Anselmo's

Inspired by our friend Howard, we made a trip to Red Hook to try Anselmo's, a new coal-oven pizzeria in the neighborhood. Though it just opened, Anselmo's is a decidedly throwback affair, with simple decor, drinks served in paper cups, and small pizzas clocking in at only $6. In fact, it wasn't even supposed to be a pizzeria --- the owners bought the building for another purpose and happened to find a coal oven inside, so, this being New York, they naturally decided to start making pizzas.

Deluding ourselves that it was a healthy choice, we ordered the day's special, a tomato pie with mozzarella, broccoli, and roasted onions. Broccoli is not the most obvious of pizza toppings, but its snap was a nice contrast with the cheese and onions. We thought the crust could have used a little oomph in the form of more salt and oil, but it was whisper-thin yet still chewy, with a great char, so clearly they know how to handle the gift fate gave them.