An essay on the vital pizzerias of Nassau and Suffolk, along with thoughts on Trump, fears of crime in the city, fears of mass deportations, and where to get a great slice
My first job was as a 16 year old waiter at Fresh Meadows Pizza in Queens. Not quite Long Island vibes, but closer to that than the city. All this to say you nailed the shit out of this essay.
I was about to hop into the comments to say this essay reminded me of my time growing up in New Joisey and besides the reliable and always tasty local joints I was raised on (shout out to Romans, Sopranos and Big Jims!) I too am in need of recommendations!
I'll also take a moment to say being raised New York City adjacent and making regular trips out to visit family in the Garden State this bit of writing made me feel especially emotional and warm feelings about both my old town and the supposed Manhattan "warzone" I currently live in. Thanks for the words, recommendations, etc!
Oh wow I never went....used to go to Village Pizzeria when I was a young teen but it was called something else back then (Nancy's maybe?). In any case the pizza got a lot better when the Village owners took over!
Next time you're in Huntington, I highly recommend the pizza double feature of Little V'a followed by Rosa's. Their grandma vodka slice is hefty and delicious; the place to go for various topped slices.
My first job was as a 16 year old waiter at Fresh Meadows Pizza in Queens. Not quite Long Island vibes, but closer to that than the city. All this to say you nailed the shit out of this essay.
Thanks Scott!!! Grew up not terribly far from Fresh Meadows in Floral Park (just a few blocks away from the Queens border)!
So… how would a biased Lawn Guylander rate New Jersey pizza shops?
Love New Jersey Pizza!!! Though I'm more familiar with the higher profile places like Bread & Salt and Razza. Any recommendations?
I have some ideas…. But I live in the city.
I was about to hop into the comments to say this essay reminded me of my time growing up in New Joisey and besides the reliable and always tasty local joints I was raised on (shout out to Romans, Sopranos and Big Jims!) I too am in need of recommendations!
I'll also take a moment to say being raised New York City adjacent and making regular trips out to visit family in the Garden State this bit of writing made me feel especially emotional and warm feelings about both my old town and the supposed Manhattan "warzone" I currently live in. Thanks for the words, recommendations, etc!
FP? Oak St here... OLV. I remember Aldo's Pizza, way before his fancy restaurant. Early adopter of Q36
Oh wow I never went....used to go to Village Pizzeria when I was a young teen but it was called something else back then (Nancy's maybe?). In any case the pizza got a lot better when the Village owners took over!
Thank you for this one.
Thank you for this, Ryan. Deftly layered, like a good slice.
Next time you're in Huntington, I highly recommend the pizza double feature of Little V'a followed by Rosa's. Their grandma vodka slice is hefty and delicious; the place to go for various topped slices.
Ahhh I've had Rosa's!!! But only once. Was a late night DoorDash lol! Will try the grandma vodka next time for sure.
I always get free slices from Umberto’s. I talk about the mediocre pizza in NJ, and then they load me up with various slices. Great piece today!
Thanks Christine long time!!! And gosh I'd actually love to eat more pizza in NJ, you should check out Bread & Salt and Razza if you've not been!
A great, personal, well considered essay, and nice to see an appreciation of Eddie’s ultra-thin tavern-style pizza at the end.
shouts to umbertos of manhasset and carlo's of roslyn/port washington
Will check them out for sure! I pass through Roslyn often; used to work at Pierce Country Day camp when I was a teen!!