This could quite possibly be one of the hardest reviews I have ever had to write, then again, I don't write very many reviews. My main reason for doing so is in hopes that Began will take this information and apply it for the good. I have loved C.I.P. since the old location. We went as often as we could to enjoy great pizza and an always changing and delightful wine list. I think a lot has changed since the old place, even before it closed we noticed things beginning to sour. Again, I had high hopes for the new location. Finally, something good in Southern Tempe! With those words I will say, it's probably one of the best places to eat in the neighborhood. Considering the competition, that's no major feat. For some bizarre reason this area is plagued with mediocre eateries and sub par cuisine. C.I.P. is just a part of that race now. The wine list is delightful. I will get that out of the way. He has always taken pride in his wine choices, and that still shines. The service is great! Some familiar faces from the last place, and some new ones. Everybody was attentive and charming. The food is nothing to cheer about. I have been for lunch and dinner. Both times I have seriously been let down. Maybe my expectations were too high, but considering the quality of food that came out of the other kitchen 2 years ago, I think my expectations are justified. I say 2 years because that is about when we saw C.I.P. starting to lose it's grip. The crust is nothing like the crust used to be. You once could taste the effort, the love and patience that went into making it every day. That is just gone. This directly affects the bread appetizer as well. The Aglio Olio is completely different now. It used to be bright and clear with minced jalepeno's. I could drink that stuff! Now it's dark with sliced jalepeno's. Just not the same thing. The pizza was flawed by the dough from the first bite. The ingredients seem like the same stuff you can get from a major grocer. It lacked freshness and punch. We had the asparagus and prosciutto app for lunch today. Again, store bought veggies and the prosciutto seemed lower level. Considering the portion size, I expected more. My sandwich had no flavor, yet was thankfully crisp unlike the pie. Worst of all, the side of chips was a bowl of regular Lay's style potato chips. I have worked for a chef who would only fry her own chips, in any situation. It makes all the difference in the world. That sort of little detail. And for the price you pay at C.I.P, those little details should be everywhere. Maybe I'm a dick, or a food snob. Maybe. But I know good food, and I know what Began is capable of. I've loved it. I've spent days anticipating a visit to his restaurant so I could sit down and enjoy myself beyond belief. Those were the days when you walked in and he was covered in flour, sweating, hair messed with a smile on his face welcoming you to sit down and enjoy his creations. He has since cleaned up a bit, and good for him. I wish C.I.P. nothing but the best. Again, one of the hardest reviews I have ever had to write... ...but I gotta call it like I see it. If it ain't broke. Don't fix it.
Choose: was this review given positively or negatively?
Select from the following.
[A]. negative
[B]. positive
[A].