I met this afternoon with Chris Parachini as he and his crew were working to get Roberta’s into shape for the party tomorrow, and the “soft” opening sometime in the next week. I was very eager to check out the newest addition to Bushwick’s pathetic retail/restaurant scene, and was excited when I got there and saw that the place is huge — much bigger than the tiny facade lets on. The interior aesthetic, with its pine plank and brick walls, wood-framed windows, and high rafters, is rough but warm; Chris noted that much of the place is recycled, and it shows.

The centerpiece of Roberta’s is the fire-engine red wood-burning oven, shipped all the way from Italy, that will be cooking up crispy pizzas. I mentioned to Chris that the place is reminiscent of a beer hall, with its long common tables. “You ever been to Europe?” he asked? “Nope.” “Well, pizzerias in Italy are set up a lot like beer halls.” Now I know.

There’s also a side yard where in the summer we’ll be able to eat our pizza and swig our beers under the stars. I couldn’t express more earnestly how thrilled we all are to have a new food establishment in the hood, especially one that doesn’t just put good food in our bellies, but pays attention to atmosphere as well. Chris said he understands how I feel: he was tired of bitching about nothing to do and eat in the neighborhood, and put his money where his mouth was.


interior

interior

the oven

future side yard

So make sure to stop by Roberta’s Friday the 4th after 8pm and get some free pizza! Make sure to tell Chris what you think of his place.

Roberta’s, 261 Moore Street off Bogart

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