New York City was where it all began for me. Where I learned that pizza could be so much more than what Papa John’s lead me to believe it was. And after 5+ years of the pizza scene in NYC I thought I knew it all but then one day I learned I was the pizza version of John Snow and I. Knew. NOTHING. ….about New Haven-style ‘apizza’.
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I’m a control freak about everything and pizza is no exception. In fact, most of the time it indulges it. I love perfecting my sauce and crust recipes so I thought I could do the same with mozzarella but I quickly learned that cheese making is a whole other ball game.
Another week, another Pizza Friday and this week’s religious pilgrimage brought me to the new Eataly within the Westfield World Trade Center Mall. For those unfamiliar with Eataly it’s a place where wallets go to die.
Enoteca On Court is a cozy, little Italian restaurant in Carroll Gardens with a pizza menu that will dare you to try something new and a wine menu that will assure you that one more glass won’t hurt (yes, yes it will you lying liarton).
If I had an autobiography my trip to Babbalucci’s would go under the chapter titled ‘Everything I Thought I Knew About Pizza Toppings Was Wrong’ because one of their pies blew my ‘less is more’ approach right out of the damn water.
I celebrated President’s day weekend by turning off my New York Times push notifications and visiting a friend in San Fransisco where I had some truly memorable pizza.
Last weekend I trekked up to The Bronx in order to visit what’s known as the “real Little Italy.” That’s right, if like me you thought LoLita in Manhattan was the only Little Italy in town you were sorely mistaken. Arthur Avenue is home to some of the finest Italian fare I’ve ever laid eyes on and while I didn’t have time to see and do everything I certainly gave it my best shot.
I love everything about thin crust pizza EXCEPT the 2+ day wait for the dough to rise. Don’t get me wrong, it’s worth it but sometimes a craving for homemade pizza just can’t wait that long. It is in those times I turn to Sicilian style pizza which can be made in just a few hours. Specifically, the copycat recipe for Prince St. Pizza’s famous Spicy Spring Square by Serious Eats. I’ve made a few (minor) adjustments so you’ll find my version of the recipe below. I hope you enjoy!
Creating a great pizza starts well before you get into the kitchen. As with all great dishes, it starts with the ingredients. To quote my vague memory of an episode of Chef’s Table, “Your dish can not be greater than your produce.” which is why it’s important to find the freshest and most authentic ingredients available. I found a great source of both at Buon Italia located in Chelsea Market.
The temperature dropped to the low 20’s and snow was falling heavily but that did little to deter my sudden craving for pizza. A quick search revealed a place not too far from me called The Famous House of Pizza & Calzones so I bundled up and headed out. The walk there was less than fun but once I arrived I knew it hadn’t been in vain.
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