Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.
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Sweetnicks

Food and Life

La Piazza: The Best Pizza in New Jersey?

July 19, 2011 · Narrative

Grandma Pie
“Have you ever had Grandma Pie before?” Mystic asked me a few weeks ago.

Um, no. What is it?

He didn’t tell me.

“Ok, that’s what we’ll do on Friday night then.”

I didn’t even Google it, figuring the element of surprise was way more fun, and being a somewhat adventurous eater, I figured it wasn’t code for fried bugs or cow tongue, so I was safe.

I love when he’s all decisive like that, even if it’s something small like making a decision about dinner. I hate the whole “what do you want to eat?” “I don’t know. What do you want to eat?” “I don’t know. Whatever you want is fine.” Once in awhile when you just can’t hone in on what you’re needing is fine. On a regular basis, it is not. Although I might be a bit of a *cough*control freak*cough, I am also an all-or-nothing kind of girl. Take 100% of the control and run with it so I don’t have to give it a second thought. Or let me do it all.  None of this in between stuff.

Even when it comes to a decision about what’s for dinner.

Grandma Pie it was.

When I found out what it is, I felt like more of a lousy Italian than I usually feel like. I mean, how had I never even heard of it before?

Pizza

Baked in a square Sicilian-pizza style pan, it features a scant amount of mozzarella, topped with dollops of crushed tomatoes (you can track down a few more specifics here). We ended up at La Piazza in Florham Park for my maiden voyage.  A small restaurant, it features a few bar stools on a side counter, which oddly just face the wall, and about a dozen or so tables.  The tables are a bit of a tight squeeze, as in you’re sitting very close to your neighbors, so it’s not the place to go if you want a private conversation or to break up with your girlfriend or discuss your upcoming bankruptcy proceedings.  Just sayin’.

“We’d like to start with the stuffed mushrooms, please.”

You do know they take a really long time to make, right?

“That’s ok, we’d still like them.”

Certainly an interesting way to sell an appetizer, eh?

Of course had she said “oh by the way, they’re mushrooms stuffed with, um, mushrooms and in a really weird sauce,” we might have been appropriately disuaded.  But alas, she didn’t, so we weren’t.  Note to you: skip the stuffed mushrooms.

Close-Up - Stuffed Mushrooms

Pizza - Side View

Now for the pizza. Strong, slightly crispy crust and less doughy than a more traditional Sicilian slice. I wish the basil was sliced slightly bigger so you could taste it more (nothing like fresh basil!). The crushed tomatoes were very crushed tomatoes. As in, nothing else. No other taste of herbs, seasonings or salt coming through. Not terrible as an overall slice, but not especially memorable either.

  • Plenty of parking available.
  • Service is reasonable, although a bit slow on a Friday night
  • Credit cards accepted and web site available

Pizza Man

Storefront

LaPiazza

La Piazza Cafe Ristorante & Pizzeria
184 Columbia Turnpike
Florham Park, NJ 07932
Phone: 973-301-9660

Open Daily: 10am – 10pm

Was it New Jersey’s best?  No.  The search continues.

Miss our other pizza reviews?

Luigi’s in Succasunna
Reservoir Tavern in Boonton
Margherita’s Pizza & Cafe in Hoboken
Star Tavern in Orange
Grimaldi’s in Hoboken
Annabella’s Pizzeria in Parsippany
Fenicci’s Restaurant & Tavern in Hershey, PA
M&S II Pizza in Rockaway, NJ
Patsy’s Tavern in Paterson, NJ

July 19, 2011 – Bonus Photo
Namesake Chips
When The Neighbor Husband texted me a picture of this bag of chips yesterday, you know I had to go buy a bag. Haven’t tasted them yet, figured I should wait and do it with Mystic. You know, since they’re named after him, and all. ;)

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Posted In: Narrative · Tagged: best pizza in New Jersey, La Piazza, pizza review

Comments

  1. Sarah Caron says

    July 19, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    Eh. That pizza (and mushrooms) sound like they were a bummer. Too bad. And *cough*thereisawholetowninctnamedforhimandtheyhavepizza*cough*

    Reply
    • Cate O'Malley says

      July 20, 2011 at 3:39 pm

      dude, where do you think the big event is going to happen? ;) j/k

      Reply
  2. Megan says

    July 19, 2011 at 11:46 pm

    Try Rusillo’s in West Caldwell or Frank Anthonys in Verona for awesome Grandmas pie. That’s one of our favorites, you need to try a good one!

