Let's face it: Most of St. Louis has only experienced pizza pouches from under food-court heat lamps or fresh from, um, the microwave. At new downtown calzone joint, Sauce on the Side (903 Pine Street; 314-241-5667), try the real deal wrapped in made-from-scratch pizza dough, baked to golden perfection, brushed with flavor-infused oil and sprinkled with a healthy dose of Parmesan -- all to order in about ten minutes.
Co-owners and longtime friends Daniel Porzel, Brendon Maciariello and Ryan Mangialardo operate all aspects of the quick-service counter together. The three share a collective background of many years in hospitality that ranges from waiting tables to managing businesses such as Dewey's Pizza, Kilkenny's Irish Pub and Bar Louie.