A recap of Di Fara and its greatness

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to eat at arguably the best pizza place in New York: Di Fara. Much as Zagat claims, there truly is "genius at work" at this small Avenue J cornerstore pizzeria. Very much out of the way for the casual NYC tourist pizza-goer, Di Fara is located in the heart of Brooklyn and requires a 15 min train ride from my place in Brooklyn Heights alone, far off the beaten path of the average Manhattanite.

Stepping off the Q train it is at first difficult to locate this landmark as it virtually blends in completely with the surrounding drug stores and shops. It looks more run-down than your average NY pizzeria on the outside, and the 5 table restaurant interior is equally unimpressive. However, the line of people out the door, even at odd times such as 3:30pm, will quickly clue you in to its location.

The reason for the constant line? That would be chef/owner/operator Dominique, who save for his son who helps by chopping fresh ingredients in the back and preparing the sauce, is the sole employee of the store. A true artist in his own right, Dominique pays no mind to the crowd of customers at the counter as he patiently and deliberately prepares each pie. There is no system of ordering, paying, etc. You tell him what you want (along with about 3 other people) and he remembers it all in his head and makes your pie as he gets to it. Don't be mistaken in interpreting this as rude behavior- Dominique is an incredibly kind man who through patience and deliberation refuses to be rushed.

In my opinion the man is a living legend, a dinosaur from an era of pizza making long since extinct. He somehow manages to remember all the orders, manage two windows, collect all the cash and still have the frame of mind to squeeze in pies for single slice orders all at a methodically slow pace. In comparison, Grimaldi's (the pizza runner up in my mind) can't even manage slices with a staff of over 10 per night.

He uses only the freshest (hand cut) toppings and grates out real mozzarella fresh from the bucket right onto the pizza. Everything is handmade and the coal fired oven cooks the pies to perfection. Forget Lombardi's, Grimaldi's, Patsy's or even Famous Ray's. You will not find a better pizza in NY than Dominique's little pie shop in Brooklyn. Di Fara gets the lone A+.