Review of Pizza Pete's, 528 Columbus Ave, New York, NY Ph. (212) 787-3153

Overall Rating: Excellent (****) ($)

Pizza type: New York style

Pizza ordered: Margarita

Crust: At this random stop in my pizza quest, I discovered a gas-oven baked slice with a crust that was just about as good as it gets. The crust was thin, nicely browned, with just a bit of charring on the bottom; about as much charring as the lower temperature gas oven can create. The crust also had a delicate crispiness on the edges and a delightful, center-chewiness you want in a good New York style slice.

Sauce: The sauce on the Pizza Pete's slice was an evenly-spiced, fresh tasting crushed tomato blend.  The sauce was lively without displaying any acidic overtones and was not overly salted.  It also had a slight sweetness that didn't stand out particularly, but probably served to balance out any acidity in the tomatoes.

Cheese: I was impressed to see Pizza Pete's used a natural, cows' milk mozzarella.  You don't see this at most slice joints, and it really takes this New York style slice from very good to excellent.  With this natural mozzarella, you avoid the slightly sour and more greasy character you get with slices made with processed cheeses.

Other Topping(s):  The basil on this pie was very fresh; however, it could have been applied more liberally.  This could probably be taken care of simply by asking the baker to do so. 

Atmosphere: Very traditional, urban slice joint atmosphere. The space was small and rather crowded, but had a cozy feel.  There were families from this residential neighborhood, and it was nice to hear the manager call patrons by their names.

Service: Exceptional counter service from a very friendly staff.

Utensils: Adequate plastic-ware, and adequate napkins.

Overall: Pizza Pete's on Columbus Avenue, in the Upper Westside of Manhattan, is one of the best slice parlors I have run across in the City.  They're serving an excellent pie and slice, with warm greetings, in a small and intimate space.  I consider this place a "don't miss"...    

Reservations: N/A

Payment: Cash or credit cards

G's Pizza nation goes international with a Review of Little Wing Pizzeria, 10 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 4, Belfast, N. Ireland

Little Wing Pizzeria, Belfast, N. Ireland

Overall Rating: Fair (*)

Pizza type: Neapolitan style

Pizza ordered: Cheese slice

Crust: The crust was really the only redeeming characteristic of this slice of pizza.  The crust was thin and nicely charred in a stone oven, leaving it slightly crispy with just enough chewiness to make for a sturdy slice. 

Sauce: The sauce seemed a bit bitter and acidic, and was unevenly spiced.  This could have been from the spices that were apparently applied during or right after cooking, that sort of laid on the slice in clumps.  The sauce had potential, but needed a bit more TLC! 

Cheese: The cheese on the Little Wing slice was good mozzarella, but was a bit over cooked; however, it's flavor held up and a nice mildness shown through.  The cheese was applied in keeping with their stated mission of using Neapolitan methods.

Other Topping(s): The only other toppings on this slice were various dried spices, which, if they had been applied with some care, would have added some nice subtleties to the the slice, but, as they were, the flavors were scattered and overpowering in some bites.

Atmosphere: Very traditional, urban slice joint atmosphere. This particular outlet was a walk-up window with outdoor seating.

Service: The service at the window was timely and courteous.  Although, don't be in a rush, because they do take care in making sure your order is accurate, which I appreciated.  The outdoor seating area was clean and inviting; very nice after a long summertime walk around the City. 

Utensils: Adequate utensils, napkins and packaging.

Overall:  Although I just gave a "Fair" rating to Little Wing Pizzeria's slice, I believe it has  potential. They are certainly, from what I could see, working to incorporate Neapolitan methods into their process. A bit more attention to detail in application of the topping and  maybe a bit of work on the sauce to even out the slightly bitter/acidic edge and they could have a "Very Good" slice.

Reservations: N/A

Payment: Cash or credit cards

The Little Wing Pizzeria Cheese slice

Little Wing Pizzeria Kitchen

Review of Marco's Pizza, 2004 U.S. Hwy 98, Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 625-6550

Overall Rating: Very Good (***)

Pizza type: New York style

Pizza ordered: Italian sausage

Crust: The Marco's crust is very good, particularly when you request it to be made extra thin.  Although not a nicely charred crust, it is a very nice example of the chewy and crispy texture, with a bit of toughness, that I look for  in a good New York style, slice joint, crust.  The thin version is just a very good, basic crust that doesn't detract from the pie in any way.  Now, if you don't specify the crust be extra thin you might see a bit more breadiness, typical of some pizza chains.  Although their crust does not achieve the consistent quality of say, Papa's, in Daphne, it is significantly above average.

