If you’re someone who relishes not only the taste of your food but also the experience that comes with it, brace yourself. In a recent episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Guy Fieri took viewers on a culinary rollercoaster through the heart of Memphis, TN. Nestled within the mammoth walls of Wiseacre Brewing is a small pizza haven called Little Bettie, a place where creativity and brewing mastery collide to serve up some unexpectedly amazing eats.
Little Bettie is all about pushing the envelope, and the menu is nothing short of inventive. From kimchi hush puppies to pretzel nugs, it’s clear this isn’t your run-of-the-mill pizzeria. The masterminds behind this concept are brothers Kellan and Davin Bartosch, along with Chef Jared Riddle, who march to the beat of a simple yet audacious philosophy: go big or go home.
The episode had Fieri diving into the making of the “Thud Butt” pizza, a pie that’s as eclectic as it is delectable. At the base, a ricotta cream speckled with roasted garlic — a foundation for layers of Mortadella, crushed pistachio, black pepper honey, and handmade Stracciatella cheese. Guy’s colorful commentary? “Thud Butt- you are some weird dudes,” and indeed, it’s a kind of weird that tantalizes the taste buds.
Don't lose this list! Drop your email and we'll send it to you, so you've got it handy next time you're hungry or planning a trip.
What perhaps sets Little Bettie apart is its ingenious use of beer wort, a sugary liquid extracted during the brewing process, which they incorporate into their pizza dough, producing a unique flavor profile and texture that Fieri described as “legit.” And when it came to the pizza toppings, he couldn’t resist sampling the Mortadella, ensuring it’s “camera-ready fresh.”
Guy was all-praises for the crust, highlighting its perfect chewiness complemented by the rich, spreadable cheese in the middle. And when that honey hits the palate, you’re transported to a whole new dimension of pizza indulgence. As Fieri eloquently puts it, “Everything’s fine, and what do you do? You drop the hammer and take me to black pepper honey, bro.”
But it wasn’t just pizza getting the spotlight. Little Bettie’s “Imagine the Future” wings received some love too. These wings — brined, blanched, and tossed in a unique sauce featuring Calabrian chilies and Worcestershire sauce, topped with a Sicilian crunch of dehydrated Capers and olives — were described as “so outside of the ordinary,” a testament to the restaurant’s culinary daring.
One can’t help but marvel at the blend of flavors — the tangy brine, the spicy-sweet sauce, and that dill aïoli which, according to Fieri, “could cure all ailments.” The wings are a testament to Little Bettie’s innovative spirit, all beautifully orchestrated in one of the country’s top brewing settings.
So, if you ever find yourself in Memphis, make your way to Little Bettie at Wiseacre Brewing on B.B. King Boulevard. It’s where laid-back brewery vibes meet a pizzeria with a penchant for the extraordinary. You’ll leave not only satisfied but also inspired by the culinary bravery found in every slice and wing.