Brussel sprouts and pancetta pizza at Motorino in East Village

I’m a pizza kind of girl. I’ll politely eat burgers (if placed in front of me) and occasionally bow to burritos (mostly if they’re free), but the cheesy, bubbly slice is my cheap eat staple of choice.

Ever since the New York Times’ Sam Sifton declared Motorino “[NYC's] best pizza,” I knew I had to give them a try. I took the subway downtown, transferred to the L, then took it to 1st Ave, luggage clattering behind me as I walked into the fabled land of pizza. The restaurant was small, maybe 30, 40 seats, the walls papered in green and white stripes. Brussels sprouts and pancetta pie ($15) came highly recommended.

Motorino’s pizzas are visually arresting creations. They come like jewel-toned paintings, framed in dough and splashed with vibrant colors of basil, buffalo mozzarella, or maybe clams in their shells. I liked the crust on my pie, which was remarkably light, with just the right amount of chew and char. However, it didn’t quite hold up to heavy toppings – it ended up a bit soggy on the underside with oil by the end. Still, it was a delicious creation, and unlikely ingredients were wholly appropriate for spring, nothing like the waxy buttons I’d imagined. Maybe I’d go for a simpler cheese pie next time. Or their lunch special – just $12 for a pie and salad or dessert. Pairing this baby with a cold beer would be awfully nice.

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