Calabruzzi's Cafe

Calabruzzi's Cafe is a place that I have passed by many times.  I had been curious about their food but never had the opportunity to stop in.  On the days I wanted to, they were closed.  So much for my timing!

On Facebook, I belong to a group that posts about all things Bridgeport and the topic came up about what pizza place serves the best  "pie" and so, I had to weigh in.  I voted Phil's Pizza on 35th and then, the discussion continued and Calabruzzi's Cafe came up.  

I had tried another place in the neighborhood recently and I lamented that the pizza had very little sausage.  Calabruzzi's had posted a picture of one of their creations and I could see that the amount of sausage was generous and it looked to be cooked to perfection.   So, I had that in the back of my mind to try.  

Last week, my friend and I decided to have ourselves a treat and since I had Calabruzzi's on my mind.  We went for it and I have to say that I am extremely glad we did.  

First, I got some valuable feedback from my nephew.  He mentioned that their Sopressata (a spicy sausage) was awesome.  Homemade by the owner, Angelo, and top quality stuff.  So, when I spoke to the owner's daughter on the phone, she gave me more details and I was sold.  I ordered the spicy sausage with onion and double dough (asked for it to be cooked "crispy").  

Rosanna was the person I connected with through the Facebook group page.  Let me tell you, she was personality plus!  Down-to-earth and friendly.  I feel like I knew her for years and it was a blast.   She made my order a breeze and I felt appreciated as a customer.  

I told Rosanna that I would be totally fair in my assessment.  She knew that I was a Phil's fan.  I told her that the "food fight" would begin and that round one would commence when we received that pizza.  

Her father, Angelo, delivered the pizza and it came within the time specified.  Hot, fresh and ready to be devoured.  I thanked Angelo and mentioned to him that his daughter was awesome.  He probably through I was crazy because I was so excited at the arrival of the pizza!  :)

The pizza looked like Heaven.  My phone camera did not take the best picture but let me tell you, I didn't give it much of a chance to get a second or third try.  I wanted to taste it and find out if it was going to give Phil's a run for the money.  

This pizza was really good.  The spicy sausage really added a nice kick to the party of taste and the sauce and cheese were just right.  A very generous amount of sausage and onion and the crust was cooked crispy to perfection.  To be fair, I should have ordered a regular think crust to truly compare to Phil's but regardless, I have to say that I was extremely pleased with my taking a chance and trying (that last experience I had with another neighborhood place did nothing to ease my taste for a good pizza etc).  

Rosanna included a cannoli with the order and that was tasty as oh hell.  Seriously did not want to eat it that night because we were stuffed.  Then, because my "treat day" was technically over, I did not eat it the next day either.  Two days later, I realized I had a treat waiting for me in the fridge.  I went for it.  It was light,delicately flavored and oh so good.  I wanted to collapse in a ball of gooey happiness.   Yes.  I love my treats!

As I mentioned, I was very pleased with the service.  I can't imagine Rosanna being any less friendly with anyone that calls in (since she did not know who I was at first and was still friendly).  Also, I was very pleased that they took debit cards.  I mention this because Phil's (which was really the place I was comparing this too) does not.  What's great about this is that it certainly makes it easier for an "impulse buy" type situation.  Sometimes, I find myself just absolutely starving and not wanting to commit to cooking.  Phil's is so close to me but I don't want to stop at an ATM outside at night in order to order a pizza.  Also, it was cold and icy out that night.  I wouldn't have wanted to walk out in order to do that.  Yes.  This is a point of convenience and facilitating commerce!  :)

Comparing the two pizzas that are my heart's desire, I have to say that Phil's is still a bit more generous but that could be based on the fact that I technically had a "specialty" ingredient in the spicy sausage.  To really fairly compare, I should get a regular sausage pizza.  With all that being taken into account for, I thoroughly enjoyed the toppings and it was certainly enough to make us happy!  

The ultimate determination for me was to consult my inner critic and ask the question - "Would I order another pizza from them again?"  Since my last experience with a neighborhood place was to "skip it."  I was pretty happy to report that I am CERTAINLY going to try it again AND, I felt satiated in my desire for wanting a pizza.  

I am thoroughly excited by Calabruzzi's and this round was a draw.  Looking forward to "Round 2!"

don't bother. they served us salad with pieces of ice still in it, wine with parts of the cork in it, bread that was still frozen in the middle. I don't think I need to go on. The only redeeming quality was the waitress, who took our complaints with grace and adjusted our bill accordingly.

Great food!
Friendly service!

Two big reasons why l keep coming back