Iyow - in your own words

Why did I wait so long to experience Pizzeria Delfina? It opened last year on July 19th, and it is now one of my favorite places in the city for delicious, thin-crust pizza. And I owe it all to Pizzetta 211 running out of pizza dough.

Here’s my story: Last Wednesday, I accepted a new job after months of mind-numbing job searching due to a pending corporate lay-off. I was not only excited by my new opportunity, but thrilled to finally have a break from Craigslist, from the the listings of “entry-level” jobs that require at least four years of experience. My thoughtful husband, Vince, thought we should celebrate. After a tiring workout with my spin instructor, Fernando, I was hungry. I suggested Pizzetta 211 in the outer Richmond, one of my favorites. After a quick wardrobe change, we were off. Miraculously, we found a parking space a few feet from the restaurant. I spied an open table in the window. This was shaping up to be my night! But, then, crushing disapointment – they ran out of pizza dough. Unfortunately, this was not the first time this has happened and probably not the last.

I thought I could see steam coming from my husband’s ears. But I wasn’t ready to call it a night. So we drove to the Mission, found parking within minutes (well, it was Wednesday night) and were seated in under five minutes (again, not the norm). It was 9 pm, and I was hungry. But the proprieters had kindly anticipated that. People wait hours to eat here, so yummy breadsticks were ready and waiting.

Now, decision time. Everything looked and smelled delicious. Since I’m currently fascinated with beets, we decided to start with the Marinated Beets with Ricotta Salata. Traditional and tasty. Then, we ordered the Antipasti del Giorno – Mussels. These were the classic preparation (wine, butter, garlic) plus peppers. The simplicity allowed the mussels to shine and I especially loved the spicy kick. Now, it was time for the crowning moment. We ordered the Pizze del Giorno, a bianca pizza (no sauce) with pancetta and grilled treviso, an interesting bitter lettuce. Service was swift so it didn’t take long for us to chow down. Long story short – I loved it! And I appreciated the plate of freshly grated cheese, red pepper flakes (these are hot!), and dried oregano that accompanied our pizza. When dining out, I appreciate these small, thoughtful touches.

To end the evening, we shared a piece of chocolate-hazelnut torta (yum) and an espresso. What could be better?

After talking up this place to a few friends during a Carnaval party on Sunday, we ended up back there for the second time in one week. Indugent, yes. We waited an hour, but it was well worth it. From this visit, I must also mention the Napoletani Meatballs. A daily special, but I hope they add these to the permanent menu. These rival my husband’s family recipe from his Italian great-grandmother. Yes, they are that good.

Now, don’t make the same mistake I did. Try Pizzeria Delfina today. If you don’t want to wait, get the pizza to go. You won’t regret it.

And try Pizzetta 211 too – it is still one of my favorites. But make it an early evening.