New York food is internationally known for its diversity and superior taste. No where is this fact more evident than with the pizza this great city offers. From Manhattan’s $1 regular slices, greasy but glorious, cheesy goodness to the toppings-loaded unique slices around my neighborhood on Long Island. In every town on Long island there are at least three or more local pizza establishments that the townspeople frequent. Everyone usually has their favorite place that they will pledge loyalty to; I don’t follow this rule, however. I am constantly looking for something I haven’t seen before, new toppings that wouldn’t traditionally belong on a pizza. The first slice pictured here belongs in such a category.
This is a barbeque chicken slice from Lia’s Pizzeria in Oceanside, New York. It has BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce, but still lightly covered in oozing mozzarella cheese. The flavorful white meat chicken is smokey and sweet could easily stand on its own, let alone on a doughy, cheese covered pizza. This is one of their more popular slices and definitely the best barbeque slice in town. This next slice comes from the same pizzeria, Lia’s in Oceanside, and blurs the line between pizza, calzone and Stromboli.
Pictured above is said monstrosity; a spinach, broccoli, mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan stuffed ‘pizza’. Its covered with a thick garlicky crust sprinkled with sesame seeds and herbs. The lack of meat is made up for with three different cheeses and a delicious mix of sauteed spinach and broccoli. Highly recommend breaking the taboo and reach for a fork and knife to eat this one. The next slice has slightly more traditional toppings, while still looking absolutely stunning.
Pictured here is an Eggplant and Ricotta slice also from Lia’s Pizzeria in Oceanside. It is topped with breaded slices of thin golden eggplant, mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, and marinara sauce. Eggplant is a perfect compliment to any slice and a favorite topping of mine. The pieces of crispy eggplant and gooey cheese lay perfectly to create a beautiful landscape. Finally a meal must always end with dessert. Its not easy to find an item that combines the elements of dessert and the dynamics of traditional pizza, until now.
The concept of dessert pizza is a relatively new one to me. A unique, delicious, absurd concept that piques my interest greatly. This is the Nutella slice from Za Late Night Pizzeria in Rockvillle Centre, New York. It is covered with Nutella hazelnut spread and topped with toasted marshmallows. It’s beautiful, whimsical and absolutely delicious. The marshmallow is reminiscent of s’mores and complements the Nutella perfectly. A truly satisfying and complete end to any pizza dinner.
THE FORK LIFT 