    Reply
    • Cate O'Malley says

      July 20, 2011 at 3:39 pm

      Thanks for the recommendations! Will definitely try Rusillo’s next.

      Reply
  3. Joanne says

    July 20, 2011 at 6:21 am

    I’m so sorry your first grandma’s pie wasn’t memorable! If you can find a good slice…it’s GOOD.

    I’m with you on the decisiveness thing. Control freak, I may be, but it’s still nice to have someone else take charge every once in a while.

    Reply
  4. Michele says

    July 20, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    You’ve got to try the Grandma’s Pie at Nonna’s in Florham Park. It’s right there in the Trader Joe’s shopping plaza. I recently discovered it and i’m in love!

    Reply
  5. Kris #40 says

    July 20, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    My father would have called that a “tomato pie”.

    Just had the best pizza last week – jalepeno from Lucianos. Mmm mmm

    Reply
  6. Ramona says

    July 22, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    That conversation sounds like one we have every nite.

    I get so tired of him asking me “what’s for supper”

    Reply

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Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!

Pinterest

Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
People complain about how much time is spent on ph People complain about how much time is spent on phones sometimes, but if it wasn’t for phones. I wouldn’t have these awesome little snippets of them growing up. I only wish I had more. Appreciate and document the little mundane things, for they are the very fabric of your life.
happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’v happy Spring, friends! Y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for the seasons to change and I’m so excited that Mother Nature was on board today! ☀️ There is nothing like the energy from the sun and it makes me happy. Hope you got some today!
Weekend photos in review, old school style. Contex Weekend photos in review, old school style. Context: 1) saying goodbye until Easter, 2) sending him back with good bagels, 3) sunlight charging station, 4) the sun was out all day yesterday and it was glorious, 5) hitting the farmers market for my favorite garlic butter, 6) make a wish, 7) sun patterns, and 8) my sous chef
I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I I don’t eat French fries often, but when I do, I’m going to make it count. Doo Wop Eats opened a few months ago in downtown Denville and their fries are LEGIT. They are hand cut and taste the way fries should … like potatoes! I add a sprinkle of salt and dunk them in a side of their special sauce and they are pure perfection. You can order a small bucket or a large one (better for sharing!), or as a side item with one of their other delicious menu items like their cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches or cheesesteak. I do believe they’re the best fries in town. I said what I said. Doo Wop’s menu celebrates all your favorite Jersey shore boardwalk treats, including Fried Oreos, clam strips and milk shakes and has a fun vibe for kids and families. 😍
The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that The Grinder Salad, a recipe I found on tiktok that takes all of your favorite ingredients from a grinder (or sub) sandwich and makes it into a delicious chopped salad. It’s as easy as putting everything in a bowl and chopping it up. Perfect for busy days and lazy nights, light meals and warm weather choices. Ingredient list below. Enjoy!

One bag or arugula
One container of cherry tomatoes 
Quarter pound of hard salami
8 Oz of fresh mozzarella
One small red onion
1/3 cup banana peppers 
Handful of fresh basil
Half cup Italian salad dressing
3 T Kewpie mayo
2 T red wine vinegar 
Sea salt and black pepper

Chop it all up, add a half box of ditalini pasta, cooked. Mix to combine.

Recipe from GrilledCheeseSocial.
We had a fun little board party this week and the We had a fun little board party this week and the delicious whipped Brie I shared earlier was front and center. If you haven’t heard of board parties, it’s when every guest makes a different type of food board and brings it - so much fun noshing ensues! With toasted baguette slices, cornichons and local honey, this was mostly a French-inspired board. So simple to pull together and totally my kind of meal.

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