Restaurateurs  scoffed when Hans Fulton (the first Italian immigrant to Clatsop county) expanded his inter-county famous Fultano’s Pizza franchise into Clatskanie in 1977. They said the success of its Warrenton franchise was due, in large part, to Warrenton’s crusty water and easy access to exotic grated cheeses from the Warrenton Thriftways (RIP) award-winning cheese department. Since these two things rarely co-occur in nature, Clatskanie could never repeat Warrenton’s success.

Well, I took my wife there for our 5 year anniversary dinner last Friday, and can finally put the debate to rest.

My verdict?

A delicious 4 stars.

Our 5-course tasting menu began with a collection of pizzas and soups delivered from other local establishments by this guy:

http://www.fultanospizza.com/data/storage/attachments/1aeabade690281202167838abec679e3.jpg

Thanks, bud. Good work.

The chef’s use of local ingredients (from the local Mini Mart, I think), completely untouched by the chef was a refreshing suprise. It reminded me of the time I was at Michael Mina and the first course was a cold shellfish platter. At the time I thought, what the h? A frickin shellfish platter on a tasting menu? But now I get it.

The second course wasnt edible, but its whimsy won me over. It was a felt Pizza plated on an employees head. Again, great use of seasonal, local ingredients:

http://www.fultanospizza.com/data/storage/attachments/66f049959293994d0428b99985df97ee.jpg

 

The third, fourth, and fifth courses were accidentally delivered to a table of ladies from the credit union next door. When I informed the ladies that they were eating my courses, the youngest one said, ugh, gross and spit into a napkin. Laughter ensued. A credit to my bill also ensued. 

http://www.fultanospizza.com/data/storage/attachments/0a4ea3c37ea5d49cd1d7b3e74150e3b3.jpg

Anyhoo, if I had received those courses they would have been: A Big and Brawny family-size Pizza ($24.55) with Pepperoni, sausage, and pineapple, a Big Coppola family-size Pizza ($24.55) with Canadian bacon and pineapple, and the Mona Lisa family-size Pizza ($25.75) with Canadian bacon, pepperoni, and ground beef. Rumor has it that each of these three Pizzas are inspired by dishes that Hans grew up eating in Bari, Italyone of the largest pineapple producing regions in all of Mediterranean Europe.

Not only did the food easily earn its four stars, I was star-struck by the staff as well (pictured in the link below). They are cheerful, playful, gleeful, and a good time to be around. They have a swell time making the pizza, bringing the pizza to your table, and cleaning up your table when you are through. They will also fetch you fountain drinks (upon request). Give them a visit.

 http://www.fultanospizza.com/data/storage/attachments/1c1815ef824bab5a68ee1f8fd1e715d8.jpg

You’re welcome,

Warrenton Warrior