Recently, we checked the original Pizzeria Regina off our list of "Boston classics we've never tried." Thanks to A Proper Bostonian's wonderful post on a holiday visit to the North End for reminding us to sing Regina's praises.
When we walked over from the Haymarket station, the wait was short. By
the time we left, the line was the length we had expected to find. We'd
been warned that waiting in line is part of the Pizzeria Regina
experience. Our wait was put to good use making decisions from the menu
posted outside.
We just missed seats at the bar, but did win a booth in the center of the room that gave us a perfect spot to observe this classic pizza joint. We watched pizzas, by the dozen, come out of the kitchen to be cut and placed on trays for service or boxed for take-out.
Around us, people took various approaches to pizza eating from knife and fork to precise folding techniques. Customers picking up orders "to-go" came and went, after standing in the spot designated for waiting.
Our waitress was right out of central casting– quick, all-pro, and just a tad surly. She knew you were there to eat, and she was going to see that you had what you needed. Napkins, utensils, and paper plates were slid across the table, drink orders taken and delivered and then our choices were scribbled on her order pad.
First up, the Margherita (tomato sauce, fresh chopped basil with
Mozzarella and Pecorino Romano.) This was a given, because the a
Margherita is our yardstick for judging a pizza maker. And, this is the
pizza that will bring us back to Regina. It was wonderful! And, much of
the credit goes to the crust. It was crisp, flavored with their natural
yeast, and kissed by their coal-fired, brick-oven with just a hint of
char.
We had to see how they handled toppings. Our second choice was a
Classico (tomato sauce, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, fresh mushrooms,
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.) Regina's approach is "Abbondanza!"
Here, a pizza with toppings could feed us for a couple of days. We
needed that knife and fork for the Classico.
Please remember, we're only talking about the original Pizzeria Regina in the North End, not the Mall locations around the area. We just don't find the magic in those places. And, on future visits we'll concentrate on the menu offerings with fewer ingredients, to let that wonderful crust shine through.
Other Opinions:
Here's what the Chowhounds say about the Best Pizza in Boston.
Here's the Yelp.
Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2009 Penny Cherubino
Regina Pizza11 1/2 Thacher Street, Boston, MA
617-227-0765
www.reginapizzeria.com
