Gaspar, owner of Sicily’s Best pizza on Cypress
Last week I found the menu for Sicily’s Best in my building’s lobby and was completely psyched to have discovered a new restaurant in the area. Imagine my surprise when I found out that this Bushwick pizzeria has actually been open for a year and a half.
|
|||
Walking in, the place still looks brand new. The tables and floors are clean, the pizza, calzones and meat pies are carefully organized behind the glass on the counter and the large windows in the front don’t have a single finger print on the them. I have no doubt that this level of cleanliness and organization, like all of the pizza and pasta recipes used, must be part of a family legacy passed to the owner, Gasper, by his grandmother, who had been in the restaurant business for fifty years.
In fact, family oriented is the best way to describe Sicily’s Best. The pizzeria is located below Gasper’s childhood home where his parents continue to live. There are family photos pasted all over the walls above the cash register and even the office ladies that came in while I waited for my take out reminded me of a group of teasing aunties. Whether he’s chatting in Italian to neighborhood regulars, discussing oil prices, or the effect of the Euro on Italian imports, Gasper makes customers feel like guests in his home.
|
By the time I left, I felt so comfortable that I was praying for the food to be fantastic to complete the package. I was particularly excited about the penne alfredo and while it was made to order of quality ingredients, it was a little bland for my taste. But the chicken roll was really good. I also had a slice of BBQ chicken pizza with a nice tangy sauce and light perfect crust. While I didn’t get a chance to try it, Gasper says that the penne alla vodka with grilled chicken is a house favorite.
Located on Cypress Ave right on the border of Bushwick and Ridgewood, Sicily’s Best definitely reflects more of an old neighborhood style, but the strong sense of family and the dedication to cleanliness would make even the most mod Bushwick artist feel right at home.
Sicily’s Best
190 Cypress Ave | 718-456-1833
Price: $2-$12
Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Kara January 29th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Any word on the delivery zone?
Sarah Pappalardo January 29th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
warning: they are closed on sundays
but that dude is pretty awesome…ask him what he thinks about people in the Village.
Brian H January 29th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
How does he know he is Sicily’s best? Very suspect.
Chrissy G January 30th, 2009 at 8:21 am
I’ll tell you how – I used to eat at his Grandmother’s restaurant when he was just a baby. His Grandmother had a special God-given talent for cooking; she loved to see that smile on someone’s face that only comes from tasting something delicious. One visit to Sicily’s Best and you will see for yourself just how Gaspar continues her traditions and reflects her warmth. If you still suspect, then you just don’t get it.
Brian H January 30th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Nice try.
Frances E. January 30th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
You just have to try the Lobster Ravioli Alla Vodka that Gaspar makes….or the Grandma Slices they are just the best….even the Buffalo Wings mild or spicey..I prefer the spicey… The burgers are made fresh, his dad literally trims and grinds the beef himself and shapes the patties there…. thats as fresh as it gets…
Melissa January 30th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I told him the Alfredo needed more salt but besides that….food is great.
KATHY January 31st, 2009 at 1:52 am
BEEN EATIANG THERE SINCE THE FIRST DAY IT OPENED.GASPAR MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR HOME.HE LIKES TO PLEASE HIS CUSTOMERS. MY FRIENDS AND I ORDER THE GRANDMAS DURING THE WEEK. BUT ON FRIDAY WE GO FOR THE PASTA . MY FRIEND HAD SPAGETTI WITH CLAMSAUCE AND SHRIMP. SHE LOVED IT. I HAD SAUSAGE AND PEPPER
HERO WITH OUT THE BREAD.(LOL) DELISH.EVERYTHIG YOU ORDER IS THE BEST. aND YES YOU ARE TREATED LIKE FAMILY.THEY GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO PLEAS YOU ,I CAN’T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT SICILYS BEST. GO SEE AND EAT FOR YOURSELF.YOU WILL KEEP COMMING BACK.
Kristin S January 31st, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I love this place! Honestly, all I’ve had there are $2 slices of pizza (nothing spectacular) – but I go back because the guys who work there are awesome. There’s always the same two working in there, and usually some third friend bumming around and adding to their witty banter. But as soon as you walk up to the counter it’s “What can I get for you, sweetheart?” I think they knew me by the second or third time I went in there, and I like that!
George May 12th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
This restaurant is ALWAYS a stop whenever out of town friends visit, and about once a week…
tutie June 24th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
MI love this place we buy pizza once or twice a week cause I’m to lazy to cook sometimes . my boys are hooked to garlic knots with sauce on the side.they’re so good and the food. Is always piping hot when delivered.
Marcye February 17th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
I have to say that this pizza is extraordinary. My family loves it, we like to dine in for their hospitality, but when it’s chilly out and we just want to hang out indoors, the food arrives quickly and just as delicious. I give them 5 stars!