Imagine a place where the aroma of wood-fired pizza mingles with the charm of rural Vermont.
Welcome to Folino’s, where rustic meets delicious in a barn-turned-pizzeria that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for ordinary pizza.
Picture this: you’re cruising down Route 7 in Shelburne, Vermont, minding your own business, when suddenly your nose perks up like a bloodhound on the scent of something magical.
You follow that heavenly aroma, and before you know it, you’re pulling into a gravel lot in front of a big red barn that looks like it should be housing tractors and hay bales.
But oh no, my friends.
This barn is hiding a secret that’s about to blow your mind and your taste buds into the next county.
Welcome to Folino’s Wood Fired Pizza, where the only thing more surprising than finding gourmet pizza in a barn is how quickly you’ll devour it.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Pizza in a barn? What’s next, sushi in a silo?”
But trust me, this isn’t just any old barn.
It’s a pizza paradise that’s been cleverly disguised as a rustic Vermont structure.
It’s like Clark Kent, if Clark Kent were a building and Superman were a wood-fired oven capable of producing pizzas that’ll make you weep tears of joy.
As you approach the entrance, you might notice a few people milling about outside, looking suspiciously happy.
Don’t worry, they’re not part of some weird rural cult.
They’re just basking in the afterglow of what might be the best pizza experience of their lives.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a space that’s part industrial chic, part cozy farmhouse, and all awesome.
The high ceilings and exposed beams give you plenty of room to gesticulate wildly as you try to explain to your friends just how good this pizza is.
And trust me, you’ll need that space, because words alone won’t do it justice.
You might find yourself interpretive dancing your way through a description of the crust.
The heart of Folino’s is its wood-fired oven, which stands like a culinary altar at the far end of the room.
This isn’t just any oven, folks.
It’s a 900-degree inferno of deliciousness, capable of transforming simple dough and toppings into works of art in mere minutes.
Watching the pizzaiolos work their magic is like witnessing a perfectly choreographed ballet, if ballerinas wore aprons and tossed dough instead of pirouetting.
Now, let’s talk about that menu.
It’s not a novel-length tome that’ll have you flipping pages for hours.
Folino’s keeps it simple, focusing on what they do best: pizza that’ll make you question every other pizza you’ve ever eaten.
The “Trust Our Crust” section of the menu isn’t just clever wordplay – it’s a solemn vow.
This crust is the result of a 24-hour fermentation process that gives it a depth of flavor and a texture that’s simultaneously crispy and chewy.
It’s like the overachiever of pizza crusts, doing more in 24 hours than most of us do in a week.
Let’s start with the classics, shall we?
The Margherita pizza is a testament to the power of simplicity.
Fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tomato sauce that tastes like it was made from tomatoes picked at the exact perfect moment of ripeness.
It’s the kind of pizza that makes you wonder why anyone ever thought pineapple belonged on a pizza. (No offense, Hawaiian pizza lovers. You do you.)
But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Folino’s has got you covered.
The “Truffle Pig” pizza is a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Picture this: a perfect crust topped with a three-cheese blend, asparagus, bacon, and truffle oil.
It’s like someone took all the best parts of a fancy restaurant menu and put them on a pizza.
It’s so good, you might find yourself involuntarily making “oink” noises as you eat it.
Don’t worry, no one will judge you here.
For those who like a little heat with their eat, the “Buff Chick” pizza is a spicy, tangy masterpiece.
Buffalo chicken, blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch create a flavor combination that’ll have you reaching for your water glass – and then immediately going back for another bite.
It’s a delicious cycle of pain and pleasure that you won’t want to break.
Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks are thinking.
“But what about my diet?”
Well, Folino’s has thought of that too.
They offer a selection of salads that are actually worth ordering.
I know, I know.
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Ordering a salad at a pizza place feels like going to a steakhouse and asking for tofu.
But trust me, these aren’t your average, sad, wilted-lettuce-and-pale-tomato affairs.
The house salad is a vibrant mix of greens, veggies, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette that’ll have you feeling virtuous.
At least until you inevitably cave and order that second pizza.
