Law & Order SPU: Hot honey, jalapenos and pesto Encore Pizzeria + Kitchen

In the world of pizza, there is a code. Individuals who investigate that code are members of an elite squad known as the SPU, Special Pizza Unit. This is one of their stories.

It started on a crisp fall day. I sat in front of my computer contemplating a visit to Encore Pizzeria + Kitchen, which is inconspicuously tucked into a corner of the City Centre building at 2502 Tanner Drive in Cape Girardeau.

I won't bore you with the back story, but Chef Cody Kelley has been trained by and is affiliated with some of the biggest movers and shakers in the local food scene. He went rogue a few years ago, and I've kept close tabs on him ever since. His newest undertaking, Encore Pizzeria + Kitchen, did not escape my radar.

I knew follow-up investigation was needed, but doubt quickly settled in. Chef Kelley is known for infiltrating the area with high quality product.

Was I the person for the job? I'd heard rumors. I had critics. Were my taste buds up to par? The public deserved the unbiased truth. I needed an expert. I needed backup. I swallowed my pride and did something I despise: I called for help.

A lemon blueberry sorbet is a great way to keep your cool.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

A lemon blueberry sorbet is a great way to keep your cool.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

I called the Red Tie Pizza Guy.

Within seconds of being briefed, a knowing smile slowly spread across the Red Tie Pizza Guy's face. This was his forte. He was accustomed to objectively reviewing evidence and making judgments. This would be a piece of cake ... err, pie, pizza pie. We reviewed the parameters. Crust quality. Cheese dispersal ratio. Sauce distribution. He clarified: Whatever his findings, I would receive the whole truth and nothing but the truth. No Mr. Nice Guy. He wasn't in the business of making friends; his duty was to the code. The pizza code. I assured him I could handle the truth. He accepted the mission. ETA: 72 hours.

I went a little rogue myself and conducted some preliminary investigation. This was personal. Was my initial assessment correct? Was I suffering from impostor syndrome? Was Encore a major supplier of gourmet goods? I needed answers.

I arrived at the counter, placed my order, and engaged in the normal amount of small talk to avoid suspicion. Money was exchanged. My cover was blown immediately. They weren't rookies. They knew what I was looking for and they promptly delivered.

I began with dessert, their lemon blueberry sorbet to be exact. The somewhat sweet and sour treat was the perfect temperature to help me keep my cool. A short time later, a made-to-order steaming hot pizza was delivered to my table.

Maybe "Red Tie Pizza Guy special" will become an unofficial "off menu" order.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

Maybe "Red Tie Pizza Guy special" will become an unofficial "off menu" order.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

The classic: margherita. It was as beautiful as I recalled. If I had been standing, my knees would have buckled. I paused. Was I prepared to revisit this path? There was still time to walk away. Then, as if of its own volition, my hand grasped a slice and brought it to my lips. Before I could object, my taste buds were reveling in the culinary joy of days past. The crust was hearty and rustic, with a bit of char to add character and no sign of sogginess in sight. The pesto was fresh with a bold rich flavor. The cheese a memory to be savored. My instincts were right. The pizza was legit. There was no way the Red Tie Pizza Guy could say otherwise, could he?

A few days later, the Red Tie Pizza Guy delivered his verdict: Guilty as charged. Chef Kelley and his crew were quietly distributing high quality delectable edibles to locals.

The Red Tie Pizza Guy admitted being caught off guard, quickly warning, "Don't sleep on the jalapeno honey fries." He raved about the cut, texture, how well the unexpected mixture of flavors complemented each other, and overall execution of the simple dish. He was so enthralled by the fries, I worried he was distracting me from his pizza findings.

A few moments later, the Red Tie Pizza Guy gave me what I was looking for: Encore earned a resounding two thumbs up with his half-jalapeno half cheese pizza. Not only did it exceed his standards and expectations, but he also praised the service while noting the decor and music invoked memories of his trip to Italy.

Relieved my taste buds have been vindicated, I urge you to make your way to Encore Pizzeria + Kitchen and share your thoughts about the Red Tie Pizza Guys verdict.

Thank you to the Red Tie Pizza Guy and SPU for your service.

The Red Tie Pizza Guy was caught off guard and blown away by the jalapeno honey fries.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

The Red Tie Pizza Guy was caught off guard and blown away by the jalapeno honey fries.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo