The Epitome of ... Pizza
Pizza. Those crispy cheesy tomato-y oven-baked inventions that if done to perfection, are like your own little mouthful of pure foodie bliss. Thin crunchy crust, fresh mozzarella, a slightly sweet sauce, and a bit of basil (and garlic?), or whatever your preference, there are a multitude to choose from in this multicultural metropolis, in all different shapes, sizes, and flavors. I have been included in a mission to uncover some of the best authentic pizzerias in Sydney. Twist my arm!!
Pizza Mario Republic in Darlinghurst is so authentic, it is certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana, an organization founded in Italy, whose approval is indicative of genuine Naples style pizza, integrity and traditional ingredients intact. And, this open-air yet cramped and miniscule eatery is the only Australian pizzeria (as of this writing) to have reached this culinary apex. But, you ask, is it worthy of such high praise and commendation? If the wait for a table is indicative at all, then I would volunteer an enthusiastic "yes!".
I arrived with my companions on a Thursday evening and we were informed that the wait would be an hour. The tiny accomodations were packed and it didn't look like anyone was leaving any time soon. With stomachs growling, we witnessed animated conversations, half-full bottles of wine, serious servers dressed all in black, running back and forth.
Instead of restlessly loitering and staring at the seated patrons, drooling at their food and speculating on when they would leave (hurry up would YA??), we instead chose to scour the nearby streets for some wine to accompany our Associazione approved meal. One person in my party expressed an unwavering determination to find ... the Holy Grail of wine. Or something. It was not to be found on the streets of Darlinghurst, or at least not in the 3 or so wine vendors to which we ventured, so we instead selected random bottles of red and white.
Upon returning, and finding ourselves still waiting and wanting, I think the servers were uncomfortable with the holes we were burning into their backs with our incessant and expectant glaring, and thus one of them appeared with a portable table and efficiently went about setting it up for us in the adjacent courtyard. It was my impression that our server was none too happy, but whether it was due to having to attend to additional guests/pains in the butt or something else, I couldn't tell ... however, I imagine with a secret and silent glee she announced that they were not BYO, and we would have to select from their slim pickins if we wanted wine. Bummer.
The good news is, the pizza was pretty good to an amateur pizza consumer like myself. The previously mentioned wine seeker labels himself somewhat of a connoisseur, and he was also pleased, albeit not ecstatic. At Pizza Mario, as might be expected at other "authentic" such establishments, the safest and best bet was the classic margherita with a thin crispy crust and few but fresh and quite tasty toppings. I think I ate the whole thing. Oink. (Disclaimer: Thin crust Italian pizzas are not that filling!)
Although we had to wait an eternity to truly begin our pizza-rating quest, and although our server took her time in bringing us the bill, Pizza Mario is a pleasant and cozy little place, worthy of one evening spent with friends and a little bit of Italy. Mangia!
Pizza Mario Republic in Darlinghurst is so authentic, it is certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana, an organization founded in Italy, whose approval is indicative of genuine Naples style pizza, integrity and traditional ingredients intact. And, this open-air yet cramped and miniscule eatery is the only Australian pizzeria (as of this writing) to have reached this culinary apex. But, you ask, is it worthy of such high praise and commendation? If the wait for a table is indicative at all, then I would volunteer an enthusiastic "yes!".
I arrived with my companions on a Thursday evening and we were informed that the wait would be an hour. The tiny accomodations were packed and it didn't look like anyone was leaving any time soon. With stomachs growling, we witnessed animated conversations, half-full bottles of wine, serious servers dressed all in black, running back and forth.
Instead of restlessly loitering and staring at the seated patrons, drooling at their food and speculating on when they would leave (hurry up would YA??), we instead chose to scour the nearby streets for some wine to accompany our Associazione approved meal. One person in my party expressed an unwavering determination to find ... the Holy Grail of wine. Or something. It was not to be found on the streets of Darlinghurst, or at least not in the 3 or so wine vendors to which we ventured, so we instead selected random bottles of red and white.
Upon returning, and finding ourselves still waiting and wanting, I think the servers were uncomfortable with the holes we were burning into their backs with our incessant and expectant glaring, and thus one of them appeared with a portable table and efficiently went about setting it up for us in the adjacent courtyard. It was my impression that our server was none too happy, but whether it was due to having to attend to additional guests/pains in the butt or something else, I couldn't tell ... however, I imagine with a secret and silent glee she announced that they were not BYO, and we would have to select from their slim pickins if we wanted wine. Bummer.
The good news is, the pizza was pretty good to an amateur pizza consumer like myself. The previously mentioned wine seeker labels himself somewhat of a connoisseur, and he was also pleased, albeit not ecstatic. At Pizza Mario, as might be expected at other "authentic" such establishments, the safest and best bet was the classic margherita with a thin crispy crust and few but fresh and quite tasty toppings. I think I ate the whole thing. Oink. (Disclaimer: Thin crust Italian pizzas are not that filling!)
Although we had to wait an eternity to truly begin our pizza-rating quest, and although our server took her time in bringing us the bill, Pizza Mario is a pleasant and cozy little place, worthy of one evening spent with friends and a little bit of Italy. Mangia!
posted by Jill at
10:25 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home