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| - It's 4th of July and a beautiful night on the east side - people should be grillin' out, right? Where were they? Geraci's.
This was my first time here, and as soon as I walked in, I felt like I was in a pizza joint in NYC. Cozy, narrow dining room with brick arched windows overlooking the kitchen where the pizza masters are hand-tossing the dough. Took a quick glance around - saw a group of 20-somethings getting their pizza/wine on before heading out for fireworks, a family, an older couple and perhaps, a couple still in that "getting to know you" stage.
Service was great, starting with who we now realize was the owner greeting us in the parking lot as we locked up the car and headed toward the entrance. Started with calamari. Calamari was so tender and lightly breaded. Sauce was GREAT - big chunks of tomato and sweet, but with the right amount of acidity. Got a large pepperoni, sausage and mushroom pizza (see photo). Pepperoni was clearly homemade and nice thick slices. Sausage - also homemade and perfect amount of seasoning (not too heavy on the fennel). Crust was divine - not too thin, not too thick. And, again ... that sauce! I'm usually quick to toss the parm cheese/pepper flakes on my slice, but no need with Geraci's pizza. Savor the fresh Italian flavors.
Yup, got dessert, too. They always have tiramisu, but opted for strawberry cheesecake. Sadly, server came back and said they were out, but instead they had some chocolate cake monstrosity - I got that. Maybe she misunderstood I only wanted one slice - she brought out this slice that could've fed a small nation! It was so moist and so packed with intense chocolate flavor. Seriously, some of the best chocolate cake I've had and wouldn't expect to find it at a pizza joint.
We'd been warned about the parking situation. Luckily, we didn't run into this since it was a holiday, but I can see how it might pose a challenge. Parking lot is one of those one-way, narrow lots. As Tim Gunn would say, make it work - the pizza's worth it!
I should add, the menu selection is extensive. Pizza, pasta, chicken, veal ... We'll be back. I was eyeing the woman's dish next to me that had this giant meatball. I want that.
Oh, they don't accept credit cards, so come prepared with cash!
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