Pepe's Pizzeria in New Haven - and beyond!

Media Promotional Sampling

I have never lived anywhere in Connecticut other than New Haven County. In fact, I've lived in only two towns my entire life. Both towns are a short five minute drive from downtown New Haven.

And yet, I had never been to the iconic pizza parlor that set the standards for New Haven Style Pizza in Connecticut, Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana ..

Consistently voted one of "The Best Pizza Spots in the Country" by Food and Wine, and recently voted the #1 Pizza by the Daily Meal, Pepe's is known for their iconic tomato "pie" and their white clam pizza! Pepe's is located in the heart of New Haven's "Little Italy" on Wooster Street in historic Wooster Square.

On my very first visit to Pepe's, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a late lunch with Gary Bimonte, grandson of "old reliable" Frank Pepe. What I enjoyed most, besides learning about the family's nearly century old traditions of pizza pie making, were the heartfelt stories he told about growing up in the restaurant, and the family meals he shared with aunts, uncles, and cousins around the dinner table. To me, that's one of the best things about food, sharing and enjoying it with those you love, and breaking bread with old and new friends. Read more about Pepe's origins and history HERE.

The Pepe family history is rich with tradition, but the one thing that has remained the same is FAMILY. Be it the offspring of various family members cooking in the kitchen, cleaning tables, or what have you, the family is still involved in varying degrees to Pepe's today. Gary likely has the best job of all, that of quality assurance, and he spends his days traveling to the many Pepe's locations, ensuring the the same quality that originated in New Haven CT, is available in all seven of Pepe's current locations, the two New Haven locations, and in CT's Fairfield, Danbury, West Hartford, Mohegan Sun,  and NY's Yonkers. (Rumor has it that Pepe's is currently scouting locations in Boston's Brookline neighborhood, and a shoreline location in Rhode Island, rumors that Gary could neither confirm or deny.)

And what's on the menu at Pepe's? Pizza, pizza, and more pizza! A fresh garden salad is also available, in addition to Foxon Park Soda, Beer and Wine. See the entire New Haven Pepe's Menu HERE.

Be sure to visit a Pepe's location near you. And if you have the opportunity, visit the original Pepe's in New Haven, CT.

Here's some of the pics from our visit!

Pepe's Pizza and another New Haven staple - Foxon Park Soda
White Birch Beer and Apizza is a match made in pizza paradise!

The tomato pie pictured below is classic Pepe's pizza at its best. Simple fresh ingredients guarantee an equally fresh taste. Crisp thin crust. Absolutely delicious.

The one, the only, original Pepe's Tomato Pie
Sliced Tomato, herbs and spices, and grated parmesan cheese

Ahhhhh. Moving on we sampled the white clam pizza made with fresh clams and garlic, lots of garlic! Succulently sweet clams and zesty garlic make the perfect pairing on pizza!

The White Clam Pie
Fresh clams on the classic New Haven thin crust pizza
Thin and crisp - but never burnt on the bottom
The secret? The only thing that we could learn was that the dough is a bit "wetter" than norm.

I always thought that New Haven pizza couldn't be duplicated anywhere because of our unique water...but Gary assured me they worried about that too, and test the water in every location!

For more pictures visit the Home Place facebook page, and don't forget to "like us" while you're there
More pictures HERE

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

157 Wooster Street

New Haven, CT 06511

203-865-5762

Web: http://www.pepespizzeria.com/?page=home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pepesnewhaven

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pepespizzeria

Visit a Pepe's location near you!

In ...

West Hartford CT

Danbury CT

Fairfield CT

Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville CT

Yonkers NY

Disclaimer: We were invited to this promotional sampling at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana by members of  the Pepe's Management and Marketing Team, however, the views and opinions expressed herein are our own.

Once Upon A Dream

Dreams do come true...

On Saturday evening, May 19^th 2012, Hot Stepz Dance Academy held their annual dance recital at RHAM High School in Hebron, CT.  Hot Stepz Dance is owned and operated by Hillery Errett (aka Miss Hillery) and is located in Marlborough, CT.  The school features classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and other popular modes of dance for ages 3 and up.  Auditions for their competitive dance teams are held annually or by appointment. They are known for their unique and forward-thinking choreography and jaw dropping, heart pounding, music pumping dance recitals.  

This year’s Spring Recital was no exception.

Aptly titled Once upon a Dream, during this year’s recital each team came out and performed to the high levels of achievement that have come to be synonymous with Hot Stepz.  But halfway through this season’s show, during one of the dance teams’ electrifying numbers, the entire show came to a screeching halt. The troupe of girls on stage synchronously parted like the Red Sea and a lone man, the handsome Tony Cekovsky, appeared from stage left to make a shocking entrance.  

With a team of beautiful young girls gracefully executing a complicated mix of grand jetés and fouetté jetés behind him, Tony surprised the girl who often said that that nothing in life could ever surprise her.

Front and center on that stage Tony proclaimed that he had a very important question to ask this girl, a question that he had rehearsed in his mind for what seemed forever.

And there, in this crowded auditorium, with scores of onlookers, under a single bright spotlight, Tony asked Mr. Spotlight Man to follow him into the audience. Comically he asked the girl if, just this once, she would make it easy on him and stand up.  I’m not sure, but I think he was having a hard time locating her among the dozens of people in the dark, crowded auditorium. 

And she complied.  Yes.  The girl who couldn’t be surprised, with an expression of mixed horror, shock, elation, but most importantly love and adoration, finally stood up.  And there, in this crowded auditorium, Tony professed his love as he walked purposely towards her.  He told her how she and her daughter Amber have been the most important things that happened to him in his life.  That they were his whole world.  That he wanted to make it forever. 

And with that he pulled an exquisite little box out of his pocket, swiftly dropped to one knee, and said simply, “Charlene, will you marry me?”  And although I couldn’t hear her answer, as she wrapped her arms around him, and buried her head on his shoulder, I think you can tell by the picture, that she likely whispered, “Oh yes!”

Charlene’s daughter Amber was one of the girls onstage performing to Tony's solo that as you can see became a duet.  Together, Tony and Amber had arranged with Miss Hillery to have this heartfelt performance be the culminating act of the night, for Amber’s mother, the lovely Charlene Chiaravallo.

As you watch the video below and see the scene unfold, remember that true love is out there.  Never give up no matter how long it takes, or how many frogs you have to kiss to get yourself there. 

Your tall dark and handsome. Your prince. The man of your dreams.  He’s out there.  And if you can’t find him, just give him some time to find you.

Just ask Charlene.  Dreams do come true.

Click the video below to see!

How about you?  How long did it take you to find your "forever"?  

Are you still looking?