Chicken Pickle Pizza

Tastemaker

By Todd VanSickle | Jan. 4, 2020

The sign outside of the Kal-Ho Lounge in downtown Kalkaska promises patrons “Good Food and Pizza.” That sign is a gross understatement if you’ve ever tasted the bar’s Chicken Pickle pizza, which is easily some of the best pie you can get east of Traverse City. And, in case you’re wondering, the Chicken Pickle is not a gimmick; it has earned its place on the menu. “Everyone who gets it, gets it again,” said Kal-Ho cook Russ Herndon, who takes credit for creating the unique dish. “Some people don’t want to try it, but if they do, they fall in love.” An inspired amalgam of savory and sour, the pizza is a perfect combination of tomatoes, garlic parmesan sauce, diced chicken, and dill pickle chips piled on an airy, crispy crust that’s coated in garlic butter. At one time, the pizza was made with honey mustard sauce, but Herndon said garlic and pickles proved to be the winning combination. Find the Kal-Ho Lounge at 340 S. Cedar St. in Kalkaska. Opens 11am daily; closes at 1am Monday through Thursday, 2am Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight on Sundays. No delivery, but pickup is available. (231) 258-8221