"When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that's Amore."
When I fall in love, I wouldn't mind getting hit in the eye from a pizza made by Master Pizzaiolo Giulio Adriani (the world champion), the head pizza maker at the new West Village joint, Olio Pizza e Piu. This just opened pizza mecca, housed in a beautiful rustic space that once was Go Sushi, is turning out some fantastic Neapolitan pies! Also to note, this Pizza restaurant might have the best cocktail menu of all pizza joints, with cocktails by Dusan Zaric of Employees only!
I stopped in two nights ago and got my pizza on (yea, I had six slices-oops!)! I sat at the pizza bar which was cool, for I was able to watch this pizza making master do his craft up close.
The classic Margherita ($12) was delicious. The sweet sauce, helped by some fresh San Marzano tomatoes, and some fresh mozzarella and basil, as well as the perfectly crisp crust, matched by the dough that was just right chewiness, made this a winning pie.
The Mezzaluna pie ($19), with salami and ricotta stuffed into the crust, topped with cherry tomatoes and smoked mozzarella was fabulous! I loved the smokiness of the mozzarella. Another winner!
If you are a fan of lemon (I am), then you will really enjoy the Amalfitana ($16), mozzarella, arugula, lemon slices, parmesan. This lemony goodness surely hit the spot.
If you like to stay in shape and watch your figure like I do, you may as well order another pie. The Campagnola ($21), burrata, parma ham, arugula, and parmesan will do you just fine. I'm a huge fan of burrata, put it on anything (especially Natalie Portman) and I'm a happy man. I smiled after each bite of this loaded pie.
If you are a famous and talented celebrity magician as I am, you might just be able to appear on the other side of the bar with the chef, and feel what it's like to be a Pizza Master!
The moon hasn't hit my eye yet folks, but six slices of Olio's pizza pies have hit my stomach, now that's Amore!
Olio Pizza e Piu
3 Greenwich Avenue (bet. 6th Ave and Christopher St.)
New York, NY 10014
212-243-6543
www.olionyc.com