Pie Face

As far as I'm concerned, there are only 3 places to get a slice in Manhattan. I am no expert on the outer-boroughs, and there are definitely some neighborhoods on the island that are unfamiliar to me. But my search for THE slice ceased once my feet found their way into these fine establishments:

1.) Stromboli--As the dance of apartments in NYC often finds one unpaired, I spent a summer on a dear friend's futon. Though this was a long, hot couple of months filled with back-aches and a post-college sense of enveloping doom, the most glorious discovery lifted my spirits. The pizza-shop underneath our apartment on St. Mark's & 1st Ave provided evidence of God in an otherwise Godless world. Just one plain slice and an ice-cold coke was enough to lift my spirits out of that East Village malaise. Major Plus: it's super-cheap & open til 5:00am. Major Minus: there's only one table--grab a slice and hit the street!

2.) L'Asso--My first year as a full-time grown-up in NYC found me and my roomate living catty-corner to the most magical hidden treasure in all of lower-Manhattan. On the corner of Mott St. & Kenmare, down in the heart of Nolita, L'Asso pizzeria hides covertly on the corner. At night, you're likely to miss the subtle signage on the dimly lit street. One block up, NYC's oldest pizzeria, the local landmark Lombardi's stands over a hundred years old. There's always a line, and the pie is nothing short of lame, tasteless, and over-priced. Pie-makers are not marathon-runners; just because you're first, doesn't mean your best. It always shocked (and pleased) me that the masses didn't find their way a hop and a skip down the block where L'Asso's imaginative toppings, delicious salads, and fantastic service outshine the dinasaur across the street. The embiance in L'Asso is nothing special, but the pie is transcendental. The Tartufo is nothing short of sexy, the Patata will make you weep, and the Arugala salad is the perfect prelude to an otherwise sinful experience. Please enjoy. Upside: Best Fancy-Pie ever. Downside: uncomfortable and loud. For your enjoyment: Go on the early-side, or take out and RUN home before it cools. In this case: ALL like it hot.

3.) Rigoletto-- When I finally got my big-girl apartment all by myself on the Upper West side, I found my way over to Rigoletto Pizza on 69th and Columbus Ave. Here, the crust is always crispy, the sauce is always rich, and there are a miriad of gourmet, fresh vegetable toppings to choose from. The whole wheat crust is exceptional, and I highly recommend the tomato pie. Again, the atmosphere is nothing special, just a few tables and some wooden chairs. But for a stop on a stray Sunday or a quick slice on your lunch-hour--nothing beats Rigoletto. Downside: Cash-only. Upside: right next door to Magnolia Bakery. Pizza and Cupcakes? What could be better?