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| D.O.C. with Fennel Sausage |
Glover Park is one of DC's best kept secrets; and its dining scene continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Arcuri is relatively new, taking over the longtime home to Kavanagh’s Pizza Pub in early 2013. I finally found some time to stop by for (takeaway) pizza late this afternoon, and discovered the following... Arcuri makes a really, really good pizza.
My experience began over the phone with the super-friendly Patrick, who took my order for a small D.O.C. pizza (tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil) with fennel sausage. He couldn't have been nicer, and told me my pizza would be ready in 15 minutes. And away we go.
Arcuri's pizzas are priced very reasonably ($10.50 for a 10" small + $2 for each premium topping, $1 for basic extras like green peppers and red onions.) I arrived 25 minutes later, and was warmly greeted by the host. Said host went back for my pie, and instructed me to settle up at the bar. Grabbing a barkeep's attention can be daunting; but by the time I got to the bar, Patrick was already headed in my direction with my bill. Great teamwork! 30 seconds later, I was signing my credit card slip and walking out with a hot pizza. "A" for service.
My original plan was to walk home, and eat there; but I barely made it across the street, grabbing an outdoor table by the baseball field. What can I say? I was hungry. In terms of appearance, Arcuri scores another "A." They use real buffalo mozzarella with generous amounts of basil and sausage. I'd love more cheese; but I actually liked the fact that it didn't have much tomato sauce. Atop one of the best charred crusts I've ever had, I couldn't have been happier.
As far as taste goes, Arcuri hits another home run. The cheese is incredible, the basil fresh and the sausage succulent. My only complaint (and I use that term lightly) is a lack of spiciness in the sausage. It's not advertised as such; so it's not fair to complain, but I had to come up with something.
I can't wait to return for a chance to try Arcuri's meatballs (only $6.50 as a starter) and a full-sized pie with more toppings. Meanwhile, feel free to try one of DC's five best pizzas. Thanks to its deep char, the crust tops former #1 Pete's New Haven Style Apizza as best in DC. Happy New Year to me.
Atmosphere: B (Nice vibe at the bar.)
Service: A (Stellar over the phone, and in-person.)
Crust: A+ (That char. Oh that char.)
Toppings: B+ (Fabulous cheese, really good sausage.)
Value: B+ (The cost of pizza has gone up in DC; but I'd pay $5 more for pizza this delicious.)
Overall: A- (Cracks our Top 5. Congratulations.)
