Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria Review

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria Review
By LeeAnn Sharpe

With locations in NY, NJ, Arizona, Las Vegas and Dallas, Grimaldi’s is what we once expected of a pizzeria, but is nearly lost in the world today. To find a real coal brick oven is harder and harder to find and the difference in the smoky taste is immeasurable.

The menu placemat says Patsy Grimaldi is a purist when it comes to pizza. He learned his trade from Uncle Lancieri who trained the man credited with opening the first pizzeria in America in 1905. The coal oven gives a unique flavor and crisp crust not possible from gas, convection or wood stoves. His secret recipe sauce and dough have made Grimaldi’s the most award winning pizzeria in the United States.

Tasting is believing and every bite was magic! I tried a couple different pizza variations $9-$17 plus extra for toppings $2-$4. The crust was thin and crisp with just the right blend of cheese, peppers, basil, and Italian sausage.

The caprese salad $7 was heavenly. It’s obvious Grimaldi’s uses only the freshest and finest oil and cheese. The fresh mozzarella slices and basil was fresh and brilliant without any bitterness. The tomatoes were even vine ripened to perfection, so hard to find these days.

Antipasto $8-$12 had a nice Genoa Salami and fresh warm bread. The oven roasted sweet red peppers were tender and sweet. The fresh mozzarella slices were perfection. I didn’t care for the Kalamata olives, but my dining companion enjoyed them very much.

I also sampled the Calzone $10 -$17 with a delicious crust and variety of fillings. The cheese melted evenly with mushrooms and sausage for a warm filling simply delicious.

The menu also boasts several other salads. A wide selection of drinks (wine beer and cocktails all available) and desserts complete the menu.

Another plus is Thursday night dinner theatre from Darknight Productions. Dinner and theatre for about $40.

Lunch time 11am-6pm, you can get all personal pizza and calzone toppings at half price!

For more information and a list of the many famous celebrities who have eaten at Grimaldi’s go to their website at www.patsygrimaldis.com.