This article was inspired by content originally published on Axios
Introduction
When Chicago’s culinary mavericks decide to break the rules, they don’t just make pizza they reinvent it. That’s exactly what’s happening at Grumpy’s, the iconic Avondale pizza hangout, where the flavors of Mexican mole and the beloved deep-dish collide in an unforgettable pop-up.
A Pop-Up with a Purpose: Redefining Chicago Pizza
Chef Gabby Nunez and her partner at Grumpy’s aren’t just tossing dough, they’re telling a cultural story. Manchamanteles literally “tablecloth stainer” is a rich, fruity mole that’s typically paired with slow-cooked meats in Mexico. By layering it onto pizza dough, they create a smoky-sweet flavor bomb that’s worlds away from your standard pepperoni.
Pizza Pros, Take Note: Mole as a Menu Hero
Shop ownershere’s your golden slice of insight. The Manchamanteles pop-up isn’t just a novelty. It’s an example of how culturally rooted flavors can be reimagined to attract new audiences. Mole is rich in history, labor-intensive, and deeply communal. Why not spotlight other underappreciated sauces?
Think about collaborating with local food artisans to source authentic moles or unique salsas. You could even partner with Mexican grocery suppliers like MexGrocer to bring small-batch ingredients into your kitchen.
For Suppliers: A Flavor Trend to Watch
Suppliers, don’t sleep on this. As pizzerias push boundaries with globally inspired sauces and toppings, there’s growing demand for authentic, high-quality imports in smaller quantities. Consider offering bulk mole pastes, dried chilies, or tropical fruits with pizza-focused packaging in mind.
How to Bring a Mole Pizza to Your Home Table
Ready to stain a few tablecloths of your own? Here’s a quick idea:
- Start with a chewy, high-hydration doughthink Neapolitan or Detroit-style.
- Use a thick mole sauce as your base instead of tomato.
- Top with smoked pulled pork or roasted veggies, chunks of pineapple, and pickled red onions for a hit of acidity.
- Finish with fresh cilantro and crumbled queso fresco.
If you’re a real DIY pizza nerd, grab a steel pizza peel to make sliding that loaded pie into your home oven a breeze. And don’t forget a heavy-duty baking steel for that professional-level crust.
The Bigger Picture: Pizza That Tells Stories
Grumpy’s Manchamanteles Mole Pizza Pop-Up is more than just a quirky one-off, it’s a delicious reminder that pizza can (and should) tell stories. From the ancestral roots of mole to the rebellious spirit of Chicago’s indie pizza scene, every slice is a chance to connect people, cultures, and generations.
Whether you’re firing up your backyard oven, brainstorming your next menu twist, or sourcing the next big ingredient trend, let Grumpy’s pop-up be your inspiration: break the rules, stain the tablecloth, and give your customers a pizza story worth telling.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on Axios. This article contains affiliate links, and Pizza Magazine may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.