It was love at first sight when I walked in the doors at Monte's Fine Foods on Washington Ave in Portland, Maine. How could it not be? You are instantly greeted by a classic Italian market with a wide selection of goods. But if you are a pizza maniac like me it won't take long for your eyes to be draw over to the slice bar. And it didn't take long at all. Look at these beauties.
That's one of the best veggie slices of pizza you will ever eat. It's crispy, light, and incredibly tasty. Roman pizza is the best of all worlds in pizza. It's like the flavor of sicilian without the heaviness. It's not paper thin, so it can hold up to fresh toppings. The sauce and cheese go so well together, a little sweet, but not too much.
The pepperoni will dazzle your taste buds with a little spice and the crunch on the crust is wonderful. This is not floppy pizza. It's out of this world. When you order from the slice bar the wonderful employees will ask if you want it warmed up and I'd say yes to that every time. Unless you are getting the tomato pie slice, you can get that room temp or slightly warmed. It's one of my favorites. If you want a picture of that slice check out my facebook page. It let's you enjoy just the crust and sauce, true Italian perfection, just like Monte's.
That's a full marghertia pie and it's every bit as wonderful as it looks. Even when you take it home and reheat it the flavor is outstanding. It's so crunchy and light. If you want to wait for a full pie this is one of my favorites, or get the mushroom pie that is loaded with high quality fresh mushrooms.
Can we go back to the slice bar? You can grab one or two slices and go sit in your car if it's the middle of Winter. It's heaven in your hands and it never disappoints. Monte's is open 7 days a week and they might start charging me rent one day soon. It's that good and I'm there that much. Oh and take my word for it, the soppressata slice is out of this world. Hot honey and Italian meat, what's better than that?
Now if you'll excuse I've got a few slices that need tending to.. -Jason
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