The Real World: Eating Brooklyn (Lucali)

This is the true story … of two strangers … picked to write for Eating Brooklyn … eat pizza at Lucali and take (mostly mental) notes … to find out what happens … when writers stop being polite and start getting real.

The Real World: Eating Brooklyn.

Sam Jacobs and Rob Petrone had been working on Eating Brooklyn together for three months without their paths ever crossing. But recently, the once-strangers united, “Real World” style, for what some consider to be the best pizza in Brooklyn (and all the five boroughs) at Lucali in Carroll Gardens. The following comments are what they revealed during their “confessionals.”

Rob: The first time I met Sam was outside Lucali. They told us there would be about a 15-minute wait, so we chatted. I thought, “hey, maybe I could room with this guy in the house!” I mean, I hadn’t met my other roommates yet, but have you seen this show? They cast some serious nut jobs, and I didn’t want to get stuck with the backwards redneck. (There always is one, isn’t there?)

Sam: I’d heard Rob was originally from New York, but the fact that he recently transplanted from Memphis, TN made me kind of nervous.  I mean, what’s a New Yorker doing in Memphis anyway?  Turns out he was taller than I’d expected.

Rob: The inside of Lucali was dimly lit and had a rustic, old-world feel. The kitchen was open to the dining room. And I do mean open; Lucali is set up like a studio apartment, with the pizza-makers and guests sharing the same space. When I went to take my seat at our table by the window, I noticed a hand-written sign on loose leaf paper informing me that the pipe next to my chair was hot. (Couldn’t the producers have done better? Or was this part of the “Real” experience?)

Sam: Once we got past the awkwardness we got a nice little romantic table for two.  Ok, so the awkwardness would continue…I took the seat backing the window.  If anyone wants to shoot me, they’re gonna shoot me.  I may as well make it convenient for them.

Rob: There are no menus at Lucali. Instead, the waitress let us know that our choices were pizza (one size, pie only, $24) and calzone (two sizes, $10 and $20). And that’s it, nothing else.

Sam: I came with an appetite, and I’m very particular about my pizza…being a true blue New Yorker and all.  I considered the topping options.  I’d just finished a grueling workout and was craving protein.  They had pepperoni, but no sausage or meatballs.  I could tell Rob was not fancying the pepperoni, so I decided the cheese was enough protein by itself.  We did, however have them throw basil on half.  When I suggested maybe getting a calzone too (for research purposes) Rob’s hesitation told me he didn’t think this was a good idea.  He’d later realize the error in his ways.

Rob: Sam and I wanted to order some beer, but we were told it was BYO! I thought I saw a bodega just down the block, so I stepped out. Turns out that bodega was closed, and I ran about four blocks before I found a deli that was open and had beer. I just kept thinking, “poor Sam, he must be lonely.”

Sam: I thought Rob had ditched me.  Talk about awkwardness.  Imagine having to eat an entire pizza on your own because your dinner guest walked out?  What, did I smell bad?  I showered, honest!  Rob finally came back with two 20 oz Stella’s.  I’d been in the aforementioned bodega prior getting cash.  I should have gotten the beer then.  But we won’t tell Rob.  The arrival of the pizza changed everything.  It was light and crisp and just well done enough.  The cheese was obviously fresh, and the sauce…oh, the sauce.  I could bathe in the stuff. (huh, two bathing references in one paragraph.)

Rob: I thought the pizza was very good. They knew not to put the basil on until the end, which is a plus. The pie was very thin and light. In fact, after eating a half of a pie, I was still hungry. Is it the best in Brooklyn? As much as I hate to endorse tourist traps, I prefer Grimaldi’s. And Sam’s on Court Street is on par, with cheaper prices.

Sam: I liked it.  Liked.  I didn’t love it.  I don’t know what the hype is about.  Sure, it’s fresh and tasty, but I really could have used that calzone.  But at these prices, who can afford it?  Look, I don’t mind paying $24 for a pizza, but four slices had damn well better fill me up.  Do I regret it?  No.  It was nice to finally meet Rob.  The waitress gave me her number.*  It was also nice to try a slice of what so many absolutely rave about.  Would I do it again?  Maybe.  I’d have to take out enough cash (it’s cash only), and would probably tack on a calzone. 

~Sam & Rob

Lucali
575 Henry St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-858-4086

*I asked for a menu to take home.  The waitress said they didn’t have that, but would give me her number.  She quickly corrected herself, but the damage was done.  When she handed me the number I looked at it and quickly replied, “It doesn’t say call me.”  I got an honest laugh out of her.  Good times…