CJ blesses Papalino's

[Robin Garr]

I haven't been posting CJ reviews lately for a variety of reasons that I'll be happy to explain upon request but it bears mention that Marty gave Papalino's an extremely favorable review today, fairly described as a rave. Only 3 1/2 stars, presumably because their quarters are spartan. Hey, it's a walk-in pizza joint! He flatly declared it "best pizza in town," without qualifying the vast diversity of pizza styles. A different approach than I took, but then, I raved about it too and did give it a 90-plus rating. Good for Chef Allan and crew! I don't know that anyone is left in town who doesn't know about Papalino's already, but if it brings in more business, good for them.

I can picture Marty writing his review in the corner of the restaurant, typing with one hand while devouring the piece of pie in the other. The pizza sauce dripping from his chin while he rocks back and forth humming a sweet lullaby. Don't come near him or you will be attacked like a mama bear protecting her cubs.

In all seriousness, I haven't eaten at Papalino's yet, but it almost seems as if he has a vested interest in the success of this restaurant.......I am sure it is good, but 3 1/2 stars for pizza?

[Robin Garr]

3 1/2 stars for pizza?

I guess it depends on how you define your rating system. Personally, I think any genre ought to be worthy of four stars (or 90-plus points in our system) if it performs its core mission as well as it can be done, whether it's pizza or steaks or diner fare or Vietnamese.

I understand the alternative argument that a white-tablecloth, high-service establishment provides an environment that a pizzeria or a diner can't match, but to my way of thinking, that does a disservice to the places that choose to excel in a different niche.

They're gonna need a bigger oven.

They're gonna need a bigger oven.

They need one already. I went for a slice last Saturday night and after I ordered waited at least 15 minutes, for ONE slice. It was worth it though. Sliced meatballs, oh so good...

In all seriousness, I haven't eaten at Papalino's yet, but it almost seems as if he has a vested interest in the success of this restaurant.......I am sure it is good, but 3 1/2 stars for pizza?

It's not pizza, it's art.

.I am sure it is good, but 3 1/2 stars for pizza?

YES, absolutely worth 3.5 stars. Yes, yes, yes!

Eat it and you'll understand.

That's a big jump for him to work everyone into- Peeps are so used to the 4 star being about service and atmoshpere. He gave Social 4 on thier first outing, and they have no white tablecloths. I'm thinking he agrees with you Robin, just how can he best be a progenitor of change?

But I could be wrong...

Well said Robin. 3.5 stars is well deserved for this place. And Jon's right, pizza, though simple, like all food, is an art. Especially when its simple - dough, sauce and cheese. It's even harder to perfect because there are fewer things you can change. I grew up in NYC and have been making my own pizza for 15 years. I know pizza. This is seriously good pie.

It really is the best in town. Man...papalinos....

It's the ONLY pizza in town that my New Jersey imported husband will eat. Seriously!

Anyone else curious what they could do with a different style of pizza?

It's good and even though it's different styles still second to RichOs in my book.

My family liked the pizza here a lot!

But it was still a close second for me to that place that's across from the Science Center. What's it called again? They make some amazing pizza. Forget ny, it seems like real italian style by real italians....Haven't been there in at least a year, but I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Amazing artichoke salad too--if you're not afraid of garlic.

My family liked the pizza here a lot!

But it was still a close second for me to that place that's across from the Science Center. What's it called again? They make some amazing pizza. Forget ny, it seems like real italian style by real italians....Haven't been there in at least a year, but I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Amazing artichoke salad too--if you're not afraid of garlic.

Luigi's Pizzeria
www.luigispizzeria.com

I also give the nod to Luigi's for best pie in Louisville.