Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Pizza Antica

Pizza is a definite favorite of mine and so I was excited to try this place out. Aurora and Jason wrote a review for it while working at the Piedmont Post, and since then they have been devoted fans. After hearing so much about it from them, I was unsure whether the place could live up to the high expectations, but it surpassed them. We started off with a salad of Vine-ripe Tomatoes, Housemade Mozzarella and Fresh Basil with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic. The plate was brought out so quickly, we hardly had to wait. The mozzarella was more flavorful than any kind I have had before and I think the Balsamic really helped bring out the flavor. Although the tomatoes were a little green I blame this on the current tomato shortage and not the restaurant. All three of us enjoyed the plate and just as we were finishing the appetizers, our pizzas were brought out. We ordered two large pizzas, the number 5 (Sweet Corn, Arugula, Bacon and Basil) and the number 6 (Heirloom Potato, Caramelized Onion and White Truffle Oil) and devoured them entirely. The pizza is made on a thin and crispy crust and neither of the ones we ordered had tomato sauce, these are characteristics of my preferred style. The number 5 was my favorite. Something about corn on pizza amazes me, and this corn was sweet as promised and paired with the bacon it made for a truly flavorful pizza. I have been craving bacon for a long time and this bacon hit the spot. It was crispy and not burnt. I have found that many people are unable to get the crispy without burning the bacon, but Pizza Antica succeeded and my month craving of bacon was finally satiated. The number 6 is Aurora's favorite because she absolutely loves White Truffle Oil. I thought it was plain when compared to the sweet number 5, but it was definitely good. I actually wonder if you can go wrong with anything here because my first impression is that it is all really good. Considering the fast service, the friendly server, and the taste I would say this is probably my favorite pizza I have had anywhere in the Bay Area. I love me some Cheeseboard, don't get me wrong, and I love being able to eat some pizza on the grassy median while cars speed by, but if you are looking for something classier I recommend Pizza Antica.