Its the first and last pizza week here on EWZ, and that time of the month – W42nd st monthly launch. And by pure coincidence or not, this month issue lists the best pizza in Hell’s Kitchen. Long time readers will notice one major drop/add on the list. Although the major drop (John’s) is still fairly popular with visitors, and the addition is pretty far out there. So pick up a free copy of the W42st, to check out what this dysfunctional family is up to these days.
This month on Hell’s Kitchen’s unofficial official magazine W42st, the theme is… ok, I dont really remember. I’m pretty sure the theme is not quickies, but sounds like it should be one of these days. I try, but sometimes I just cant match the Eatlists with the theme. If for example the theme is The Kardashians (it could happen), I would have a hard time coming up with related recommendations, other than maybe Casellula, home of the pig’s ass sandwich.
The list this time is snacks. And the good news this month is that I dont have to copy and paste the Eatlist anymore. You can just read them here. Or pick up a copy at your favorite Hell’s Kitchen barber, restaurant, and tarot card dealer.
And you can see the rest of the Eatlists here. Just ignore the pussy…
Best Pizza
’twas the day before National Taco Day. I was craving pizza, and decided to stop by at my trusted friends at Sacco in Hell’s Kitchen for a slice. And while sitting there all lonesome, various thoughts came to mind. “This is still a pretty darn good slice”, “What if I would start riding scooters”, “how come no one is here”, “Where would I park my scooter here”. Only in my head I say things like “pretty darn”. The slice is a typical NYC slice done right. Thin, cooked just enough, with the proper cheese/tomato sauce mix and oregano. And the crust has just the right amount of char and crunch. I then expressed my feelings to the owner yet again, and we had a nice chat about other notable slices in NYC and what I call the Peter Luger affect.
Sacco
Sacco
The Peter Luger Affect – The notion that once you make it, you make it forever. Once you are crowned by all media as “The Best”, no matter how many steakhouses, burgers or pizza joints open since the crowning, you are never to be questioned, challenged, or replaced at the top. Only if the king dies (closes) and doesnt produce a heir, a potential royal shift might occur. With pizza, unlike steak, its not exactly clear who wears the crown. But there are a few celebratory “Bests” that come up in just about every conversation, qualified for Peter Luger like glory.
One such place is Joe’s which has three locations including one on Carmine street where I grab a slice from time to time. During my little talk with Mr Sacco (I dont know the gentleman’s real name so lets just call him that. In fact, I’m pretty sure I call him that), I decided to pay a visit to Joe’s for a more proper comparison between the two. Sacco, busy enough to remain open for a while, just outside of the tourist route, but totally empty at times. Joe’s, consistently mentioned as the top or one of the top slices in NYC, and always packed with tourists and locals. While the flavor was still there, the Joe’s slice was smaller and quite droopy this time to fully enjoy. To be fair, I’ve had better slices at Joe’s, and worst slices at Sacco, but on this day at least, the two made the thesis too easy. Sacco wins this round.
joes
joes
Just like with Peter Luger, people from all over the world flock to Di Fara in Midwood, deep inside Brooklyn. Once inside, it actually feels more like a pilgrimage than flocking. You see tourists embracing their bible guidebook before embracing. The first sight of 81 year old Dom DeMarco making the pies the same was he’s done for the past 50 years, brings people to tears. The pizza has won numerous accolades from all over the world, including a”Best of the Best” tag from Anthony Bourdain. However there’s only one tiny, little issue with this most famous pizza. Coming from Manhattan for this may take half a day. You may spend from 30 to 45 minutes waiting for a $5 slice (most expensive in NYC as far as I know), and much longer for a pie. Dom the legend, doesnt let anyone else make them which is part of the appeal. But that also means your slice may occasionally be overdone, underdone, or a little misshapen like the one on the right below. “Sophie’s Choice” in the pizza world is when the food enthusiast husband must choose between the bigger and better slice, or smaller misshapen 30% bread slice, while there with his wife. Obviously I chose the slice on the right, and still get to sleep in my bed.
Di fara
A few days after the latest Di Fara episode, I paid a visit to another favorite, Best Pizza in Williamsburg, by Roberta veteran Frank Pinello. Like Sacco, BP is not particularly well known, and is just a solid neighborhood pizza joint. I would replace most of mine for this one. Baked in a wood fired oven, the pies are the perfect marriage of Napoli and NY styles. The fresh basil on each slice is like their zoro mark-like trademark. I bike here from time to time, where the reward to pain ratio is much higher than Di Fara. A few years ago, it beat both Di Fara and another legend, L&B Spumoni Gardens, on one of those Girls gone shopping so I’m free to roam around Brooklyn taste test
New York is a pizza town. Its in our blood, and everyone has their favorites. In the outer boroughs you will find a bagel shop, pizzeria, Chinese takeout, and therefore a pharmacy on every block. And many of the 100’s of pizza out there do it well. So while by no means, visit our “Bests” if you are in the area, you dont need to venture out too far for a proper slice.
Eating With Ziggy 