Angelina's Pizzeria (Key West, FL)
Cheese Slices ∙
Revisit from 2016 — the supremo late night slice following a long night on Duval Street. Crust is a pretty good NY style imitation, the sauce has a light spicy note after you eat it, the cheese is balanced and cooked well. Fire za in the Rick’s Complex satisfying your late night slice needs in the southernmost point.
Pizzeria Lola (Minneapolis, MN)
Margherita ∙
Very similar to the Zelo pie, but with a bit more sauce – maybe some herbs included… very soft and delicate, but flavorful cheese, great crust – light, not too burnt. The red pie with gluten free crust was solid as well (saying a lot IMO). This might have been my favorite margherita in Minneapolis (sounds like a love song, doesn’t it?). Not surprising that it is another gem from the lovely Chef Ann Kim. I did not expect to be this in love with Minneapolis pizza. You can’t visit without going to one of her many shops.
Pizza Luce (Minneapolis, MN)
Half Classic (Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olives and mozzarella on red sauce) ∙ Half Luce (Italian sausage, fresh garlic, onion and extra mozzarella on red sauce) ∙
The only comparison to the classic is a good frozen pizza. The Luce should not be the namesake pie of the shop. Its okay…little to note on any side. Unsure how this place competes in this market…it’s basically a local spot comparable to a chain. Not trying to be harsh, but it displays the spectrum of MSPZA.
Zelo (Minneapolis, MN)
Margherita ∙
Sauce is sweet and delicate. Puréed tomatoes… wonderfully balanced and light. The mozz drops are solid. Not too rubbery, and a very light flavor. Stripped basil before firing. Crust is good, has solid structure… no extreme flop. Light taste to it, a bit salty and good. Not quite cracker thin. Strong details in the subtle balance of fresh quality ingredients. This is the perfect example of a simple, textbook, back to basics margherita. Nothing stands out aside from the delicate simplicity. Each aspect is very well done. Well expected from a white tablecloth, high end Italian spot. Would recommend any day to a friend.
Salvation Pizza (Austin, TX)
Meat slice: pepperoni, bacon, fresh jalapeno ∙
Cheese was eh… didn’t taste old, but we got the last 2 slices left at closing at 2AM…..so who am I to judge?? Jalapeños were money. Crust was well structured, with a little flop action at the end. Sauce was pretty good. Fresh jalapeño made for a solid late night slice in the Domain.
Red Rabbit (Minneapolis, MN)
Spicy Salami – red sauce, chilies, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, chili honey ∙
The spicy salami is fantastic. Crust is solid – wood fired, a little burnt. Sauce is wonderful. Chili honey is an excellent accent. The ricotta drops make an INCREDIBLE bite. The flavor balance is wonderful. Although, the pizza balance could be improved. I thought the crust portion was too large… I’d prefer it kneaded out further. As if you could complain while this pizza is making sweet love to your tastebuds.
Young Joni + back bar (Minneapolis, MN)
Cheese ∙
Korean BBQ: beef short ribs, mozzarella, scallion, arugula, sesame, soy chili vinaigrette ∙
(back bar first) my buddy described the cheese as a “happy medium between Neapolitan and NY style.” Cheese has good flavor, sauce is delicious. Crust is great – its almost like a firm thin crust. You can taste the basil/oregano in the cheese a bit.
Bulgogi in itself is amazing, and on pizza it is decadent. The tender, flavorful, wonderful accentuation of KBBQ flavors on what is a…..white pizza, and inundated with sesame soy chili vinaigrette arugula. Still amazing. The fat from the bulgogi mixed with the sesame flavoring makes up for the white pizza (as you can see, white pizza is not my favorite). The sprectrum of deliciousness between the simplicity of the cheese pie and the (I’ll repeat) decadence of the bulgogi pie is tantalizing. Chef Ann Kim is spoken very highly of in the Minneapolis culinary attractions, and I can also highly recommend!
Turu's by Timber Pizza Co (Arlington, VA)
Pepperoni ∙
Great for delivery – not terribly warm, but typical Neapolitan crust, where you can taste the wood fire. Cheese was good with what looks like light drops of mozz. Sauce is solid. Wonderful cup pepperonis, nice and spicy. I topped with my own fresh basil. I need to visit to try this pizza fresh….this shop is the baby of the nationally ranked DC location.
Frankie & Louie's (Port Chester, NY)
Napolitano: Homemade Marinara, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil ∙
Incredibly flavorful pizza. Crust is light, tasty and well structured. Maybe could’ve cooked for another minute, but still great. Crust is the easily digestible type that you expect from NY za. IMO, the sauce and cheese doesn’t cover enough of the crust. Mozz drops are okay, only slightly rubbery on top of the other cheese. Sauce is tasty and tangy; the stripped basil is a nice compliment. Would definitely recommend the spot. The crust and sauce are hits; In crust we trust!!
Italian Store (Arlington, VA)
Hometown favorite, IMO best slice in Arlington. This is also the spot for all your authentic Italian needs (make sure to get a cold cut – the Milano!). The crust is very well structured, there is no flop in this game. The cheese is fresh…dare I say…authentic? The sauce is light but tasty – there’s some spices in there. How do I convince you to visit? A quick google should settle that one. Take my advice.
I’ve eaten my fair share of I-Store pies. My favorite custom, courtesy of my energy trader at work: Sausage, white onion, ricotta cheese. Slam bang!
