The delicious Fruitti di Mare, particularly excellent in the summer!
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It's not who you know, it's Whom You Know. Before we even contacted Dino Redzic, owner of Uncle Paul's Pizza at the Roosevelt Hotel, we had heard amazing compliments about him and his work. That's the primary reason we would call anyone. But boy were we surprised when we arrived and started talking to him (another essential element of success -the owner is there when we arrive and colors in the story personally) - not only did we find out Dino's cuisine is exemplary - and know this venue goes way beyond the pizza- but we also found out that we know not one but two people he also knows well. It's not unusual for one to come up but this is the first time two people in common has arisen! This is what is SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN! This was our philosophy from the start: the cream rises to the top and it sticks together.
We looked at the paper menu, different from the one that we saw online. Emblazoned on the front is a picture of Uncle Paul. Also on the front is something on the menu called Montenegro Salad. This could only mean one thing: we know Uncle Paul! Paul Nicaj is one of our absolute favorites (along with Chef Ari) at Battery Gardens and we LOVE it there.
Uncle Paul and Peachy
Our first feature on Battery Gardens:
Battery Gardens has been featured many times. We also happen to know one of Dino's classmates from his Montenego high school class of 30 people-talk about small world. He also owns a great restaurant in Connecticut.
The salad selection at Uncle Paul's Pizza totally rocks and there are so many great choices it's hard to narrow it down to one, so we picked two. Above please meet the Caprese Salad: Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato with Basil and Aged Balsamic and Olive Oil proved that simplicity works best when there's high quality in ingredients. Every bite was a dream and our mozzarella addiction was momentarily satiated.
Greens in a salad is important to us, so we also tried the Insalata Bucky: Baby Mixed Greens with Grilled Mushrooms, Roasted Red Pepper and usually goat cheese, but Peachy chose to add mozzarella instead. This was fresh, crunchy and exactly as nutritious and wonderful as a green salad should be. You should know that Uncle Paul's Pizza is a rare gem that is open 24 hours a day.
For our entree, we chose a smashing selection that is super summery: Fruitti di Mare. Our version did have that added succulent lobster tail which we enjoyed every delicious bite of, and we also had it with black squid linguini. Other seafood that attended the party on a plate included clams, mussels, calamari and shrimp. The light tomato Sherry wine sauce was not overpowering and added just the right amount of flavor. This entree as well as a good number of other entrees and pasta selections evidence that Uncle Paul's Pizza goes way beyond the pie. It's been open since June 20, 2012 and is fantastically convenient to Grand Central, just past the Yale Club on Vanderbilt. Why would you starve yourself on the train when you can pick up your dinner first here?
The pizza is exemplary: we tried the vegetable version with peppers, garlic, onions, squash , spinach, mushrooms and broccoli. Narrowing down what she wants on her pizza is not always easy for Peachy, so look how well they spaced all the ingredients out and also the crust stood up to them, holding them up. We noticed they have an amazing wine array as well which is quite atypical for a pizza place, but we told you this isn't just any pizza place. We can't wait to return for Peachy's Picks! Sweet endings also happen here, as in Chocolate Mousse cake! With raspberry mango sauce...
Uncle Paul's Pizza is Terrific Takeout!
