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| - First ... thanks Yelp reviewers .... I live on the near-west side of Madison and would never have found this pizza without you.
I am of the (kind of snarky) opinion that pizza has become a sort of sad regional affair. And, if you have never had the chance to venture to New Jersey/New York to sample the original version of this truly humble pie baked in a 125 year old coal burning brick oven you have really missed something perfect and delectable. On the other hand, you will never be disappointed by your local pizza joint or long for a slice of perfection 950 miles away. But that distance may now have been cut and your chance may have arrived .....
I knew things were looking positive when I tugged a slice from the pie, began to fold the sides together and just the proper amount of sag occurred at the pointed last third of the slice. For me, the most important thing that sets New Jersey/New York pizza apart from all others is the crust. It is not shatteringly crispy. It is not a bread laden square mass. It is a smooth pliable roundish support, with just a suggestion of yeast, that can be torn between tooth and hand. And Salvatore's Pie did just that.
Having read the many Yelp reviews I went for the classic, a humble Tomato Pie. I ordered carry out. The pie was a large misshapen circle, as it should be. The delicious sauce was smeared on in a circular pattern so that each bite had just enough to taste but not overwhelm. And the cheese was hot, melted and stringy. The whole thing was lightly sprinkled with julienned strips of fresh basil. The balance was perfect. The care for quality ingrediants obvious.
Knowing now that the basics are so right, I can hardly wait to try the more exotic and interesting toppings. All I can say is thank you. At long last there is a pie within Dane county that is worth making a trip. Pricey? Not compared to an airline ticket! Please, please do us all a favor and consider the south west side of lake Mendota, maybe Fitchburg or Verona, for your next location.
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