CLOSED MOD Sienna Pizza Review and Giveaway: My Brussels Sprouts Revelation

UPDATE: This pizzeria has closed.

For years, my pizza preferences were unwavering: a thick, doughy crust was paramount, a comforting foundation for any delicious topping. Anything less than a substantial, pillow-like base felt like a betrayal to the very essence of pizza. My culinary compass also firmly steered clear of Brussels sprouts. Having encountered them primarily as a dreary, boiled side dish during my time in Britain, often masked by crispy bacon in a futile attempt to elevate their flavor, I developed a strong aversion. They struck me as bland, uninspiring, and utterly devoid of charm. The notion of pairing these two culinary adversaries – a thin crust and Brussels sprouts – on a single pizza seemed not just unappealing, but frankly, a challenge I had no intention of accepting. Resistance, I believed, was entirely logical when faced with such an unholy alliance in the world of pizza.

However, my steadfast culinary convictions were put to the ultimate test when an invitation arrived to sample MOD Pizza’s seasonal offering: the Sienna pizza. This proposition forced me to confront my deep-seated biases head-on. Prior to this unexpected encounter, MOD Pizza was an unfamiliar name to me. The immediate apprehension at the thought of Brussels sprouts adorning a pizza was quickly tempered by a swift online search, which revealed an overwhelming chorus of positive reviews. A wave of curiosity, tinged with a healthy dose of skepticism, washed over me. What was this enthusiastic buzz all about? Could a pizza truly transform my long-held opinions on both thin crust and Brussels sprouts? I was anxious to find out, harboring a sliver of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, this experience could lead to a delightful culinary revelation.

For this eagerly anticipated review, my family and I embarked on a visit to the MOD Pizza restaurant located in Elmhurst, Illinois. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with genuine warmth by manager Bryant Keogh and his dedicated team, setting a welcoming tone for our dining adventure. This particular MOD Pizza establishment has been a vibrant part of the Elmhurst community for over a year, and it’s clear from the glowing online testimonials and the steady stream of patrons that it has cultivated a remarkably loyal following. The inviting atmosphere and the evident dedication of the staff immediately underscored the positive reputation we had encountered online, promising an experience that extended beyond just the food.

MOD Pizza’s journey began in Seattle in 2008, pioneering the now-thriving “fast-casual” pizza movement. This innovative concept blends the speed and convenience of fast food with the quality and customization typically associated with more traditional dining. At the heart of MOD’s philosophy is the creation of artisan-style pizzas “Made On Demand.” This means each pizza is crafted right before your eyes, utilizing fresh-pressed dough and an array of signature sauces. What truly sets MOD apart is its remarkable commitment to customization: customers can choose from an astounding selection of over 30 toppings, all at no additional cost. This empowers every diner to design their perfect pizza, tailored precisely to their cravings.

Beyond the extensive topping bar, MOD Pizza prides itself on its inclusivity, offering a variety of options to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences. All MOD pizza crusts are proudly vegan, ensuring a plant-based option for those avoiding animal products. Furthermore, the menu boasts plenty of dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives, making it a welcoming destination for individuals with specific dietary restrictions. This thoughtful approach ensures that virtually everyone can enjoy a delicious, personalized pizza experience, highlighting MOD’s commitment to customer satisfaction and broad appeal. The sheer volume and quality of fresh ingredients, as captured in the accompanying images, truly illustrate the generous and diverse topping options available, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

The star of our visit, available for a limited time through September 30th, was the Sienna pizza. This seasonal creation features an intriguing blend of ingredients designed to challenge conventional pizza palates: tender Brussels sprouts, vibrant red onions, earthy mushrooms, a generous duo of mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, all subtly enhanced with a hint of aromatic rosemary and a dash of potent garlic rub. To thoroughly evaluate this unique offering, I ordered two variations of the Sienna: “the MOD,” which showcased MOD’s standard thin crust, and “the Mega,” a more decadent option featuring a double thin crust, with an additional layer of sauce and cheese artfully sandwiched in between. This allowed for a direct comparison of how the crust variations impacted the overall experience, especially with such distinct toppings.

Could Brussels sprouts on a thin crust pizza truly be delicious? My encounter with the Sienna delivered a resounding, unequivocal “yes!” This pizza not only took me completely by surprise but utterly shattered my long-held culinary preconceptions. The secret, I discovered, lay in the preparation of the Brussels sprouts. Instead of their usual boiled form, these sprouts were roasted to perfection, which coaxed out a surprising sweetness and a mild, appealing flavor profile. This roasting process imparted an additional layer of depth and savory notes, a quality often conspicuously absent when they are merely boiled. Furthermore, the thoughtful pairing of the roasted Brussels sprouts with the savory mushrooms and the rich combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses proved to be a masterful stroke. The delicate aromatic hints of rosemary and the pungent garlic rub seamlessly wove through the flavors, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying taste sensation. This artful blend of ingredients allowed the Sienna to truly stand out, delivering a novel and incredibly satisfying culinary experience.

Beyond the innovative toppings, the artisan thin crust itself was a revelation. Baked to crispy perfection in MOD’s incredibly hot 800-degree oven, it possessed an ideal texture: delightfully crunchy without being at all chewy. This distinct characteristic compelled me to reconsider my decades-long allegiance to thick crusts. The thin crust provided the perfect, delicate foundation, allowing the complex flavors of the Sienna’s toppings to shine without being overwhelmed by a heavy base. It was, quite simply, that good, forever altering my perspective on what a pizza crust could and should be. The “Mega” version, with its double thin crust, offered an even richer experience, proving that sometimes, two thin crusts are indeed better than one, especially when filled with an extra layer of savory sauce and cheese.

During our comprehensive visit, we expanded our tasting beyond the Sienna, exploring a few other tempting varieties on MOD Pizza’s menu. Our clear second favorite was the Tristan pizza, a delightful creation that instantly caught my eye due to my strong appreciation for roasted red peppers. I was particularly eager to discover how the sweet, smoky notes of the roasted red peppers would interact with the bright, herbaceous flavors of pesto – and I was far from disappointed. The Tristan proved to be an absolute triumph, bursting with vibrant color and an incredibly luscious texture. This richness was largely attributable to the decadent, perfectly melted mozzarella, beautifully complemented by the assertive, nutty flavor of asiago cheese. The combination of ingredients worked in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that made the Tristan an undeniable winner in its own right, cementing MOD Pizza’s reputation for consistently crafting exceptional pizzas, even beyond their seasonal specials. The ability to customize any pizza with such high-quality ingredients also means that customers can craft their own unique masterpieces, ensuring every visit is a fresh and exciting culinary adventure.

Beyond the exceptional pizzas, MOD Pizza stands out for its profound commitment to community involvement and a purpose-led culture, a philosophy that resonates deeply across its numerous locations in 17 states. During my visit, I had the pleasure of hearing directly from manager Bryant Keogh about their ongoing and meaningful collaborations with local educational institutions. This dedication to supporting the communities they serve is not just a marketing slogan; it’s an integral part of their brand identity, fostering genuine connections and contributing positively to society. This strong, community-driven mission, coupled with a product that consistently delivers on taste and quality, left an indelible impression. It reinforced my belief that MOD Pizza is more than just a place to grab a quick meal; it’s a company that cares. With such a compelling blend of delicious food and responsible business practices, my family and I are undoubtedly looking forward to our next visit to MOD Pizza very soon.