Sauce: No real issues with the Marco's sauce.  The tomato sauce was delicate and evenly spiced.  No bitter or acidic overtones at all, although it was a bit light on oregano.  It was applied to the pie sparingly enough to remain in great balance with the other ingredients.

Cheese: The cheese was not  a natural mozzarella,; however, it was very good quality.  It had an ever so slight, sharp edge, but not enough to upset the flavor balance of the pizza.  The cheese was applied a bit more generously than I prefer, but certainly not to the point of weighting the pie down or drowning out the other flavors.

Other Topping(s): The Italian sausage on the Marco's pie was some of the best I have ever encountered in a franchise pizza place.  It was very well spiced, tender and fragrant.  It really added character to the pie, without dominating the flavors.  The sausage had no fatty after-taste that can often ruin an Italian sausage pie.

Atmosphere: Very traditional, suburban slice joint atmosphere.  The space is not too crowded but very cozy and has wifi.

Service: Excellent service!  It is friendly with attention to detail. The staff does not interrupt often, but does ask the right questions so you are accommodated.  The tables are often a bit dirty, but slice joints can be that way.

Utensils: Adequate plastic-ware, and adequate napkins.  

Overall: Marco's is a stand-out among franchise pizza restaurants.  It is convenient, well-suited for its suburban setting and reasonably priced. The restaurant doesn't serve by the slice all day and never on the weekends, which I believe narrows its market a bit by driving away the quick slice crowd at certain times; however, bottom-line, they're serving a very good pizza and can count themselves among the best New York style pizzerias in the area.

Reservations: N/A

Payment: Cash or credit cards

Papa's Pizza

420 Fairhope Ave.

Fairhope, Alabama 36532

Overall Rating: Excellent(****)

Pizza type: New York style

Pizza ordered: Cheese slice

Crust: Papa's continues to produce the very best New York style crust in this area. Papa's crust is thin, with just the right balance of chewiness and crispness.  The edges of the crust have an excellent firmness without any bready thickness of excess dough.  The crust also displays a nice browning, approaching a nice charred character that is difficult to achieve in gas and electric ovens.

Sauce: The sauce is outstanding. The sauce is a light and fresh crushed tomato sauce that delivers a nice tomato essence without overpowering the pie with any salty or acidic aftertaste.  You basically taste a well-seasoned fresh tomato flavor.

Cheese: Although it doesn't seem to be a natural mozzarella, the cheese is of very good quality and not over-applied as on some pies in this area.  The cheese compliments and blends nicely into the other flavors and spices with no oily separation and without giving the pie a  overly cheesy taste. 

Other Topping(s): The cheese slice was complimented by a nice blend of Italian spices, without any one spice overpowering the overall experience.  Nicely done!

Atmosphere: Very traditional, somewhat "old school" pizzeria atmosphere.  The space is not too crowded but very cozy.

Service: Excellent service and attention to detail. The staff does not interrupt often, but does ask the right questions so you are accommodated.

Utensils: Sturdy silverware, and adequate napkins.

Overall: This an excellent New York style pizzeria.  Papa's continues, as with the Daphne, AL location, to serve up the very best New York style pie in this area, and certainly one of the best on the Gulf Coast.   With the exception of a couple of under-cooked crusts over the years, which I attributed to a rookie baker, they have generally been very good to excellent on all my visits.  I would put their pie up against many have had in New York, specifically V & T on the Upper Westside of Manhattan or Presidential Pizza on W. 125th St., Harlem, Uptown, Manhattan.  Enjoy! 

Reservations: Not needed

Payment: Cash or credit cards

Bella Luna Pizzeria and Pub

27370 Canal Road

Orange Beach, Alabama 36565

Overall Rating: Good to Very Good(** 1/2)

Pizza type: New York style, inspired.

Pizza ordered: Sausage

Crust: The crust is the weak point of this pie. Very bready and soft, only displaying any nice crispiness or firmness on the edges. The breadiness tends to overshadow the flavors of other ingredients and the overall flavor blend.

