OTTO X: Ten years! Ten towns! Celebrating a decade of OTTO!

Chefs/owners Mike Keon and Anthony Allen invite you to join in celebrating 10 years of OTTO throughout the month of June.

All month long, and beyond, there will be will be no shortage of ways to celebrate — Keon and Allen want this to be a celebration of their customers and their employees — without which there would be no OTTO.

Since its humble beginnings as a tiny little slice shop on Portland, ME’s Congress Street, OTTO has grown to 13 location in 10 towns in Maine and Massachusetts.

10 YEAR HAPPENINGS

Lobster Masher: For the month of June, OTTO will introduce an extra special Pie of the Month—the “Lobster Masher.” A decadent mash-up (pun intended) of OTTO’s iconic Mashed Potato, Bacon and Scallion “Masher” pie, the “Lobster Masher” will be decadently garnished with fresh Maine lobster meat. The “Lobster Masher” will be priced to move (literally losing money as our way of saying thanks!) — $3.50 per slice, $14.50 for a small pie, and $22.75 for a large. All summer long, every OTTO pie will be served in a limited edition 10th anniversary pizza box.

The Lobster Masher (Mashed Potato, Bacon, Scallion and Fresh Maine Lobster)

OTTO X Ale: Rising Tide Brewing Company, a frequent OTTO collaborator over the years, has created a very special anniversary brew for the occasion. OTTO X, an IPA, will be served throughout June at all OTTO locations in Maine (and our Coolidge Corner, BU, and Arlington locations in MA).  OTTO X is a clean, crisp ale made with flaked rice, feat. Lemondrop, Mandarina and Columbus hops. Coming in at 5.6% ABV, this citrus-forward springtime brew features a nice lemon-oil and sweet orange character.

OTTO X: Anniversary Ale brewed in collaboration with Rising Tide Brewing

X Marks the Spot: On June 17th from 11:30-2pm, OTTO co-owners Mike Keon and Anthony Allen will be working the counter at OTTO’s original slice shop at 576 Congress St. in Portland — exactly where they were 10 years ago when they sold the very first OTTO slice.

Contests, Contests, Contests: In addition, fans should keep a sharp eye on OTTO’s Instagram (@ottoportland) for a series of prize pack giveaways – featuring sports and concert tickets, OTTO anniversary swag, brewery merch, gift cards, and much more.

Employee Parties: OTTO will be throwing 10th anniversary celebrations for employees only — one party in Maine on June 23, and one in Massachusetts on July 14. Restaurants will close at 7pm on these days, so that everyone in the OTTO family can join in the festivities.

THE OTTO STORY

OTTO is the brainchild of Anthony Allen and Mike Keon, who met each other over a decade ago as chefs at neighboring restaurants north of Boston. Allen had opened his first pizzeria on Nantucket at the age of seventeen, later opening a second location on Martha’s Vineyard. Keon came to cooking after working on fishing boats off the coast of Alaska. Their lasting friendship, complementary styles, and shared “less is more” culinary philosophy resulted in the opening of OTTO in downtown Portland, where Keon had been living and working. It was not long until OTTO was gaining regional and national attention for making some of the best pizza around.

Mike and I are blown away by the fact that it’s been a decade,” says Allen. “Ten years and ten cities—I could never have dreamt it – well, maybe my 17-year-old self did back in-the-day on Nantucket when I opened my first pizza shop.”

“We are continuously working to make sure every pizza is perfect and every slice unforgettable,” says Keon. “Whether you grab a slice to go or eat in one of our full service dining rooms, every member of our team is motivated by this goal of consistently well-executed, uncomplicated food. Our staff has been absolutely monumental in our success – we are beyond grateful and would not be where we are today without them.”

ABOUT THE MENU & SPACES

OTTO is known for its “elevated” pizza approach, using high-quality ingredients – local when possible — and extremely creative toppings such as cranberries, butternut squash, spicy pulled pork, or (even) tortellini and seaweed. The 10th anniversary “Lobster Masher” is an extra special pie to celebrate the anniversary (OTTO features a unique, limited edition pie each month). OTTO is also one of the few places in New England that offers Detroit-Style pizza—featuring an extra thick crust and a crispy bottom.

Each OTTO pizzeria is unique, individually customized for both the physical space and the neighborhood in which it’s located. OTTO locations vary from slice shops to pick-up and delivery to full service dining room restaurants.

It’s time for Oscar Tango Tango Oscar, OTTO’s annual collaboration with Rising Tide

OscarTango_Poster_V1Our annual Spring collaboration with Portland’s Rising Tide Brewing Company, Oscar Tango Tango Oscar, is currently pouring in Maine, and will be rolling out over the coming days in Massachusetts.

