Tommy Brockert embodies the spirit of Los Angeles. Raised in Tarzana, he was a devoted fan of the Lakers, Dodgers, and Raiders. When the pandemic halted his event photography business, he turned to pizza-making, inviting friends and family to enjoy slices on his porch. As his culinary skills improved, so did the demand for his pizzas. This led him to lease a space in Silver Lake, naming it LaSorted’s in tribute to the late Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, who passed away in 2021.
Brockert uses a unique sourdough recipe, baking it longer at a lower temperature to achieve a chewy crust. He combines elements from Chicago, New York, and Neapolitan styles to create his own version of LA pizza. In late September, just in time for the MLB playoffs, he opened a new LaSorted’s location in Chinatown, offering views of the fireworks at Dodger Stadium.
The Chinatown menu features exciting new items, including a sandwich stacked with split hot dogs crafted by his cousin, butcher Evan Reiner. There’s also a fried mortadella sandwich inspired by Anthony Bourdain, alongside classic pizzas. One popular option is the Mamba, which honors Kobe Bryant’s favorite cheese pie.
Brockert’s passion for his hometown is evident in the decor. The walls showcase a coffee-stained page from a 1960 Thomas Guide, indicating the distance between Chinatown and Dodger Stadium. He also displays memorabilia from his bar mitzvah and childhood birthday party, reminding him of the team’s glory days.
The name LaSorted’s has a personal touch. Brockert, a regular at Burning Man, was inspired by a fellow attendee who remarked, “Man, Tommy was sorted.”
Reflecting on the significance of sports, Brockert states, “I think that what’s important to me, the backbone and the heart of LaSorted’s, is the connection with the Dodgers, but the connections the Dodgers have with the people of Los Angeles. I truly believe it’s one of the few places in our lives where we can escape politics, we can escape the chaos of the current world, and all come together as Angelenos and come together for a win, if we’re lucky.”
Related Topics
- Sports and Pizza Come Together at New Chinatown Pizzeria
- New Tavern-Style Pizza Restaurant Opens in West Town
- Rosati’s Pizza Offers 1964 Prices for One Day Only
