favorite, this mild, smooth wine provides a delicious accompaniment for any pie. If a red blend isn't your thing, the booze menu includes everything from specialty microbrews, top shelf liquors, and bottle-only wine selections. There are also $2 bottles of Blatz, if you’re drinking on the cheap. For those who prefer an aperitif on the ridiculously complicated side, the generous assortment of specialty drinks is sure to please the part of you that secretly yearns for fruity liqueurs and citrus zest garnishes.