Day 28, Pizza Month 2010 - Mariella Pizza (Midtown West, NYC)

DAY 28: OCTOBER 28th, 2010

LOCATION: Mariella Pizza (Midtown West, NYC)

ORDER: 1 slice of cheese

GUEST: Jen MacNeil

REVIEW:
Best in the whole wide vicinity.

Mariella Pizza is the place to go if you obey every bit of advice you get from Oprah. In a food segment with her friend Gayle, the show went in search of the best pizza. The search ended 40 feet away from the O Magazine headquarters. They got the right city, in my opinion, but the wrong pizzeria. To be fair, Mariella is an above average street slice; it may even be the best pizza within a 10 block radius, but Midtown West is a tough place to get a quality slice. Gayle, if you're reading this, let's you and I grab a New York slice that might make even Oprah question her allegiance to Chicago style pizza.

Without the expectation that this was New York's best pizza, Mariella is sure to impress. Having been around for nearly 35 years, Joe (Pino) Vicari runs a tight ship. Even between the rush times, there is a steady stream of patrons demanding this Sicilian native's pies. The slices are large with plenty of sauce, creamy mozzarella, and a sturdy crust. Offering a quality product at working man prices is the Vicari way. Considering the slice is up to $0.50 less than others in the area and the quality is better, Mariella Pizza is the place to go.

The word is out though so be prepared to jockey for seats in this remarkably clean pizzeria. Many patrons choose to use the condiments, such as crushed red pepper, oregano, and parmesan for a bit more zest. I prefer it the way it's served. Because I live in the area and like a good quick slice of quality pizza, i'll be back. I'll bring my own expectations, however, not my Oprah expectations.


VIDEO CLIP:

RATING:
3.47 out of 5

• VALUE:
  3.5/5


• AMBIENCE:
  2.5/3


• TASTE:
  6.5/10


• SERVICE: N/A 0/0

12.5/18 = .694 x 5 = 3.47

MISCELLANEOUS:
1. Jen MacNeil has been a maid of honor three times and is about to be a bride for the first (and only) time.
2. Jen MacNeil has been a part of every pizza month since 2003
3. I got a picture with Frank and Joe

4. From their website, here is a link to the video of Mariella Pizza on Oprah