Oscar Tango Tango Oscar is brewed with 2-row, flaked rice, carapils and hopped with Amarillo, Mandarina, and Cascade hops. It is fermented with Rising Tide’s house American ale yeast. Oscar Tango Tango Oscar’s citrusy snap goes perfect with an OTTO signature pie on a warm summer day.

Over the years, Oscar Tango has accumulated an overall 3.8 rating on Beer Advocate and a 3.63 rating on Untappd.

The collaboration is only available at OTTO and at the Rising Tide tasting room. Get it while you can. Check in on Untappd and let us know what you think!

It’s our birthday, and we have presents for you!

We’re 9!

On June 18, 2009, Mike Keon and Anthony Allen opened the first OTTO, a tiny slice shop on Congress Street. Nine years, 12 locations (soon to be 13!), and millions (yes millions) of pizzas later, we are so incredibly thankful for all the hard work and passion that our employees have put into making OTTO what it is today.  But none of it would be possible without you, our customers. When everyone told us mashed potatoes on pizza would never fly, you proved them wrong. You have been with us through thick and thin (not a crust joke, we swear!), and we greatly appreciate your loyalty over the past nine years.

New Menu!

As a way to say thank you for the past nine years, we have a present for you. Today, at all locations, we are rolling out a new menu, which, aside from featuring most of your OTTO favorites, includes:

  • New pie additions:
    • Mango Habanero Chicken (or Cauliflower), with House-made Pineapple Salsa
    • Arugula, Red Onion & Kalamata Olives
    • Jalapeno, Bacon & Ricotta
    • Pineapple Salsa, Bacon & Fresh Jalapeño
    • Sausage & Broccoli
    • Buffalo Cauliflower, Scallion & Blue Cheese

 

  • New salads:
    • Greek Salad
    • Chicken Cobb
  • Vegan Cheese Options
    • Violife Mozzarella-style shred may be added to any pie
    • Note: All non-meat toppings (with the exception of our butternut squash and mashed potatoes) are prepared vegan.
    • Our Mushroom and Cauliflower are now prepared vegan
  • Detroit Style Pizza (at select locations)
    • This delicious, thick, deep-dish, crispy-crust treat is now on the menu at our Brookline and Munjoy Hill locations
  • Everything Knots (at select locations)
    • Our dough baked and sprinkled with ‘everything’ seasoning
    • Available at several OTTO locations: All Portland and South Portland locations, Yarmouth, and Brookline

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Rising Tide Collaboration Beer!

Our fourth release of our Spring collaboration with Portland’s Rising Tide Brewing Company, Oscar Tango Tango Oscar, is currently pouring in ME locations, and will be rolling out to MA locations in the coming days!

Oscar Tango Tango Oscar is a crisp, snappy, and sessionable pale ale brewed with rice. The perfect thing to pair with one of our new pies.

New Box!

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Our new pizza boxes will be hitting the streets this week! The box cover design comes from Mali, a 7th grader at King Middle School in Portland. Mali competed with hundreds of students throughout New England, made it through the voting phase, and then was named the winner by our panel of judges. Mali’s school was given $1000 towards art education, and Mali and runners up received pizza parties, OTTO swag, prize packs from Artist & Craftsman Supply.

Come on out and help us celebrate nine years of OTTO!

Maine Mall OTTO: Your holiday refueling station

Why do the food court when you can do OTTO?DSC_6507

Tucked away in the office park located just a stone’s throw from The Maine Mall, OTTO’s spacious John Roberts Road location serves as a much-needed respite from the holiday shopping grind.

(While you’re in the shopping spirit, however, you may want to take advantage of our Buy One Get One Gift Card promotion!)

Along with dedicated parking, high ceilings, picnic tables, and an indoor bocce court, shoppers can enjoy pizza by the slice or whole pie, signature salads, and a full array of Maine Root sodas, local craft beer on tap, and wine. (We’re currently serving Autohelm, our collaboration with Rising Tide Brewing Company!)

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Whether hitting The Maine Mall, Home Depot, or Clark’s Pond Cinemagic, shoppers have found OTTO to be a welcome addition to Mallside dining options.

In addition to dine-in, The Maine Mall OTTO also offers take-out, catering, and delivery throughout South Portland and parts of Scarborough, Westbrook, and Gorham.

Hours:
Sunday–Thursday 11am – 9pm
Friday-Saturday 11am – 10pm

Come on by, put down your bags, and let us serve you.

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Autohelm: OTTO and Rising Tide’s collaboration brew is back for a limited time!

We are pleased to announce the return of Autohelm, a deliciously hoppy amber ale brewed by Rising Tide Brewing Company in collaboration with OTTO.

Autohelm_Poster_2

Diners at OTTO restaurants in Maine and Massachusetts will be able to pair their pie with this delightful winter brew, which made its debut last year.

