By Jay Furst

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 

Four Stars is nothing less than a democratic (with a small "d") restaurant review column. Readers and restaurateurs always get a second shot at getting my attention and spreading the word about their food.

Here's more on the most popular pizzas in the Rochester area. In last week's column, I gave the four stars to four Rochester pizza palaces. These readers have other ideas (although I did note O'Neill's last week as one of my personal favorites):

Chris Beighley, general manager at Zpizza in Rochester's University Square shopping center, says, "According to our customers, we have the best pizza in town ... Zpizza starts each day with freshly made organic crust and sauce, each pizza is hand-tossed and topped with only the freshest of ingredients and specially made, freshly grated, low-fat mozzarella cheese. We have 13 specialty pizzas, with nine of them being vegetarian ... a flavor to suit anyone's tastes.

"Stop by and give us a try!"

Thanks, Chris, and as I told him and owner Debra Von Wald, I've enjoyed more than a slice of Zpizza's 'za during lunch hours past and will stop by again.

David Zemke of Rochester sent this note earlier this month: "You'd better include O'Neill's Pizza Pub in your competition ... it's our favorite place for pizza, and you can watch them toss the crusts and make the pizza through the windows ... plus it's family-owned and operated."

That's all true and as the big guy behind O'Neill's bar knows, my wife and I are regulars, and I always wash it down with a tall glass of Old Speckled Hen.

Another reader says, "Gentlemen: Rabbit's Bakery in Lake City features wood-fired pizza the first Sunday of each month, with four from-scratch unique selections. My daughter and fiance make the trip from Rochester each month for the event. Give it a try. I guarantee, you will not be disappointed! In addition, service is fast and friendly."

That person sent a business card from Rabbit's, which is an artisan, brick-oven bakery at 304 S. Washington St. in Lake City. Gotta check that out.

And Nancy Jo Stoudt of Cannon Falls, following up on my wild rice soup column the previous month, says, "I believe you need to expand your culinary experiences a little further north. I invite you to taste their homemade soups. Most days you can choose from three different homemade soups. To name a few: chili, vegetable beef, beer cheese, wild rice, pizza, etc."

Pizza soup? Talk about fusion of food types -- I'll put it on my to-do list.

The next Four Stars review, coming Nov. 24, will recommend four great places in the Rochester area for a juicy, perfectly cut and cooked filet mignon.

Note to boss: Expect an eye-popping expense report this month.

Send your recommendations to Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN  or post 'em at the Great Taste blog at Postbulletin.com.

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