fifth floor up: Howard Beach: New Park Pizza

I had the best pizza of my life on Saturday. Did I mention that? I believe I did but, this place was

so good, it deserves its own post. On the way out to Sag Harbor last weekend, we stopped in

Howard Beach for a slices. After it was clear that I had never been to New Park Pizza, there

was no question that we were stopping. I was not even that hungry at the time but I agreed to

eat a slice...or five. I was warned about the size of the place, the long lines out the doors and

how to order. Apparently I did not know how to order pizza. Who knew there was a way?

We arrived around one in the afternoon and thankfully, the line had not breached the door, yet.

I let the pro order the slices. I had already embarrassed myself enough for one day by admitting

I did not know the term "slice" meant just a piece of cheese pizza.

A variety was ordered so I had the change to try a few different things because honestly, who

really knew when I would ever come back out this far. A "scilian" also known to as a "square"

was ordered along with two "slices with pepperoni" and a "slice" placed in the brick oven and

handed to us on two paper plates.

I was handed the original ole "slice" first and told to dig in. After my first bite, I knew there was no

way I was sharing this piece of pizza. The sauce, the cheese, the crust, everything was perfect. I

know manypeople who do not eat the crust of the pizza. There are always really random reasons

like "why waste the calories on the crust", "I don't like crust", "I would rather eat the other part",

"it is burnt", "it is too hard", "it doesn't have enough flavor", or "it tastes like cardboard". The crust

on this slice was too perfect. There was a crisp crunch when you bit into it, which exposed the

soft doughy center with the perfect temperature and delicious flavor. I can still taste it.

The sauce, the perfect pure fresh tomato sauce, had so much flavor that combined with the melted

cheese in my mouth like no pizza had before. I knew immediately that this was the best pizza I had

ever had. Itwas even better than the pizza I took home with me in Rome. That pizza has now been

bumped into down into second place, which is still a great spot.

It almost seemed like time had stopped while I was eating this slice. When I was finished I realized

I had a second piece sitting right in front of me. This time, pepperoni. We both agreed the pepperoni

was delicious but it was clear that the "slice" was the dead winner. I had to let my Dad know of this

discovery immediately. He is already planning his next trip out to NYC.

It has been four days since my mouth has tasted such heaven in pizza form. I have not stopped

talking about New Park Pizza and have passed on the name to at least two persons a day. The

best or worst part, I do not know yet, I like pizza, but it has never been my go to meal. I only eat

pizza during work birthday lunches or the occasional friend in town who needs a slice of NY pizza.

However, I must say, things have changed. I might have a small addiction and I need another

slice soon!

Pizza Pizza!

Blog Archive