Patti’s PopUp

Pizzahacker alum Jamie Nowell started this weekend pizza popup when the pandemic hit. He pops up at Gilman Brewing and Federation Brewing, where he does handmixed Neapolitan pizza but in a California fashion: The pies use 100% whole grain wheat flour from Community Grains in Oakland and undergo a 50hour fermentation before going into a Roccbox pizza oven. The result is pizzas that are slightly sour and super charred on the cornicione (or “crust” as it’s commonly called).

Nowell does two types: a traditional margherita and a weekly changing special. There might be nutty butternut squash with walnut basil pesto one week, and roasted piquillo peppers, sesame seeds and smoked sea salt the next. He’s not in the financial position to open a permanent restaurant yet, but it’s a dream.

“I would love to have a tiny place with a traditional Italian woodfired oven one day,” he said.

Cost: $15-$17. Website: instagram.com/pattis_popup/

Address: Gilman Brewing, 912 Gilman St., Berkeley; Fridays 3-8:30 p.m. Federation Brewing, 420 Third St., A, Oakland; Sundays noon-5 p.m.

Photos by Omar Mamoon