PIZZAS WITH PIZZAZZ
THAT’S AMORE Three local pizzeria owners talk about what secrets make their pies special
By Kevin Opsahl Mail Tribune
P
izza is clearly one of the world’s most popular foods. Jeffrey Miller, a professor in hospitality management at Colorado State University, says most Americans eat it at least once a week, and estimates 350 slices are consumed every second in the U.S. alone. In the Rogue Valley, pizza runs the gamut from traditional to gourmet and everything in between, served up by small
David Kostuchowski makes a pizza at Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub in Medford. JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE
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local establishments and giant national chains. But according to Kristi Haavig, co-owner of Kaleidoscope Pizzeria and Pub, Medford wasn’t always a pizza paradise. Haavig, her husband, Jake Allmaras, and his son, Ben, worked in the pizza business in Alaska for years before setting up shop in Medford 18 years ago. They toured Bend and Portland before choosing the Rogue Valley as their home. They cited the area’s weather and friendly people as reasons to stay, but after trying all of the pizza places around town, they decided Medford could use their skills. “Medford was a pizza desert,” Haavig said. The key ingredients are made fresh daily, Ben said. That includes the handtossed dough baked in a stone oven, along with sauces made from scratch. “And you’ve got to get darn good people to put it together,” Ben said. His father added that Kaleidoscope wants to be known for offering pizza you won’t find on any other menu. The menu is extensive, with toppings such as teriyaki-glazed pork, chorizo, artichoke hearts, feta, pepperoncini, blackened chicken, bacon, Tillamook cheddar, smoked ham and lots more, served in a dizzying array of combinations. And there are more specialty pizzas to come, Ben said, including one with Brussels sprouts, bacon and alfredo sauce. He is also looking forward to the debut of a pie with pears, gorgonzola cheese, onions, candied walnuts and balsamic vinegar. The vision for Kaleidoscope from the beginning was to have a full-service restaurant specializing in gourmet pizza and salads. “We don’t try to be all things to all people, but we like to say ‘yes’ to our customers as much as we can,” Jake said. “We really do try to set ourselves apart from not only other pizza restaurants, but all the restaurants in Medford.” Inside, Kaleidoscope offers arcade games, several big-screen televisions, and local art on the walls, including blown glass from Grants Pass. The light fixtures above each table are handmade, as well.
| Our Valley
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4/23/2022 12:52:31 PM
