DOMINIC DeMARCO
"ROCK STAR PIZZA GUY"
NEW YORK'S GREATEST EVER PIZZAIOLO
"The GOAT"
DiFARA PIZZA
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
The "GOAT" of New York Pizza ? "Yes, The GOAT, greatest ever Pizza Guy in New York City."Well yes", says I (Italian Cookbook author Daniel Bellino). Without question, many would agree, some may not. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. And for me, the greatest Pizza Maker (Pizzaiolo) in the History of New York, is the late great Dominic DeMarco of DiFara Pizza, Brooklyn, New York. Some might say Genaro Lombardi, who is credited with making the 1st ever Pizza in America, at Lombardi's on Spring Street, New York City, way back in 1905. Definitely a great one, and I wouldn't disagree, "never tasted his Pizza," but I'm sure it was great.
Some might say Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletan. Another great one. Others would say Mark Iacono of "Lucile" Pizza in carroll Gardens. "Love Mark," one awesome Pizzaiolo, and definitely one of my favourites. I know one thing, if they gave out awards of The Best Looking Pizza Guy in New York, or America for that matter, Mark would most definitely Win. And, I'm pretty sure as well, that Mark would tell you that Dom was The Best as well. Anyway, I pick Dom.
I had heard of the great Pizza out at DiFara. My friend Johnny told me about it, and said it was the Best. It took me some time, but in 2012, I finally made it out there. I road the F Train all the way out to Avenue J (Brooklyn), and got off. Luckily the Pizzeria was less than a black away from the train station. Awesome. I got on line. If I remember correctly, I waited just about 45 minutes to get mine (my Pizza). I watched Dom in action as I waited. He was a master in action. He shaped the dough, and added Tomato Sauce, Cheese and Olive Oil. He put it on his peel, opened the oven door, and put the pizza in, and then pulled one out.
Now, this is one of several factors that se Dom and his Pizza apart from the rest. Dom used to grind, fresh Grana Padano Cheese in a hand meat grinder. "Yes, I said a hand meat grinder. That's right." He then sprinkles some of the hand grated Grana on the Pie. He sprinkles on a little Olive Oil, from his Pizzaiolo Oil Can, and then takes a big bunch of Fresh Basil and cuts the Basil with a pair of scissors over the Pie, and it's done, and goes out to the next Lucky Customer. That's how Dom did it, and it was amazing. His Pizza was Amazing, and so was Dom, "a real Gem."
Boy did I Love Dom's Pizza. Without question, for my taste, "The Best Pizza" in all of New York. Without Question ! Many agreed. Yes Dom's Pizza was a little different, "It was Perfect." Perfect for me. Some might not agree. Your prerogative.
I've eaten Pizza in Naples, which many consider The Pizza Capital of The World, where they make the best pizza. Well ? Maybe ? Not for me, actually. For me, The Best Pizza in The World, is New York Pizza. "I know, I know," some might say that I'm out of my mind, and that I don't know what I'm talking about. Well ? I do know what I'm talking about. I have had Pizza all over Italy, in Naples, Salerno, Rome, all over. You can get really great Pizza in Naples, as I've gotten at Da Marino and Tuttino, and a couple other spots. Or you can't mediocre Pizza in Naples too. Yes you can. In the supposed Pizza Capital of the World, you can get mediocre pizza. And in some of the most famous places, as I have gotten, "sorry to say. But it's True."
"Sorry. Ran out of Time"
... to be continued ...
DBZ
SINATRA SAUCE
COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK
His FAVORITE ITALIAN FOOD RECIPES
