Slice
Dear Slice: Aperitivo in Midtown
Clicking in to the Slice inbox today, we've got some intel on Aperitivo in Midtown from Dustin, who checked in in early October with some dirt on Flatbread Co. in Maine. Enjoy. —The Mgmt.
Ahoy Adam!
Hope all has been well with you these days. Big downer about Co., right? Well at least for those of us who have yet to try it anyway :)
Aperitivo
780 Third Avenue, New York NY 10017 (b/n 48th and 49th street; map); 212-758-9402
Anyhoo, since I first read about Aperitivo (the new brick-oven spot in Midtown) on Eater about 2 weeks ago, I have been eagerly awaiting somebody (nudge nudge) to review it, so that I knew whether it was worth dropping slightly over $20 for a pie.
My main reason being is that I work so close to it and Midtown East kind of struggles with good pizza joints (sans Naples 45). So after much googling and continually coming up empty, I said screw it and just went myself (along with the wonderful ladyfriend who I have not ordered to do anything since that day at Flatbread Company up in Maine). And, boy, am I glad we didn't wait any longer!
The Aperitivo upskirt.
As per my usual tradition with new pizza establishments, we went classic (Margherita with buffalo mozzarella). As you can tell from the photo, this time I couldn't even control my stomach enough to take the picture before I started eating (I hope you don't mind). But after a few slices I knew duty called (as did she). I just had to get the word out to you.
The blend of sauce, cheese, and basil is perfectly messy, and each bite is new frontier. The buff mozz was super fresh and very gooey, causing those lovely long strands of cheese as you pull a slice away from its mother pie.
What's funny is that my lady called me a savage because I couldn't resist eating all the aforementioned strands right off the pan, ha ha. My guess is that you have been referred to as a savage from time to time and are very proud of it too.
Anyway, the cheese was definitely a big hit, but the real winner was the flaky crisp crust that not many spots can hit. So if you are a fan of the crisp crust, stop reading this email now and get over there. And check out the upskirt of that slice. Impressive, eh?
Anyway, my attempt to keep this short was obviously a failure, but I give this place two thumbs up for sure. One note is that the service leaves something to be desired, but that can be expected for any brand-new restaurant anyway. Also, the setting is a little chi-chi, so prepare for that. But, honestly, who cares about all that stuff when the taste buds are satisfied, right? Right!
Until next time my friend,
Dustin