Stacked pie pans at Roberta’s — photo by Adam “Slice” Kuban
With some sadness I learn that our kicked-up pizza joint Roberta’s has finally received its liquor license — that only took a year. The last time I was there, I expressed my worries to owner Chris Parachini that much of his business might be a result of people feeling they can afford more food if they can bring their own booze.
But I’m assured that because they are actually paying the bills with their food sales, they don’t want to screw up the balance too much by slamming us with the 300% markups typical of most restaurants. The average wine bottle price is $25 — not that much more than a good wine costs at the store. “I’m looking for a cheap wine that passes muster that we can sell for $19,” says Chris. “But its tough to beat the Colossi Rosso we have — it tastes like a $35 bottle and we’re selling it for $22.” Obviously, the wine list will be heavy on the Italians, “but there’s a Spaniard in there and some Californians and possibly Australians on the way. We’re still building the list.”
As for beers, they range $3 for crud to $5 for craft. The five-tap system they will have next week will be full of brews selected to go well with pizza.
So all is not lost; our pizza chalet is not now out of reach of our wallets. And Chris says for us to stop by soon. “The fall menu is on point.”
Roberta’s, 261 Moore Street | open 12-12, closed Mon. | 718-417-1118
