As I posted the photo of the hamburger sandwich (see Louie’s Lunch post) on Facebook, I received several quick replies, none of which dealt with Louie’s. In fact, they were all focused on another local establishment, Pepe’s. Little did I know that one of the most revered pizza joints in the US was just a stone’s throw away. Well, maybe next time. Then luck struck again. On my way back from my meetings in Milford, which finished a few hours earlier than expected and a later flight planned due to the original time of the meetings meant one thing, I had time to find this Pepe’s and check it out. A business associate joined me and we headed into town to find this fabled pizza joint. Once again, a line awaited us. This one only lasted about 15 minutes and I have to admit I was shocked there was a wait, since it was 3p, not the usual lunch or dinnertime. Yet it was packed, and though we had to wait, I realized this is probably a good sign. As we walked in, a monstrous brick oven stared us down, with flames spewing within as it crisped the dozens of pies it held. We scanned the menu and quickly decided the only true gauge of pizza perfection was to order the Pepperoni. The pizza came to the table within 20 minutes and the cheese and pepperoni were bubbling hot and the aromas were divine.
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- Welcome to PizzaLand
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- Pepperoni pizza the way it should be
The pizza covered the entire pan and it wasn’t a known symmetrical shape, just the way the dough landed when being tossed and it worked for us. The pizza was excellent and I can see why everyone talks about this place, including why most food critics rate this pie on the top of pizza list for the US. This is worth making a special detour or trip to, you will be glad you did.
Tags: brick oven, cheese, New Haven, Pepe's, pepperoni, pizza
