Back in my old stomping grounds, Brooklyn, N.Y., I had no choice but to devour the world’s greatest food, pizza, which I did. Two places later, all was right in the world.
Before that, I visited a splendid, fresh new restaurant and tavern for me, in New Jersey, before the summer closed out for the year.
Pizza Wagon — 8610 5th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. – Open at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 1:00 a.m.
I was on my way to cover a high school football game at Poly Prep Day School. So, I decided to stop at one of my old favorite pizza joints, Pizza Wagon–which has been in business for over 50 years, and for good reasons–before the action.
Set in a non-descript atmosphere, Pizza Wagon serves up awesome New York City slices and squares made in a classic brick oven that have thrilled countless costumers for as long as I can remember–and that is a long time.
Of course, I had a Napolitan (round slice), and it was just as tasty as I recalled. The old-school, genuine Brooklyn flavor came shining through, with the gooey mootz, savory sauce and crunchy, slightly charred and smokey crust combined to make it a splendid offering.
Good times! Places like Pizza Wagon make me miss Brooklyn. But if I ever move to Sherman Oaks, California, or just visit, it is good to know that there is outpost there, operated by the original owner’s nephews.
Buonissima Pizza — 7203 20th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
The very next day, as I was visiting my mom in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, she wanted to go to lunch with me, and suggested we visit Buonissima Pizza.
This pizzeria gets buried in Brooklyn’s crowed, delicious pizza landscape. But I tell you, it is sneaky good because of its simple look and decor less populated area. But it is in a clean and bright setting, making for an awesome spot to enjoy a meal.
My mom ordered a Grandma’s Sicilian (sqaure) Pizza — A crunchy, thin-crusted square with fresh mootz cheese, sauce, garlic and basil. It looked so good, I felt compelled to take a bite. It was just as mouthwatering as it looked.
I summoned a regular Sicilian for myself. Thick and fluffy, the mootz lied perfectly on top of bed of sweet, red sauce, with the crust boasting some quality snappiest to it.
The owner gave my mom a water on the house, and the rest of the service was excellent.
Also, you may order buffalo wings, various pasta dishes, meatball parm and sausage heroes, among other Italian fare.
Do not sleep on Buonissima, trust me.
Bar Cilento — 37 Plainfield Rd., Sterling Rd., Stirling, N.J.
Bar Cilento, opened in 2015, brilliantly blends classic American bar staples with the rich culinary traditions of its family-owned Italian-American proprietors. To me, that is the best of both worlds, right?
My girlfriend Maggie and I joined friends of ours for a beautiful night out, as we dined alfresco and under the stars.
We started out with the tuna tartare— fresh tuna, risotto cake, mango salsa, avocado, soy sauce, and pesto 21.
The tuna tartare was my favorite part of the evening, not including the company, of course. It was flat out scrumptious, as all the ingredients dripped with flavor and complemented each other, as it burst with enormous flavor, layer after layer. Yes!
Next, I had the veggie black bean burger–topped with mootz, bruschetta, pesto, and balsamic vinegar, served with a basket of fries and a pickle. It was tasty and hardy, totally appetite- and tastebud-pleasing, for sure.
I hear the steamed mussels (white wine, garlic, herbs) and drunken clams (fra diavolo sauce) are quite tasty, if you are a shellfish fan.
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— Jerry Del Priore
Cover Photo: Buonissima Pizza.
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 