Although i grew up in North County, i’d never ventured downtown to truly explore until i was on my first professional writing assignment post-college. Lefty’s was one of the first meals i had, and it was also my first taste of Chicago-style pizza. i could not get enough of that crunchy cornmeal crust, chunky tomato sauce and divinely creamy mozzarella cheese. i was in love. But aside from the amazing pizza pies Lefty’s had to offer, i was also smitten with the vibe of the place; seemed everyone knew everyone within Lefty’s walls. Loyal customers returned again and again, the people working behind the counter knew their names, and everyone said hi to Lefty who, most days, was back behind the pizza table slinging pies. This independent business-customer relationship was something so charming to me, and after i moved to the area, i too became a regular at Lefty’s, propped at a counter seat at least 3 times a week.
Of course i developed a mild crush on one of the employees. i was more than entertained by Chicago-style-attitude, and sure, anyone who’s serving me delicious foods gets added hot points. One day when my slices were dropped off i patted dude’s arm. He quickly recoiled and exclaimed, ‘No touching the help!’ Another employee came over to spare me the embarrassment, ‘you can touch me anytime.’ He opened his arms and i jumped in for a hug. i guess not all Chi-towners are cranky.
When i found out several months ago that a second location was opening in the old Phil’s BBQ building, i talked with Lefty for a few. When i asked about the close proximity of this new location to Bronx Pizza, Lefty revealed that when he and family first moved to San Diego, Bronx was the only place they’d eat their pizza. He went on to say that Bronx crowds gave him hope, and inspiration, to open a Chicago-style pizzeria; that there was in fact a market for regional style pizza here in SD.
And so… months later lefty’s new shop finally opened its doors. i paid a visit this week and where the small, packed Lefty’s #1 promotes take out, the old Phil’s BBQ building is great for ordering whole pies with a group, sitting around and slowly stuffing yourself silly. There’s plenty of space, added help to bus tables and deliver food… but most important, the pizza tastes the same and several faces from #1 are there to greet you with Windy-City charm. Just don’t touch them, please.
i suppose my loyalty to Lefty’s prevented me from ever seeking out other pizza joints in town. Even though i’d driven, or rode my bike past it many times, i never stopped in at Pizzeria Luigi in Golden Hill until last summer. Just as Lefty’s had been my first experience with Chicago-style pizza, i consider Luigi’s pie my first real taste of New York. i couldn’t get my head around how thin and perfect this crust was, and how in the hell it could hold so many toppings and still remain crisp and erect.
The white pies at Pizzeria Luigi are definitely my favorite. The mushroom and ricotta is tops; one day i asked the man himself why his ricotta tastes so good. Come to find out, it’s his favorite kind, imported from New York. Order the lasagna if you get a chance… best I’ve had since my Nana was alive.
Since i live in North Park, i was elated to find out that Luigi was opening his second store just blocks away from my house. Luigi #2 opened this week, and i went in to snap some shots, found here. Luigi’s partner, Leonardo, was telling me he worked for years at Trattoria La Strada in the Gaslamp, but was tired of fine dining hence the partnering up with Luigi. With Leonardo came Carlito, a former La Strada chef, who whipped me up a lovely pasta dish of rigatoni, red sauce, olives, bell peppers and sausage. Leonardo said ordering a homemade pasta dish shouldn’t set a person back 20 bucks… now us humble North Parkians can enjoy authentic Italian food on the cheap- 7 bucks will buy you a fantastic pasta dinner with a side of rustic bread. Fuck yeah!