This limited special collaboration will be available exclusively at OTTO, as well as at the Rising Tide tasting room.

The beer is already available in Maine locations, with the Massachusetts launch party happening on Thursday, November 16 from 6-9pm, featuring OTTO’s Detroit-Style Pizza!

If you haven’t had an opportunity to try Autohelm, you should get a piece of the action before it’s all gone.

The brew has racked up a 3.75 rating on social beer discovery service Untappd, and a 3.95 on Beer Advocate, eliciting some of the following responses:

“Delicious!”
“Phenomenal!”
“Super solid!”
“Very solid hoppy amber. Piney hops with a strong malt backbone!”
“Pairs amazingly with pizza!”
“A sweet, hoppy Amber.”
“Very smooth. Almost creamy. Nice rich malts with hop balance.”
“Oh so good.”
“Great hoppy awesome. Full body with a little sweet.”
“Fan-freakin-tastic! Well done. Hoppy , refreshing, in a season of big heavy beers this was a refreshing change.”
“Wow that is delicious!”

Thirsty yet?

Come on down, grab a few pies, and a few glasses of Autohelm — and be sure to let us know what you think.

Rising Tide-OTTO collab ‘Autohelm’ release party tonight at NEW Back Cove OTTO!

Join us tonight at our brand spankin’ new Back Cove location at 250 Read Street in Portland, as we start pouring the third annual release of Autohelm, a deliciously hoppy amber ale brewed by Rising Tide Brewing Company in collaboration with OTTO.

250mapOur Autohelm release party is from 5-7pm today (Wednesday, Oct 12). Rising Tide and OTTO staff will be on hand to talk about the beer, and there will be schwag! Come check out our new digs while enjoying the first pours of this delicious winter beer.

This limited special collaboration will be available exclusively at OTTO locations in Maine and Massachusetts. (Note: Only 250 Read Street will begin pouring today. Other ME locations will begin pouring early next week, with MA locations in late October.)

If you haven’t had an opportunity to try Autohelm in the past, you won’t want to miss it this year.

The brew has 3.73 rating on social beer discovery service Untappd, eliciting some of the following responses:

autohelm-screen-copy“Delicious!”
“This is incredible.”
“Super solid!”
“Very solid hoppy amber. Piney hops with a strong malt backbone!”
“A sweet, hoppy Amber.”
“Very smooth. Almost creamy. Nice rich malts with hop balance.”
“Oh so good.”
“Great hoppy awesome. Full body with a little sweet.”
“Fan-freakin-tastic! Well done. Hoppy , refreshing, in a season of big heavy beers this was a refreshing change.”
“Wow that is delicious!”

Thirsty yet?

Come on down, grab a few pies, and a few glasses of Autohelm — and be sure to let us know what you think.

OTTO/Rising Tide Spring Collaboration Launch Parties in ME and MA

1609996_1190159957662599_4654903827232278965_nPlease join us on Wednesday, March 30th as we launch OTTO and Rising Tide Brewing Company‘s spring collaboration, Oscar Tango Tango Oscar — a crisp, snappy, and sessionable pale ale brewed with rice.

The celebration will be happening simultaneously in Portland and Massachusetts, with launch parties at two OTTO locations on Wednesday, March 30. Join OTTO and Rising Tide team members at 225 Congress Street in Portland’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood or 289 Harvard Street in Brookline’s Coolidge Corner from 6-8pm, as we start pouring this delicious brew. Lucky attendees will receive Rising Tide and OTTO schwag!

This limited special collaboration will be available exclusively at OTTO.

12745742_1171284872883441_949013297044290465_nThe brewing process kicked off on February 23rd, with OTTO team members on site. This is the second year of this annual spring collaboration, which currently holds a respectable 3.71 rating (with 218 check-ins) on the popular social drinking service Untappd.

Oscar Tango Tango Oscar’s citrusy snap goes perfect on our sunny patios while sharing one of OTTO’s spring pies — eggplant, ricotta and basil, or roasted chicken, caramelized pears and fontina.

Oscar Tango Tango Oscar’s profile is sure to provoke an onset of Spring Fever. Proceed with caution.

Aroma: tangerine, orange peel, grapefruit, rose
Taste: tangerine, grapefruit, cereal, crisp with a snappy bitterness
Malts: 2-row, flaked rice, carapils
Hops: amarillo, mandarina, cascade
Yeast: house american ale
Specifics: 4.4% abv, 1.044 o.g., 4 srm, 25 ibu

Cheers!12144691_1171284999550095_5301404358084709220_n

AUTOHELM: OTTO/Rising Tide Collab Brew Is Back!

We are pleased to announce the return of Autohelm, a deliciously hoppy amber ale brewed by Rising Tide Brewing Company in collaboration with OTTO.

