Mellow Mushroom began in 1974 in Atlanta, where three college friends opened a small pizza shop near Georgia Tech with a counterculture vibe. Over time, it grew into a national chain, with each location being locally owned and designed with local art to create an almost '70s retro vibe. While in Asheville, my friends and I ordered delivery:

Buffalo Chicken – Chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with mozzarella, bacon and onions, finished with a ranch drizzle.

Great White – No red sauce; instead uses garlic and olive oil with ricotta, mozzarella, feta, onions and tomatoes.

Pepperoni Mellow Rollz - Dough stuffed with pepperoni and melted mozzarella, then brushed with garlic butter and topped with Parmesan and chives Tangy buffalo sauce leads with mild heat while tender chicken, smoky bacon and a cooling ranch drizzle balance it all out.

A garlic and olive oil base lets creamy ricotta, salty feta and fresh tomato carry a lighter, more subtle mix of flavors and textures. I only wish some of the slices weren't overtaken with giant air bubbles.

Soft, cheesy and brushed with garlic butter, these eat much like my beloved pepperoni rolls. A marinara dipper takes it over the top. Grade: B