Mr Wolf

Everyone: What’s the time, Mr Wolf?
Mr Wolf: Six o’clock
Everyone: [taking large steps] One… Two… Three… Four… Five… Six
Everyone: What’s the time, Mr Wolf?
Mr Wolf: All the better to eat you with my dear… I mean DINNER TIME!
Everyone: [SCREAMING hysterically back to the safety line as Mr Wolf chases]

Actually this is one occasion I don’t mind getting tagged and caught by Mr Wolf. In fact I’d embrace them with open arms, but squeezing too hard and inappropriate levels of salivation and movements at hip level could lead to a sexual assault charge. Criminal records are something to avoid.

A self restraining order may be required though after a visit to this stylishly funky pizzeria in St Kilda. A forest mural and cartoon creatures adorn the wall, dimly lit by futuristic cone shades creating a cool mood that would put Dean Martin to shame. Upmarket this place and food maybe but the prices won’t put an enormous dent on your credit card. However, multiple visits within the same week and a shopaholic girlfriend will.

The crux of potential indiscipline lies in the simplicity of the menu and the combinations on a perfect pizza base that’s thin, crustily baked on the outside rim yet springy chewy without sogginess in the middle. Papa Giuseppe, you’ve been schooled.

Prawn, buffalo mozzarella, garlic, peas, cherry tomato, chilli make up an excellent Sicilian, with sliced lemon giving it a Listerine freshness. Discs of tenderly roasted pumpkin and pillowy white soft ricotta on the Zucca performs a graceful waltz in the mouth while the Funghi’s strong, bold, meaty yet creamy porcini and other mushrooms is racy like a salsa nightclub. Had there been a genie in a bottle handy, first wish would be for more succulent roast pork and crackling topping that pizza, an infinite supply of the most scrumptious lasagne of veal and pork ragu, basil and mozzarella and thirdly more of that delightful nutty crumble atop the dessert special of apple and rhubarb pizza. Charlie Bucket would have a tough time choosing between the factory and this pannacotta, loaded with cinnamon and slices of gently poached quince for a pear textured contrast.

Too bad Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are stuck the sewers of Manhattan, but lucky for them, Mr Wolf can now deliver cowabunga good pizza times.

4 / 5 yums!

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Where? 9-15 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, VIC

What? Average Pizza – $20, Average Dessert - $12

Left to Right : Sicilian, Pancetta, Roast Pork Pizza, Zucca, Funghi, Lasagne, Cinnamon Pannacotta, Apple and Rhubarb Crumble Pizza