Recently I found myself in Tenlytown, hungry and a little lost. Then a light bulb, shaped like a delicious pizza, went off above my head. Pete's Apizza had just opened a location on Wisconsin Ave. Pete's serves New Haven style pizza, a welcome change to the gourmet Naples style pizza shops that reign supreme in DC. (For more on the distinctive characteristics of New Haven style pizza check out Young and Hungry's post).
My friends and I skipped through the door. Yes, it's much larger than the Columbia Heights location and there are more families and children, but beyond that, we found the same old Pete's: delicious pies and fresh salads. Even though Pete's sells slices, I suggest ordering a whole pie. It's made to order and you can always bring the rest home. Yes, even if you live alone. You have a freezer don't ya?
We ordered a Down-the-Hill, which was smothered in sliced meatballs, sausage, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, wild mushrooms, and Kalamata olives. Though delicious, none of these toppings could steal the spotlight from the star of the plate: the crust. Oh, the crust--flavorful, chewy, crunchy, and pliable. Fold the pizza in half and eat it New Haven style. Or eat it with a knife and fork. Lots of people care how you eat pizza. I don't.
I like a few bites of green with my pizza and, with a handful of salads and antipastos to choose from, Pete's does not disappoint. We ordered a flawlessly dressed crispy goat cheese arugula salad. The arugula files approves.
Think Pete's is too expensive? I disagree. You get an 18 inch pie, not a 12 or 10 inch pie. For the cost analysis, math nerds click here.
Pete, who ever you are, I'm a huge fan. Let's end our long distance relationship. I would like to see you more often. How about a location in Dupont Circle or Falls Church?
