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Minuk has always had fond memories of New York pizza. I recall trying some in 1991, and being seriously underwhelmed. Thin crust, and not much topping. Pretty dull.
Fast forward 21 years, and whilst watching the 21st series of 'The Amazing Race', the final episode featured a challenge where the last teams had to deliver pizzas from 'New York's first pizza' restaurant, known as Lombardi's, which has been serving pies to New Yorkers from its premises in Little Italy since 1905. The pizzas are cooked in a coal fired oven, which apparently gives the crust its chewy, slightly charred and smoky flavour. One is advised to eschew the toppings and stick with the 'classic' sauce and cheese, the better to savour the tasty crust.
So after exiting the WTC memorial site, we too the subway to Spring Street, in Nolita (North of Little Italy), where Lombardi's stands at the corner of Mott Street. We had a 15 minute wait for a table, and ordered the 'large' (18") half and half pizza (half 'classic', sauce and mozzarella and half 'white' pizza, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, oregano and garlic. The pizza fed 4 easily and was delicious indeed. Best part was the crust, though the 'white' pizza was really good too. Drinks were very reasonably priced too, and a cold beer was most welcome on such a warm evening.
So pleased that I gave New York Pizza another chance!
Fast forward 21 years, and whilst watching the 21st series of 'The Amazing Race', the final episode featured a challenge where the last teams had to deliver pizzas from 'New York's first pizza' restaurant, known as Lombardi's, which has been serving pies to New Yorkers from its premises in Little Italy since 1905. The pizzas are cooked in a coal fired oven, which apparently gives the crust its chewy, slightly charred and smoky flavour. One is advised to eschew the toppings and stick with the 'classic' sauce and cheese, the better to savour the tasty crust.
So after exiting the WTC memorial site, we too the subway to Spring Street, in Nolita (North of Little Italy), where Lombardi's stands at the corner of Mott Street. We had a 15 minute wait for a table, and ordered the 'large' (18") half and half pizza (half 'classic', sauce and mozzarella and half 'white' pizza, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, oregano and garlic. The pizza fed 4 easily and was delicious indeed. Best part was the crust, though the 'white' pizza was really good too. Drinks were very reasonably priced too, and a cold beer was most welcome on such a warm evening.
So pleased that I gave New York Pizza another chance!
![Picture](/uploads/1/6/7/8/16787882/5033621.jpg)
There was a slice each of the two types of pizza. The consensus. 'White' pizza by a mile. The 'Classic' was OK, but the tomato based sauce just a little too acidic. Still pretty nice though.
Outside, the night had cooled only a little. We walked back to Spring Street and took the subway back to Long Island City.
Outside, the night had cooled only a little. We walked back to Spring Street and took the subway back to Long Island City.