Daily Loaf

What’s your idea of a fantastic pizza? I’m on a mission to find one. Hopefully, close to home.

In my humble opinion, this was a perfect pizza. It comes from Prato’s in Montreal (that’s right, Canada). I can tell you with confidence that I have not had great pizza in north Pinellas County and I am just beside myself over it. I’m trying not to be overly critical about this, either.

We do have GOOD pizza here and I frequent several establishments. It’s just that I’ve had fantastic pizza in other places and I’m sure that SOMEWHERE in Tampa Bay it exists but I am struggling in my little neighborhood.

It all started when I tasted over-the-top, wow-this-is-good, I-could-eat-this-every-day pizza in a couple of other cities. Of course New York has great pizza everywhere, but when I tasted pies from Montreal and Westerly, Rhode Island that were just exquisite, I knew we were missing something here.

Let me explain MY idea of perfect and see if it matches yours:

First there’s the crust. Oh it is all about the crust. There is something magical about the way a super hot 600+ degree oven marries with raw dough to create a perfectly crisp exterior with nibbly little black bits around the edges. Meanwhile the top of the crust still has a pliable chewiness and it all comes together in the harmonious grandeur that is a perfect pizza crust (drool).

About the sauce, I have one word. Minimal. Not only because a great pizza needs very little sauce but also that the taste should be clean and fresh and not heavily laden with any extraneous flavors. A simmered tomato sauce that is nicely seasoned and has a hint of herb goodness is excellent. I also love the gourmet white pies that have no sauce at all.

Oh and the cheese. What have we done? Someone in some marketing department has decided that a delicious pizza has soooo much cheese on it that between the pizza box and the plate numerous long strings trail behind forever. Blech! While cheese holds a special place in my heart and no day is complete without some, there is a line that we have crossed. At The Pizza Place (original name, right?) in Westerly, Rhode Island, a traditional pizza comes with just a light dusting of Parmesan and I promise, you won’t miss the mozzarella.

With all of the wonderful topping choices and various combinations, I never tire of this perfect pizza and my local Holy Grail quest continues. Please do not hesitate to share your local favorites with me and I will hunt down your recommendations.

Till next time.

Ciao

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