Day 8, 2007: Lombardi's (NoLIta, NYC)

LOCATION: Lombardi's (Spring and Mott St., NYC)

GUEST(S): Melanie Taylor, Taylor "Bud" Dasher, Robin Rothman

ORDER: 2 slices of cheese, 2 slices of Pepperoni 

PIZZA REPORT: I love Lombardi's pizza. I will gladly join the countless masses of people that have uttered that phrase over the past 101 years. The fresh mozzarella cheese patches topped with diced basil, floating in a sea of specially seasoned tomato sauce is absolutely mouth watering. The fact all of this rested on a soft and warm coal-fired brick oven crust was just perfect. My Margherita slices held their shape when I held them by the edge of the crust proving what a solid foundation the coal-fired crust provides on top of being so delicious. The slice of pepperoni did not pass the solid foundation test but most certainly aced the taste test. One could say that hand cut pepperonis were a bit heavier in both weight and flavor. Both pizzas had some charring around the outer edges which I see as a kisses from a coal fired brick oven. I can't blame the oven for moving in on such great looking pizzas.

ATMOSPHERE: Right mood, right location, and right time of the night. Lombardi's interior is big enough for quick corporate lunch yet intimate enough to provide the perfect setting for a romantic evening (particularly, if your date likes Sinatra). It's roomy and warm with a polite wait staff. If there happens to be a crowd, merely give your name at the front and either step up to the full bar or sit down on the benches just outside. Located just a block from Little Italy, Lombardi's somehow manages to provide great service, delicious pizza, and clean comfortable seating at an amazingly reasonable price (~$12-15 assuming no alcohol). Go to Lombardi's and see for yourself.

VERDICT: 4.5 out of 5 

MISC:1. Melanie Taylor and Taylor Dasher were in town for a wedding.  We tried to go to Di Fara but it was closed on Columbus Day (see vid for Day 9 for footage).  

2. Robin Rothman is not a fan of Frank Sinatra.  She and I both sound congested on the video. 

VIDEO CLIP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNu7RoJgsd4