When I’m sad, stressed or lonely, I turn to pizza.
When I’m happy, and want to reward myself, I turn to pizza.
When I have no reason whatsoever, I turn to pizza.
As far as I’m concerned, pizza is the ultimate comfort food. When I was a teenager I thought pizza delivery was the best invention since sliced bread. Those were the days of Pizza Hut and Dominos.
I’ve moved on from the pizza deliveries of the world (well, most of the time) to upscale gourmet pizza—so good and so seemingly healthy! Today, pizza turns up on some of the most exclusive menus in Napa. There’s a pizza for everyone.
I spoke to some local connoisseurs and found out that tastes are pretty much across the board.
Anjalie and John Martini don’t eat much pizza (or so they say). But when they do, it’s Firewood Café and Azzurro, they agree, writing “Both have nice thin crusts and fresh ingredients.”
Kelly Murray, wine club administrator at Grgich Hills Estate has a whole host of opinions.
“Best delivery in town is (mostly because they have the best topping options, as well as the best side salad around),” Murray said.
“Best delivery in North Napa (will go north of Trower to the wilds of Oak Knoll and the unincorporated parts of Napa before you get to Yountville) is New York Pizza Kitchen.
"My personal favorite is the vegetarian with an addition of sausage...it's the only way to get all the good veggies.”
And, according to Murray, Fazeratti’s is the best pizza shack in town with great lunch specials, and the place to go for sports team celebarations.
As far as specialty selections, Murray recommends Azzurro. She loves the thin crust but says the pies are “pricey and small.” However, “the wine list is hard to beat.”
Realtor and sometimes food writer Dynie Sanderson is adamant:
“Best pizza hands down is at Oenotri in downtown Napa--Southern Italian style. It’s all about the crust. Just magic.
"Their signature is the Margherita pizza, though every day there are a variety of pizza options to choose from based on the freshest ingredients available,” said Sanderson.
“Nothing else will match it except perhaps a trip to the Amalfi Coast in Italy.”
Sometimes it’s all in the family: Kathy, Don and Kim Foulger say nothing compares to Papa Joes. They claim the key is the sauce.
I think I'll head out for lunch now. Or maybe just dial the phone. . .
