Meatless Monday: Roasted Garlic pizza at Harvest

I like my pizzas to pack a punch. Sure-plain, old cheese will always do, but the promise of a little spiciness is what keeps me going back for another slice. Carnivores have an easy fix by the way of pepperoni; but if you're looking for a fantastic meatless alternative, it's hidden in plain sight on the menu at Harvest Pizzeria: Calabrian chili.

Harvest's Roasted Garlic pizza ($12) has been my go-to pie in recent months, thanks to these tiny Italy-imported peppers. An important distinction: They're spicy, but not palate-wrecking. Even better, the heat gives way to a floral fruitiness. Atop Harvest's chewy-charred crust, the chilies are joined by creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes (we're in the twilight of Ohio's tomato season, so enjoy them fresh while you can!), a light coating of olive oil and a sprinkling of arugula, which cleans your palate after every bite.

One of Harvest's 12-inch dinner pies easily fills two. But if you're craving a starter, the crispy, sans-grease Hush Puppies ($5) served with candy-like honey butter are a must (and are exclusive to the Bar + Kitchen location in Clintonville). Or, for lunch (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the German Village location; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clintonville), you can snag a more personal-sized, 9-inch pizza for just $7 with the option to add any half-sized salad for another $2.