The Battle is On: Regina's or Santarpio's for the Best Pizza?

Perhaps only second to the Mike's vs. Modern pastry battle, two establishments more than any other seem to be the top contenders for the Best Pizza in Beantown: Regina's and Santarpio's.

Though I've lived in both the North End and East Boston (the homes of these two restaurants, respectively), I will admit I'm a little bias from the start. After a semester abroad in Italia, I pretty much fell in love with the North End and I find its vibe hard to top. I frequented Regina's with J regularly, and anytime a guest told me they hadn't tried it.

So I was a bit skeptical when I moved to Eastie and suddenly the boss in town was Santarpio's. However, eager to try this great contender, we ordered a couple pizzas as soon as we (3-Fiddy and I) moved in. There was a line around the corner and we had to feed all the troops who helped us move, so we sprung for take out.

Santarpio's has a side door that leads to the kitchen, which is where you pick up take out orders. I walked in and saw my pizza's come out of this oven. Apparently the cook thought they looked just as good as I did, because he picked a pepperoni off my pizza and ate it....in a really weird, sensual kind of way. He then continued making gross kissing/licking gestures toward me...before giving me the pizza like nothing ever happened. AWKWARD?!

Now with that preface, I'll say that I've had Santarpio's pizza several times since, but have never actually eating in the restaurant...(in fact, I always make 3-Fiddy go in and get the take out order because she's braver than me). But I do like their pizza.

So this battle can't be about the vibe of the place, how much I like the people or how comfortable the booths are - it's about pizza and that's it!

We ordered a couple pizzas from Santarpio's the other night - one green pepper and onion and the other sausage and garlic. All the toppings were hiding under the cheese, but dont worry, there were plenty! I'd say the best part of Santarpio's pizza is their cheese...it's thick and flavorful and they pile it on. The toppings are good, but nothing too creative - most of the pizza suggestions on their menu are standard combinations. The crust is thin and tends to get a bit soggy toward the middle, but it's delish. They don't use a lot of sauce so my take on that is a bit inconclusive. All that being said, it's definitely good pizza!

Regina's has a completely different appeal. When Im looking for an expert in unique, interesting combinations of flavors that won't disappoint...I know where to head. My favorite is probably prosciutto con spinaci. Loaded up with sauce, mozzerella and ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, prosciutto, and cherry tomatoes, this pizza is to die for. Last time we went, J and I tried the Classico - sauce, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. All fresh, all amazing. I could go on for days about their creativity and the quality of their food. One other thing to note - don't go to Regina's in Fanueil hall - the real deal is like a 10 minute walk into the North End - go for the full experience. It's worth it, and you're probably going to head that way to go to Mike's for dessert anyway!

So in the end, while Santarpio's pizza is good, my humble opinion is that it doesn't touch Regina's.

Ciao!
Litte B


PS - I also recommend trying Dough in East Boston if you're looking for some good pizza!

I’ve been holding out on you…the best burrito revealed…

Last night, after some much needed retail therapy (a girl’s gotta do something to lift her spirits in this crappy weather), I decided I was too tired to cook. Though I generally have a healthy sense of adventure, I wanted something reliably delicious, so I stopped into Cactus in Maverick Square (in Eastie – one T stop on the blue line from Aquarium). Honestly, I should have written this review from the start. The fact is I’ve secretly been comparing all burritos to my favorite burrito in the city this whole time. It gets a 10 in my book and I’ll do my best to explain why.

Cactus is a little hole-in-the-wall with maybe 3-4 tables and some counters with stools against the wall. My mouth starts watering every time I walk in from the sight and smell of the most delicious looking Mexican food, freshly prepared and waiting for me behind the counter. Though I typically stick to my order of a small chicken burrito (and there’s nothing small about it), I would venture to say that Cactus can do no wrong. I’m just too in love with this particular burrito to ever choose something new. These people know how to make good food, that’s all it comes down to.

So as I stand there waiting, they throw together some shredded chicken, guac, beans, hot sauce, sour cream, pico, cilantro, tons of cheese….I know none of this sounds particularly out of the ordinary for a burrito. But when they wrap that bad boy up and throw it on the grill for a minute, the end result is heaven. Perfectly melted, perfect balance of flavors…I honestly can’t praise it enough. And grab some Jarritos (soda) at the counter for the full experience.

I know my typical Mexican restaurant review consists of burritos, guac, and margaritas…but really, when you’re the best at one thing…best to just stick with that one thing. No margaritas here, and I’ve only had the guac IN a burrito, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

My apologies for holding out on you for so long…maybe I was just being selfish? Anywho, now you have it - my absolute favorite burrito. I dare you, Beantown, to find one better.

Feels good to be honest, doesn’t it?
Little B

A+ brunch...head to Scups in the Harbor

Simply stated, I haven't had breakfast this good in this city...probably ever. Scups in the Harbor is a tiny hole in the wall place in East Boston just past Piers Park in the marina. But don't dis-count it just because you dont live in Eastie - there is a water taxi from the marina right to downtown Boston - easy peasy!

So there are literally 2 tables in the place - one really long bench, and a booth that could fit probably 8 people. There is also a counter with a couple stools...but that's pretty much it. Several picnic tables line the outside, and you dont get to hog a whole one if there are just two of you. J and I shared with two other couples. We made friends with some of them and they shared some of their other faves in the area, which we'll definitely be trying!

So the way this place works...is that you look up at this wall of colored sheets of paper with hand-written menu items on them, and place your order with a hostess standing in the doorframe between the tiny restaurant and the huge kitchen in the back. You wait for her to bring your drinks (lemonade+prosecco=super yummy sparkling lemonade)...then you head outside and make some friends (or not) while you wait for your food.

Everything is cooked to order so you have to be patient, because you're not going an omelet made with liquid eggs here. Though if you check the menu hard enough, you'll notice one colored sheet with a list of items you can get quickly if you're in a hurry.

I had apple cinnamon french toast and Millionaires Bacon, and J had "the Ultimate BLT." I was trying to sort out how to take some pictures on J's camera phone, and by the time I'd figured it out, half his sandwich was gone (for the record, this is an indication of how fast he ate the sandwich, not how technologically-inept I am). If you've never had pesto on a BLT, you're hardcore missing out. Everything we ate was unbelievable. Im not usually a huge fan of cooked, mushy fruit, but this was fantastic. Amazing fresh flavors, nice big dollop of whipped cream...I devoured it. Toppings change weekly apparently, but Scup's website say this dish "usually involves fruit and LOTS OF LOVE." So cute :) The website also describes the millionaire bacon as sweet and spicy, and unlike anything you've ever had...and its dead on. If you're a bacon lover (and who isnt?) this is a must-try - I honestly cant explain how delicious.

This is the kind of place other decent, trendy brunch places aspire to be. The difference is their food is flat out better. Their decorations include booeys, christmas ornaments, and pipes hanging across the ceiling. But honestly, with food like this...they could decorate with elmer's glue and I would still eat here. These people care about putting out a quality product, and it shows. Definitely worth a water taxi ride over here on a Sunday morning.

Two other things to note:

1 - If you have any extra used books around your apt - bring them over to donate...they have a bookshelf full of books you can buy one for $3 each - proceeds go to women and children's shelters in the area.

2 - Check their hours before you make the trip over to this little gem. They are open weeknights, and in the mornings on the weekend, but the hours are different every day so definitely look it up!

Im off to enjoy my food coma and the Pat's game :)

Little B