photo: Ben Seto
East End Pizza Co. opened about two years ago as a slice and take out spot in Alameda’s Marketplace. A few weeks ago it moved into a much larger space around the corner where Ching Hua used to be. The owners took advantage of the new space to add a full menu with soups, salads, sandwiches, small plates, and of course, pizza. The other day, I had dinner there with Sandy of Food Hoe and Ben of Focus Snap Eat. We tried the refreshing Lola Rosa (Pickled Cherries, Ricotta Salata with Balsamic-Cherry Vinaigrette, $9), the tender Pork Belly (Red Lentils, Mirepoix, $12) and the comforting Agnolotti (Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Stuffed Pasta, Wood-Roasted Eggplant Puree, Basil, $12), but it was the wood fired pizza that stood out. Big surprise, huh? The crust was chewy with a few crispy bits but I had to fold the slice in order to eat it. We ordered The Bouzouki (Red Sauce, Crimini Mushrooms, Taggiasca olives, Classic Cheese Blend with Lemon Zest & Feta with Housemade Loukaniko (Lamb & Pork Sausage, $19), which turned out to be meaty and substantial with the unmistakable zing of lemon. For dessert, we shared the bittersweet Smores (chocolate pot de creme, marshmallow fluff and graham crackers) and the somewhat dense Strawberry Shortcake (biscuit, strawberries, whipped cream). As we were finishing up our meal, someone came to check on our table and said that’s how he wished more people would order….choose a few dishes to share and then get a pizza. As we looked around, we noticed that most parties were happily munching away on their pizza. Maybe after a few weeks, people will venture out to try other parts of the menu.
1650 Park St, Alameda
Christina Mitchell
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