52 The QUENS Courier • SLICE OF QUEENS • APRIL 21, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com ▶SLICE OF QUEENS Deep dishing on Queens’ thick-crust slices BY ROBERT POZARYCKI It’s hip to be square when it comes to pizza in Queens. The “World’s Borough” not only offers some of the best triangular, thin-crust slices in the city, but also an array of specialty, dough-laden pizzas that are just as amazing to consume. Many pizzerias offer the Sicilian slice as a thicker alternative to the traditional round Neapolitan, with a molten layer of Mmozzarella cheese topping a sauce-covered thick crust. But there are many more differences to the Sicilian slice than meet the eye. The differences lie largely in the construction of the pizza itself. Round pies are stretched thin; the ingredients are applied directly onto the raw dough and then placed directly into the oven, with the crust baking right on the oven floor. Sicilian pies are stretched into oiled and wellseasoned baking sheets. Pizza makers sometimes dimple the dough with their fingers to prevent bubbles and uneven rising, then apply a layer of tomato sauce and baking the pizza in the pan. Halfway through the cooking process, the pizza makers remove the pies to apply cheese and other ingredients before finishing the cooking process. A number of Queens pizzerias, however, offer different variations of the Sicilian. Rosa’s Pizza, which has locations in Maspeth, Middle Village and Ridgewood, lays the mozzarella cheese on first, then tops it with a thick layer of tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese before finishing it off in the oven. This method not only prevents the mozzarella cheese from burning, but also creates a distinctly unique taste and texture. You’ll also find Grandma pies at other pizzerias, which serve almost as a hybrid between the Neapolitan and Sicilian. These thinner-crust square slices are often topped with fresh tomato, mozzarella and whole basil leaves. Much like round pies, many Queens pizzerias are happy to top a Sicilian or Grandma pie with whatever you request. Pete’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Bayside, for example, offers a full slate of toppings including pepperoni, eggplant, onions, sausage, chicken and meatballs. So what makes a Sicilian slice great? The crust. Because it’s baked in an oiled pan, it has a chewy crispness that’s unique from the round pie, but is also soft without being soggy from the cheese and tomato sauce on top. You won’t need to fold it. Beyond Sicilian and grandma slices, you can also find in Queens Chicago-style pizza (although some New Yorkers question whether that’s really pizza). Uno Grill and Pizzeria in Bayside, part of the national chain based in the Windy City, offers a round, buttery deep dish topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce cooked to order. They offer specialty deep dish pizzas such as chicken fajita and Chicago classic (featuring crumbled sausage), or you can order one with your choice of ingredients. You’ll need a knife and fork for Chicagostyle pizza. Real New York pizza, of course, is hand-held. GRAB A SLICE IN QUEENS BATOLINO’S PIZZERIA&RESTAURANT 34-11 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106 (347) 730 – 8573 Fine Italian pizza in the heart of Astoria, NY All pizza made with fresh mozzarella-fresh tomato olive oil-whole wheat gluten free dough Open 7 days 12pm-12am CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 71-03 80th street, Glendale, NY 11385 (718) 894 – 9400 CASCARINO’S 152-59 10Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357 (718) 746 – 4370 DANTE’S PIZZA 105-03 METROPOLITAN AVE. FOREST HILLS, NY 11375 www.dantespizzaforesthills.com (718) 544 – 0416 KRAVE-IT 40-15 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361 (347) 836 – 8713 Everything Homemade Catering · Free Local Delivery You Krave It, We Got It! Gluten Free available L’INIZIO PIZZA BAR 47-23 Vernon Blvd, LIC, NY 11101 www.Linizio.com (718) 361 – 1965 MAMA LUCIANA’S 15-11 College Point Blvd, College Point, NY 11356 (718) 445 - 6262 Family Style Brick Oven Pizzeria & Restaurant MAMMA’S PIZZA + RESTAURANT 47-40 Bell Blvd, Bayside, NY 11361 (718) 279 – 0808 / (718) 279 – 0809 Since 2004 RETRO PIZZA & CAFÉ 4102 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103 retropizzaastoria.com (347) 612 - 4460 Monday to Friday 11:30am-2am Friday & Saturday 11:30am-4am Come to the trendy crowd and unique pizzas made in house. Try the Gorgonzola Pizza with Figs or a taste of true Europe with the Arrugula, Prosciuto Margarita pie. This Astoria eatery has been open two years now. The owners had a pizza place in Manhattan but moved on out to Queens and brought loyal foodies with them! If you’re in the mood for something sweet don’t forget about the Nutella Pizza. Open late with quick delivery up to 3:45am. ROMEO’S PIZZA 103-20 Liberty Ave., Ozone Park, NY 11417 (718) 835 - 9626 In their 32nd year of business indicating a very loyal following for their pizza as well as their diversified menu achieved by using nothing but the best ingredients. SLICE 48-11 Vernon Blvd, LIC, NY 11101 www.slice.com (718) 93 – SLICE Slice Astoria Coming Soon! VIPIZZA 43-02 Bell Blvd, NY 11361 www.vipizzabayside.com Serving Bayside for over 50 years specializing in gourmet pizzas! VITOS PIZZA RESTAURANT 78-37 Springfield Blvd, Bayside, NY 11364 (718) 465 – 3355 / (718) 468 - 1019 Order online at: vitospizzabayside.com Dine In · Take Out · Free Delivery (10 min)
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