BY KAREN YOUNG

Wagyu Prawn Pizza from Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar which opens in Studio City on May 14.

It seems that the “Build Your Pizza” theme may be the next big fast casual food trend.  First there’s Westwood’s 800 Degrees  (from the Umami brand), then the announcement of the soon to open Blaze Pizza (from the founders of Wetzel’s Pretzels and  Chef Bradford Kent of Olio Pizzeria & Café) in Pasadena and Irvine.  And now, there’s PizzaRev which opens in Northridge next to CSUN on April 20.  Pizza-crafters man the line and customize personal artisan pizzas with a choice of multiple sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Their “Fire Deck” oven is on a super-high heat that cooks each pizza in under three minutes.  Each pizza is $7.45 for unlimited toppings including all the traditional favorites,  plus many gourmet options such as kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, capers, fennel, meatball, ham, sausage, bacon, and garlic chicken. They’re also holding a special contest for a year of free pizza  9420 Reseda Blvd Northridge.

In more pizza news, Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar is opening in Studio City on May 14.  This is the first Crust in North America.  According to V.P. Cody Highsmith, who is part of the master franchisee group, there are plans to open two more this year (with one or both in the 818) and about 12 more next year before franchising out further.  Crust North America is taking the baton from its parent company in Australia where there are already 120 eateries  (and two in Singapore).  Crust has take out and delivery service, but if you want to eat on the premises, there’s  seating in sleek urban style for approximately 35 people inside and out.  Crust’s unique menu includes a roster of gourmet pizzas with various mixes of toppings including pesto chicken, white proscuitto, angus beef,  prawns and more. There’s also gourmet salads, plus calzones, including two for dessert—rocky road and the hokey pokey (like a caramel cake). Highsmith says they source only the best ingredients and offer choices for gluten free and vegetarian diets. Beer and wine are also available.  Stay tuned for a full report when it opens!

Acknowledge Earth Day at Coral Tree in Encino (and Brentwood) on April 22. The café will be offering a special perk to their customers: Bring in your own re-usable mugs and they will fill you up with a complimentary cup of regular or decaf coffee.

The Oyster House in Studio City is celebrating 40 years in the same location with the same owners at Whitsett and Moorpark with a few specials, starting with oyster shooters (Hama Hama oyster in a shot glass with their homemade cocktail sauce) for only 50 cents. This special runs from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. You must purchase a beverage (soda, juice, tea, wine, beer, spirits) to be eligible. The limit per patron is 12 oyster shooters a day. Also, Pacific Northwest oysters served on the half shell, oyster shooters (only $1.25, or a half dozen for $6). Check out the three-course dinner Monday-Thursday (salad/entrée/dessert) for $15.95. Lunch specials are less than $10.95, including the deal of burger, fries and domestic draft for $9.95. Planning a party? They offer a free dinner for the guest of honor for parties with 10 or more entrees ordered. Got a hankering for a burger? They’ve got beef too!

Speaking of beef, Five Guys Burgers and Fries is said to be opening in the Bistro Garden center at Coldwater and Ventura.

Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MY DAILY FIND. Got news? Email: Karen@mydailyfind.com

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