Sauce: The sauce is outstanding. It is a delicate tomato blend and the only fault I could possibly find with it is a bit too much salt, but other than that, it's a hit!

Cheese: Although it doesn't seem to be a natural mozzarella, the cheese is of very good quality and doesn't display any sour edge or separation, often found in poor quality, processed mozzarellas.

Other Topping(s): The sausage was very good and not over applied. It was distributed over the pie in smaller pieces, but not crumbles...it had some substance.  It was very well spiced with no greasy aftertaste.

Atmosphere: I would call it an updated, or contemporary, pizzeria atmosphere. The room has clean lines with a relaxing decor. An attractive salad bar is located along one wall, and the pub is in an adjacent room area. The space strikes a good compromise between family friendly and upscale pub feel.

Service: Excellent service and attention to detail.  The staff does not interrupt often, but does ask the right questions so you are accommodated.

Utensils: Sturdy silverware, but rather flimsy napkins.

Overall: This is a "Good" to Very good" pizzeria.  I would say the beady crust is the only trait that doesn't make it a solid "Very good".  With that said, this is a solid pizza in a great location.  So if you find yourself in Orange Beach, Alabama and need pizza...you can't go wrong here!

Reservations: Not needed

Payment: Cash or credit cards

Review of Mellow Mushroom, Daphne, AL

Mellow Mushroom
29689 Frederick Blvd
Daphne, AL  36526
Ph. 251-621-3911

Overall Rating: Fair 
( * 1/2)

• Pizza type: New York style, inspired.  Cooked in gas oven. 
• Pizza ordered: Sausage, mushroom, black olive.
• Crust: Probably the weakest point of the pizza.  The crust is rather flimsy and bready with no crispness, making for a slightly soggy pie.  The crust doesn't display much desirable charring, and has a slightly sweet finish that detracts from the overall flavor of the pie.  The advertising for the restaurant cites "hearth baked"...that must be a hold over from earlier incarnations of the establishment.
• Sauce: Seems to be a rather average canned sauce?  Unremarkable.
• Cheese: Processed mozzarella with a slight sour edge. 
• Other Topping(s): The sausage was not of best quality and was rather bland with a bit of a fatty aftertaste. The mushrooms and black olives were good quality.
• Location: Commercial/retail area.
• Atmosphere: Somewhat of a open, sports bar atmosphere, yet family friendly, but by no means a traditional pizzeria atmosphere. Good for kids and any group looking for a no-frills gathering place.
• Service: Rather rushed and a bit pushy.  Get ready for a hard sell on appetizers.
• Utensils: Adequate

Overall:  After several visits, I've consistently found this location of Mellow Mushroom to be a very average pizza establishment, serving a "fair" pie.  Improvements, to include a thinner, crispier and more charred (higher temp baking) crust and a more lively sauce, i.e., less pasty with more herbs could elevate the pie from "fair" to "good", if not "very good".

The space is a bit cavernous and loud,but they seem to going for more the family sports bar/grill  feel than pizzeria. So, if you're looking for a first-class new York style pizza, this is not your best bet, but if you're looking for a casual atmosphere, good for kids, this place works!

• Reservations: Not needed
• Payment: Cash or credit cards

Review of Coppola's West, New York, NY

Coppola's West

Coppola's West
206 W. 79th St.
New York, NY 10024
(Between Broadway and Amsterdam)
Ph.  212-877-3840


Overall Rating:  Very Good (***)





Coppola's West

Pizza type:  Neapolitan style cooked in a gas, brick oven

• Pizza ordered:  Classic Margarita
• Crust:  Thin and moderately crisp with some nice charring
• Sauce: A nice light crushed tomato sauce.  Good balance of herbs. Moderately salty.
• Cheese: Hand-crafted, fresh, natural mozzarella. 
• Other Topping(s):  The fresh basil was applied much too sparsely.
• Location:  Upper Westside, residential area
• Atmosphere:  Small, cozy space.  Good neighborhood feel.  Can be loud.
• Service:  Not overly friendly but good.
• Utensils: Upscale table setting 
• Reservations:  Suggested in the evenings since it's popular with the locals
• Payment:  Cash or credit cards