Hey, it’s all about balance, right?
One of the things that makes Folino’s special is their commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible.
The vegetables are so fresh, you half expect to see dirt still clinging to them.
The cheese comes from local dairies, supporting Vermont’s proud tradition of making dairy products that’ll make you forget all about those processed slices you grew up with.
It’s like a delicious geography lesson on a plate.
Who said learning can’t be tasty?
Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere.
Folino’s isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience.
The communal tables encourage conversation with your fellow pizza enthusiasts.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself swapping slice recommendations with the strangers next to you.
Pizza has a way of bringing people together, and at Folino’s, you might walk in as strangers but leave as friends.
Or at least as people who’ve shared in the collective joy of really, really good pizza.
The walls are adorned with local art and photographs, giving you something to admire while you wait for your pizza.
Not that you’ll be waiting long – those wood-fired ovens work faster than a Vermont maple tree produces sap in springtime.
And speaking of waiting, here’s a pro tip: Folino’s doesn’t take reservations.
It’s first-come, first-served, which means that on busy nights, you might find yourself in a bit of a queue.
But fear not!
This is where the BYOB policy comes in handy.
That’s right, folks.
Folino’s encourages you to bring your own beer or wine to enjoy with your meal.
It’s like they’re inviting you to a pizza party at their house, except you’re the one bringing the drinks.
So grab a six-pack of your favorite local brew (Vermont’s got no shortage of those), and turn that wait time into a pre-pizza party.
Just remember to pace yourself – you don’t want to be too wobbly to properly appreciate the pizza perfection that awaits you.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But what if I don’t eat gluten?” or “What about us vegans?”
Fear not, dietary restriction friends!
Folino’s has options for you too.
They offer gluten-free crusts that are so good, even the gluten-eaters might be tempted to give them a try.
And for the vegans in the crowd, there are plenty of veggie-loaded options that can be made without cheese.
Because everyone deserves to experience the joy of really good pizza, regardless of their dietary needs.
One of the things that really sets Folino’s apart is their dedication to their craft.
This isn’t some corporate chain pumping out identical pizzas with military precision.
Each pizza is a unique creation, lovingly crafted by hand.
You might notice slight variations from pizza to pizza, but that’s not a flaw – it’s a feature.
It’s proof that you’re getting a truly artisanal product, made by real people who are passionate about what they do.
It’s like the pizza equivalent of a fingerprint – no two are exactly alike, but they’re all identifiably Folino’s.
And let’s not forget about the desserts.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Who has room for dessert after all that pizza?”
But trust me, you’ll want to save a little space.
The homemade cannolis are a sweet ending to your savory feast, filled with a creamy ricotta mixture that’ll have you seriously considering ordering a dozen to go.
Just remember, cannolis are best eaten fresh, so maybe limit yourself to one or two.
Or three.
Who am I to judge?
As you sit back, pleasantly full and contemplating whether it’s socially acceptable to unbutton your pants in public (pro tip: it’s not), you might find yourself already planning your next visit.
Because that’s the thing about Folino’s – one visit is never enough.
It’s the kind of place that becomes a regular part of your life, a go-to spot for celebrations, casual dinners, or just those nights when nothing but perfect pizza will do.
So there you have it, folks.
Folino’s Wood Fired Pizza in Shelburne, Vermont – where the pizzas are hot, the atmosphere is cool, and the memories are lasting.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that’ll have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about pizza.
And isn’t that what great food is all about?
Challenging our expectations, delighting our senses, and bringing people together over the simple joy of a well-made meal.
So the next time you find yourself in Vermont, do yourself a favor and seek out this red barn of pizza perfection.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram followers will envy you, and you’ll have a new standard for what great pizza should be.
Just don’t blame me if you find yourself planning all your future vacations around return trips to Folino’s.
After all, once you’ve tasted pizza paradise, it’s hard to settle for anything less.
For more information about Folino’s Wood Fired Pizza, including their full menu and hours of operation, be sure to check out their website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your pizza pilgrimage, use this map to guide your way to flavor town.
Where: 6305 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
Trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance all the way there.