Valentino’s Pizzeria And Restaurant-Alexandria, VA
Recently, Frank and I took a trip to Valentino’s New York Style Pizzeria and Restaurant in search of delicious pizza by the slice. Pizza by the slice is not all that common in the DC area-not that there isn’t good pizza-there is. The recent surge in boutique pizzerias has added another dimension to the dining scene-but at a much higher price point. What is lacking is the neighborhood pizza joint. A pizza joint is where you go when you want a quick, cheap and informal bite to eat in a no frills atmospher (read: frescoed walls and “Old Blue Eyes” velveting the airwaves) that lets the pizza do all the talking. And when the owner hails from Queens, I’m going to listen!
Valentino’s is such a place with it’s large counter where a panoply of pizza pans showcase at least a dozen pies ranging from classic NY style to buffalo chicken. The menu also offers traditional Italian-American favorites such as pasta e fagiole (pasta and bean soup), calzones, a littany of subs, baked ziti, lasagna, ravioli and manicotti. Veal and chicken parmesan as well as veal pizziola remind me of the little independant-red checkered tablecloth places I grew up eating at in Philadelphia. It was a great family meal out-which was a real treat back then.
Frank and I ordered the NY and Sicilain style pizza. Our slices were heated up in the large pizza ovens and in about 5-6 minutes, we brought our slices to a table. Each table is stocked with grated parmesan, garlic powder and oregano- the essential trinity and I use them all.
Our NY style slice was delicious. A thin layer of slightly sweet red sauce sat below gooey melted mozzarella. The dough was blistered only a bit-I could stand for more. Each slice folded perfectly and reminded me of strolling the boardwalks in NJ with a slice in hand.
The Sicilain slice had thicker dough and was dressed mainly with cheese and a little red sauce below- both melding with the dough. Fresh tomatoes and red onions dotted the top and oregano was baked right in. If you’re a fan of Sicilian style pizza, I’d recommend this. Personally, I’m a thin crust girl.
Valentino’s has dine in, carry out and delivery available. I only wish it were closer to home, as my best option for pizza delivery is Domino’s-I’m a closeted fan who is fascinated with the “pizza tracker” and adores their chicken kickers. Just don’t tell anyone…..
Valentino’s New York Style Pizzeria & Restaurant
4813 Beauregard St.
Alexandria, VA
(703) 354-8383
Google these for valentines!
Main Dishes for Two
Beef Tournedos with Gin & Juniper Sauce
Chicken & Farfalle with Creamy Walnut Sauce
Chicken Forestiere
Herb-Coated Filet Mignon
Pacific Sole with Oranges & Pecans
Poached Salmon with Creamy Piccata Sauce
Pomegranate Duck
Rack of Lamb with a Cilantro-Mustard Seed Crust
Turkey Cutlets with Lemon-Caper Sauce
Turkey Marsala