Autohelm_Poster_2

Diners at OTTO restaurants in Maine and Massachusetts will be able to pair their pie with this delightful winter brew, which made its debut last year.

This limited special collaboration will be available exclusively at OTTO.

If you didn’t have an opportunity to try Autohelm last year, you should get a piece of the action before it’s all gone.

Last year, the brew racked up a 3.73 rating on social beer discovery service Untappd, eliciting some of the following responses:

“Delicious!”
“Super solid!”
“Very solid hoppy amber. Piney hops with a strong malt backbone!”
“A sweet, hoppy Amber.”
“Very smooth. Almost creamy. Nice rich malts with hop balance.”
“Oh so good.”
“Great hoppy awesome. Full body with a little sweet.”
“Fan-freakin-tastic! Well done. Hoppy , refreshing, in a season of big heavy beers this was a refreshing change.”
“Wow that is delicious!”

Thirsty yet?

Come on down, grab a few pies, and a few glasses of Autohelm — and be sure to let us know what you think.

rt2

OTTO’s Lindsey Gordon pours on the hops

 

 

Oscar Tango Tango Oscar: Rising Tide and OTTO’s Spring Collaboration Is Here!

OscarTango_Poster_V1_50percOn the heels of Autohelm, the highly regarded winter collaboration, OTTO and Rising Tide Brewing Company are launching their spring collaboration, Oscar Tango Tango Oscar, a crisp, snappy, and sessionable pale ale brewed with rice.

Starting this weekend in Maine, diners at all OTTO locations will be able to pair their pie with Oscar Tango Tango Oscar. By the week of April 27, OTTO diners at our Coolidge Corner and Comm Ave locations in Massachusetts will be able to do the same.

This limited special collaboration will be available exclusively at OTTO.

The brewing process kicked off on April Fool’s Day (coincidence, we promise!), with OTTO team members on site. While the Autohelm collaboration was brewed to provide a hearty, hoppy dose of comfort during the harsh New England winter, Oscar Tango Tango Oscar’s citrusy snap goes perfect on our sunny patios while sharing one of OTTO’s spring pies — eggplant, ricotta and basil, or roasted chicken, caramelized pears and fontina.

Oscar Tango Tango Oscar’s profile is sure to provoke an onset of Spring Fever. Proceed with caution.

Aroma: tangerine, orange peel, grapefruit, rose
Taste: tangerine, grapefruit, cereal, crisp with a snappy bitterness
Malts: 2-row, flaked rice, carapils
Hops: amarillo, mandarina, cascade
Yeast: house american ale
Specifics: 4.4% abv, 1.044 o.g., 4 srm, 25 ibu

Cheers!11041812_978888512123079_5239061310001661218_n

Introducing AUTOHELM: A Hoppy Amber Ale Brewed By Rising Tide in Collaboration with OTTO

Everybody knows that pizza and beer go together like, well, pizza and beer. It’s a well-known fact that Portland, Maine has no shortage of either.

Autohelm_Poster_2

Rising Tide & OTTO: A match made in heaven

Starting December 10, in Maine, diners at OTTO will be able to pair their pie with Autohelm, a deliciously hoppy amber ale brewed by Rising Tide Brewing Company in collaboration with OTTO. By mid-December, OTTO diners in Massachusetts will be able to do the same.

This limited special collaboration will be available exclusively at OTTO.

Our neighbors at Rising Tide have been brewing beer about as long as we have been selling pizza. Both OTTO and Rising Tide have strikingly similar histories: Independent businesses launched by pairs of lifelong New Englanders with a passion for crafting artisanal provisions. Both pairs followed winding paths that led to their recent successes. Both, in just a handful of years, have become celebrated staples of the Portland food & drink scene. Both have recently cracked increasingly competitive markets out-of-state, while staying fiercely loyal to the home town. Both are also very committed to supporting local organizations and giving back to the communities in which they live and work.

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OTTO’s Lindsey Gordon pours on the hops

While OTTO and Rising Tide have partnered on a number of occasions — road races, charity events, and other local initiatives — it wasn’t until fall of 2014 that the idea came up for an actual collaboration. It made complete sense. Soon the collaboration process began, and the brewing kicked off on November 12, with several OTTO team on site to assist.

Everyone at OTTO and Rising Tide looks forward to sharing the fruits of this exciting (and delicious) collaboration the public. The first keg will be tapped at a special kickoff event on Wednesday December 10 at our Munjoy Hill location (225 Congress Street, Portland). Rising Tide (and OTTO) brewers will be on the scene.

There will be swag.

Most importantly, there will be no shortage of delicious Portland-born pizza and beer.

OTTO & Rising Tide kicking off the brewing process

OTTO & Rising Tide kick off the brewing process