Brooklyn Pizza!
A great man once said “even bad pizza is good pizza.” Now while I may somewhat agree with that quote, there is just no place on earth that seems to satisfy my pizza needs like New York, and Brooklyn in particular. I have ravaged a few Roman pies and chewed on a Chicago deep dish or two in my time, but no city in my opinion can touch the pizza perfection that is created daily around my neck of the woods.
Now let us set something straight. When I say pizza, I am not talking about Pizza Hut, Domino’s, or any of those big chain “pizza” shops. I am talking about old school Italian culinary artwork that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Also let me clarify that I am not just promoting my lovely city and favoring it because I live here. I am also a big fan of Mexican food and realize that the west coast has New York beat when it comes to that cuisine. But when it comes to that oven baked round piece of bread smothered in tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings, Kings County is well…king.
Here are just three of the places I frequent when my belly craves some pizza goodness:
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
1. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria - The lines are usually long at this tourist trap, but trust me once you are inside and sitting at your red and white checkered table with a giant pizza hovering in front of you on a tray, you will be happy you were patient. The slightly burnt crust, gooey cheeses, sweet tomato sauce, and a Brooklyn lager to wash it down makes for one great lunch or dinner in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn.
DiFara's Pizza
2. Di Fara’s Pizza – Now even though this place just raised the price of a single slice to $5 (it was $4 for the last 18 or so months), it is worth the investment. The dingy corner shop located on the corner of Avenue J and and East 15th street in the Midwood section of Brooklyn is always busy and it is not uncommon for someone to wait in excess of 90 minutes for a pie. Owner and head pizza maker Domenico DeMarco has been presenting pizzas to patient patrons since 1964! That is a lot of pizza making. The pizza’s crust is usually slightly burnt, the tomato sauce and cheese are cooked to perfection, and the pie is not complete until Mr. DeMarco throws some homegrown basil and pours some olive oil on top.
L&B Spumoni Gardens
3. L&B Spumoni Gardens – This Brooklyn landmark is celebrating 70 delicious years serving hungry “Noo Yawkas” and people from around the world. Whenever I visit L&B Spumoni Gardens, there are usually half locals and half tourists hanging out waiting for one of their original square slices…and many other tasty items. You can either sit outside in a beer garden type of set up or dine indoors on those chilly evenings. After you try their amazing slice, wander over and try their spumoni ice cream.
