Over the course of the next several weeks, thousands of Houstonians will head downtown to watch the Houston Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. While the ballet will undoubtedly leave attendees dreaming of dancing sugar plums and other sweet treats, an EaDo pizzeria has partnered with four of the company’s dancers to create two special pies.
Vinny’s worked with the performers to create pizzas named for the story’s hero, the Nutcracker prince, and its villain, the Rat King. The restaurant will donate a portion of sales to the Lauren Anderson Young Dancer Scholarship Fund, which supports artists that reflect the rich diversity that shapes Houston as a community.
“We’re huge fans of the Houston Ballet and everything they do for the community, as they share in our affinity for creating memories through hospitality and art,” Agricole Hospitality co-owner Vincent Huynh said in a statement. “Pizza is for everyone, and it’s exciting to show off our fresh and high-quality ingredients in a creative and festive way.”
Corps de Ballet dancers Saul Newport and Jack Wolff created the Nutcracker pizza. Dubbed “Lucid Dreams,” it features tea-smoked pork loin, bacon, pecans, spinach and a coffee barbecue glaze over a sweet onion sauce and mozzarella.
The Lucid Dreams is topped with tea-smoked pork loin.Photo by Mikah Danae
Demi soloist Natalie Varnum and dancer Danbi Kim teamed up on the Rat King-themed “Seven Gold Crowns.” The vegetarian pizza combines mesquite-smoked Broccoli, red onion, spiced pecans, and a walnut pesto drizzle over a sweet potato puree and a combination of gold cheddar and provolone.t
That's mesquite-smoked broccoli.Photo by Mikah Danae
Both pizzas are available by-the-slice or as whole pies from November 22-December 31 for dine-in, to-go, or delivery. Diners will receive tokens to vote for their favorite pizza. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday.
“To be able to partner with a local restaurant to support the Lauren Anderson Young Dancer Scholarship is so important,” Varnum added. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to dance, and we are really grateful to Vincent and his team for this collaboration.”
