William Porter has served his Master Pieza pizzas at popular Cherokee Street event spots like Foam, 2720 Cherokee and The Livery for two years, but soon, he will have a permanent place to call home. Porter hopes to open a carryout space at 2846 Cherokee St., by March 20.
Each Master Pieza pizza is made from scratch, beginning with an egg-less vegan dough and house-made sauce. True to his St. Louis roots, Porter tops his thin-crust pizzas with Provel, though mozzarella is available upon request. Porter’s personal favorite and best-seller is the “K Special,” which is topped with fresh broccoli, green peppers, spinach and onions. Vegan options and other classic toppings, such as pepperoni and Italian sausage, are also available.
Porter says his first restaurant venture will also offer delivery and will be open daily for lunch and dinner service to cater to Cherokee’s late-night crowd. The menu will offer pizza by the slice for $3 or whole pies for $13 to $15. Hot wings, French fries and a children’s menu will also be available along with sodas from Excel Bottling Co. in Breese, Ill.
Master Pieza’s family-friendly, art-centric focus will be illustrated by David Langley, who will decorate the interior of the space with designs inspired by the colorful blocks and sharp angles of artist Piet Mondrain and the logo, a stenciled artist’s palette by Peat Wollaeger.
Porter began making pizzas in 2008 and said it was an excellent blank canvas to experiment with flavors. “I believe that cooking is an art, as well,” he said. “I want to put my stamp on it, my flair.”
This article appears in February 2014.