LOCATION: All across the U.S.
SERVICE: The service at the Santa Monica restaurant is consistently bad but I put up with it or get take-out because I love the pizza and salad so much. On my only visit to the Redondo Beach location, the service was great.
I have tried a few other dishes but these are the ones I swear by. So if you are going to EAT HERE, ORDER THIS:
FIRST CHOICES:
MIXED GREEN SALAD WITH PROSCIUTTO & GORGONZOLA CHEESE
(small = $12.45, large = $19.95)
One of my all-time favorite salads. Tossed with a simple vinaigrette, red onions, pepperoncini and black & green olives, it is unpretentious and delicious The prosciutto & cheese are add-ons so make sure you add them on. And when you do, ask for them on the side because there have been times where I needed a magnifying glass to even find them tossed in the bowl. And if you think they've skimped on peppers or olives, let your waiter know. I have.
MARGHERITA PIZZA
I LOVE this pizza. It has a super thin crust and very tasty sauce. There was a time, I believe, when they switched the mozzarella to an inferior product. I base this on the fact that one day the cheese was a bit rubbery and kept sliding off my slice. Fortunately, things quickly got back on track. My theory is that a bunch of regulars (including myself) complained to the corporate office and the changes were reversed.
My final thought on this pizza is that I can't imagine anyone not liking it.
Leftover tip: heat the slices up on a dry, non-stick skillet. The pizza is so thin that it will only take a few minutes to warm and it will taste just like it did when you were in the restaurant.
ANOTHER FAVORITE:
SHRIMP FRA DIAVOLO
(small = $20.95, large = $32.45)
I only order this pasta if I am really craving it because the pizza and salad are more than enough. If I do order it, it is always delicious. The description pretty much sold me from the first time I read it: "Sauteed garlic shrimp and a spicy rosa sauce with imported Italian penne pasta." De-li-cious!
