Pellegrino's (Troutman)

Today marks the last day of Pizza Week. And since I posted a recipe this Monday, today I'll be posting a restaurant review.

I decided upon Pellegrino's because a reader mentioned it. Also, it's in Troutman, and I hadn't been there yet. So a couple of hours ago I hopped into the car, and headed north on 77 for about 20 miles.

Pellegrino's is on N. Main Street (hwy 21 and 115), and is behind the Domino's Pizza and the Movie Gallery. I almost passed right by it, but since there was nobody behind me, I slammed on the breaks, and make a hard left turn into the parking lot.

I entered knowing what I wanted, two slices of pepperoni. So I approached the counter, and ordered. The slices were put into the oven to be re-heated, and I filled my cup with soda, and took a seat at a counter facing the kitchen.

As I waited for my slices I looked around. If I had ventured to the left, past the cashier and kitchen area, there is a dining room. The decor is nice, and on your way to the dining room, you pass a nice wine display, and a mural or two. Very nice for a pizzeria.

The slices were done quickly, and I brought them to my table. They're nice big New York style slices. Folding was necessary if I wanted to eat the slice without silverware.

The crust was nice and thin. Slightly soggy in the middle, but that's expected with NY style pizza. There was lots of good pepperoni, a decent amount of sauce, and plenty of cheese. The sauce was nice and flavorful, but I didn't notice any tomato chunks. But that aside, it's probably the best NY style pizza I've had in NC. It's pretty darn good!

In addition, I found the staff and the patrons to be very friendly. I was brought into the conversation a few times -- though I know nothing of Troutman politics. Also, while there I noticed a new pizza go into the oven; and they tossed the dough and made it right in front of me -- it's always nice to see the pizza get made, and know it's fresh.

Score:
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Total: 11/15

Price: $ (I had 2 slices and a soda for under $6. Meals look more expensive: pasta around $10, and entrees range from $10 - $18)
Kid Friendly: Yes. They have a children's menu and high chairs

Conclusion: I now have a reason to go to Troutman. The pizza was the best NY style pizza I've had in the area. The atmosphere is nice, and the staff very personable and friendly. I recommend you give it a try.

Restaurant Info:
Pellegrino's Trattoria
275 N. Main Street
Troutman, NC 28166
p) 704-528-1204
f) 704-528-1207
http://www.pellegrinostrattoria.com/

Pizza Week: Brooklyn South

Brooklyn South was voted by the readers as one of the local pizza favorites. So yesterday I stopped by to try some of their pizza again.

I'd been to Brooklyn South a while ago, so I was curious to see how I'd rate their pizza. I've noticed that my tastes in food have been modified slightly, since I started this blog. While I still enjoy eating (I LOVE EATING!) I now look at it slightly more objectively, and tend to compare similar foods and restaurants.

So, taking this all into account, I walked in the door. I tried to grab a small or medium pizza. But they only have one size -- Large. (Makes sense, after all, this IS a New York style pizzeria!) So I ordered a couple of slices, since I was by myself.

The Colorado inspired interior always throws me. It looks like a Colorado lodge -- with pictures of New York. But it is clean and there's always a TV within view, a BIG plus for me, especially when eating alone.

My two slices of pepperoni were served on two plates. Each one took almost a full plate. Yup, standard NY style! There was a layer of grease on top of the pizza, so I mopped it up with some napkins. The slices were so large they needed to be folded, and then I took a bite.

The crust was quite thin, and this time the bottom of the crust was slightly burned and charred. I'm guessing this was because these slices were pre-cooked, and then re-heated when I ordered them. The sauce is used sparingly, but the occasional chunk of tomato can be found on each slice. This time there seemed to be a little more cheese than last time, so that's always a plus.

In addition, each slice had a decent amount of pepperoni. The pepperoni wasn't the most flavorful that I've had, but it seems to be real and not loaded with fillers. Another plus.

Brooklyn South appears to be doing well, I was there around 2pm, and there were several full tables. It seems that every other person I meet in the Lake Norman area is from NY, and as long as they stay in the area, I'd imagine that Brooklyn South will continue to do well. Why wouldn't it? It serves a slice of home to those transplants.

Score:
Atmosphere: 3.5
Food: 3.5
Service: 3.5
Total: 10.5/15

Price: $
Kid Friendly: Yes. They have a kids menu, and offer high chairs.

Conclusion: If you're looking for a slice of NY style pizza, this place is for you. The service is friendly and the food is good. Even though the inside may sorta feel like Colorado, the heart of this place is all NY.

Restaurant Info:
Brooklyn South Pizzeria
19400 Jetton Rd# 201
Cornelius, NC 28031
p) 704-896-2928
http://www.brooklynsouthpizzeria.com

Next Week is Pizza Week!

Next week is Pizza Week on the Lake Norman Foodie. I'll be hitting three different local pizzerias. And I'll try to hit some places that I haven't been before.

But I'll also take your votes into account. So, be sure to vote in the poll that's located in the the upper left-hand corner of this blog, and I'll try to make it to one or two of the top pizzerias mentioned. To try to compare apples to apples -- I'll only be ordering the peperoni pizzas.

So, make your voice heard! And make sure you send me somewhere with good pizza!

-LNF

P.S. If your favorite pizzeria isn't listed, leave a comment below, and let me know what it is!