Firo fires fresh to deserve its reputation

When you’re voted the best local pizza place by Constitution readers four years in a row, it’s only fitting that Gaston goes to find out what all the hubbub’s about.

So, on a day off, Gaston and the missus made a couple’s midday foray to Firo Fire Kissed Pizza, 3902 Cache Road, for a taste of the good life.

First off, its’ pleasant interior offered a cozy, almost homelike atmosphere. It didn’t hurt that the two dining room TVs were slated to some very fun to watch animal shenanigans. Alas, Gaston has been sidetracked.

Back to the ordering line. First was the salad. The family Gaston went with the “Classico” featuring romaine spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, artisan cheeses, shredded carrots, croutons, applewood bacon and, for Gaston, the smoked bacon honey mustard. Mrs. Gaston chose the same except with chicken and a dressing of ranch. Both were “small” salads.

We were returned the favor with silver mixing bowls filled with the ingredients. Gaston fears just how big a large can get. That said, this rowdy roughage was mind-blowingly good. Just because salads are known as “nature’s broom” doesn’t mean they can’t be main course worthy. Gaston’s only caveat would be for more of that delicious dressing.

Onto the main course; the reason for the season, so to speak. The decision to each “Build Your Own Pizza” with the house red sauce was exactly what the couple needed. Where Mrs. Gaston selected pepperoni, onions, mushrooms and banana peppers atop the cheese and fresh dough crust, Gaston went whole hog, if you will, with pepperoni, sausage, onions, jalapeno and banana peppers. It’s all about the flavor for this Gaston to savor.

Warmed to perfection inside the restaurant’s trademark stone oven, the pizzas’ arrival to the Gaston table while barely making a dent in the salads was not unwelcome. Pizza is best when fresh from the oven and these were two of the freshest. Gaston almost slapped his pizza, it was that saucy and fresh. There’s something about the blackening from the oven that makes the fluffy crust have an otherworldly flavor.

Unable to eat the whole lot in one sitting, a couple of slices of pizza made their way to the Gaston home. A true mark of a superior pizza is if it offers as much delight the next day. Again, Firo fired a bullseye making Gaston a true believer in its title.

As always, any meal offers a unique experience; it only presents a snapshot. One person’s opinion of flavor or individual visit to an establishment will differ. And to be fair, who can eat the whole menu at one time? It is fun to try.

For Gaston, however, 9.5 out of 10, Firo’s fire kissed pizza is the way to go, especially if you want to be creative in your pizza and salad explorations.

Gaston the Gastronomer is a pseudonym for the food critic for The Lawton Constitution.