Beijing Boyce

What’s hot, round and 15 inches… wait, no dirty jokes here, my friends, we’re speaking of the medium (yes, the medium is about that big) pizza at Kro’s Nest, the newest branch opening yesterday beside Vics on Gongti North. Downtown denizens may now discover what Haidian hangers know - this outfit serves up some of the city’s best pies. It also has nine drafts on tap, so let’s hope they keep that beer fresh.

I met GB there and our Kro’s Nest Special (80 kuai) had a tasty combination of meat and vegetable toppings that we washed down with draft Stella (35 kuai). Good crust and good sauce - and I say that as someone who tossed pizza as a high school job. Spicy olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Tabasco sauce, and ketchup are available for those looking to add to their pies.

The place covers 700 square meters and is dominated by wood and brick. Downstairs holds the bar, several booths, and an area with high tables. The upstairs wraparound balcony includes more than 25 booths that seat four to six people, and two larger dining areas that hold a dozen. The ovens can handle up to 24 large pizzas at a time, says partner Olau Kristoffer. “It’s awesome. This really is a pizza parlor,” said one in our party.

Outside is a spacious deck, done in rough bricks and sprinkled with green areas and pine trees. A large semicircular bar out there will later open to serve the nature lovers.

Draft (glasses slightly more than a pint): Tsingdao at 15 kuai; Stella Artois, Carlsberg, Heineken, Tiger and Hoegaarden at 35 kuai; Newcastle, Boddington and Kilkenny at 55 kuai.

Mixed drinks: 60 to 90 kuai.  Sounds pricey, but the same beer glasses are used, with the Jack and Coke including three oversized shots of Whisky (around five ounces). This is one you want to nurse for a long while. Two straws are provided for those who prefer to share.

Soda and water are 10 to 15 kuai, coffees 20 kuai, and juices 25 kuai.

As for food, in addition to salad (45 to 50 kuai) and appetizers (20 to 30 kuai), there are more than 20 different pizzas. Most range from 75 to 100 kuai for the medium (really a large) to 95 to 140 for the large (really a huge). House pies include the Garbage Pail, which has all toppings save for salmon. It is billed as “The heaviest pizza ever! … Warning: May induce severe food coma!” Others are the Player’s Layer and Kiss of Death.

Note 1: Kro’s Nest is closed Monday, and open Tuesday to Thusday, noon to midnight, and Friday to Sunday, noon to 2 AM. Pizza delivery is not yet available.

Note 2: Look tomorrow for my interview with Olau Kristoffer, who explains why this place is called “Kro’s”, not “Crow’s”.

Note 3: After Hooters, this is the second place with a bird-themed name to recently open in the area. What’s next - The Thirsty Sparrow? Bai Bai Blackbird? And what’s the link between these birds and The Tree? Work with me people!