Calabrese: Lucky Coq, Melbourne

One of the best local secrets in OZ... Lucky Coq pizza on Chapel St.

And even though the pizza is rockin', the pizza isn't the secret. On Monday-Friday from 12-4pm or Sunday- Thursday from 7-11pm, you can get their pizzas for $4.00 each! And yes, I just typed $4.00.

How? Because their pizza is so damn good. 

I was told by a friend that they can afford to have their prices set low since they make up the revenue from the locals who take advantage of the deal at least once, maybe twice a week...

I saw it for myself- the place is jam-packed during these hours... and it's very difficult to get a table. But to be honest... I was fore-warned about the crowd. I didn't listen (and I'm blaming it on the jet-lag) because my friends (who introduced me to this place) told me that timing is everything. They said, "We have to leave at 7pm or a little before in order to solidfy seats." And well... I was a little late, and by late I mean like a 1/2 hour... so we had to get savvy once we were in (yes, I believe there is a bouncer at the door), and by savvy I mean, we had to stalk tables. So seriously, if you want to go... prepare yourself to be on time.

When we did get our seats... the guys decided to order 6 different pizzas... starting from the bottom left  and then clockwise: Greco, Mexican, Calamari x's 2, Calabrese ♥, Lamb

Seriously, I couldn't believe how unique and original these pizzas were for $4.00 a piece- truly one of the best deals on Chapel. And even though they were all delicious, I was partial to the Calabrese (the pepperoni-looking one)... YUM.


PS- We didn't get them the time I went, but get the olives too. The boys nearly cried when a friend forgot to order them.

PPS- Yes you have to place your order at the bar, pay for it and make sure no one steals your seat. But don't worry a waiter will serve you... just make sure he doesn't give your order to the wrong person LOL- It's rough, but it's worth it ;) 

Baci e abbracci <3

#33 or #45: La Pizzeria, Monza

Voted one of the best places to eat (and the only pizzeria to make it on the list) in Italy is: La Pizzeria. I don't know what they do it, but whatever they're doing, it's GREAT. I've tried the other pizzeria's in town but nothing compares.

La Pizzeria creates specialty pizzas that cannot be altered or substituted. There's a pizza there for anyone and if you dare ask to substitute something, the owner will personally come to your table and explain why he will not. All of the flavors are paired for a reason and there's no if's and's or but's to change this mans mind, and I don't blame him.

My personal favorites are #33 and #45. Yes, the pizzas are listed by numbers:

#33: Thinly sliced eggplant, a few olives, cheese and tomato sauce

#45: Proscuitto Crudo, basil, cheese and tomato sauce

I know that these pizzas seem quite simple, but the flavors are mouth-watering! They have more complicated pizzas like brie and speck which is also a great choice, but my favorites have to be the two mentioned above.

Basic description of all the pizzas:

1) All of the pizzas have a crispy, thin crust- don't think of it like a cracker because it's not. It's just a very thin pizza crust that tastes incredible.

2) All of the pizzas are quite big but they are not heavy to digest. I suggest you order one pizza, finish it... and if you're still hungry, order another pizza. On stomach growling nights I can finish two alone- just keep in mind that you're not allowed to take them home with you..

So if you're ever in Monza- make you're way down Via Lecco, turn right onto Via Torti, stop at the corner and take a seat at the BEST pizzeria in town- just make sure you call ahead for a reservation otherwise you'll have to wait till 10PM... no lie.

PS: No matter what you order you will have to pay a 3,00 cover per person, but it's worth it since they don't do take-away...

PPS: Don't wait for your friend to receive their pizza- eat it right away because the pizza will get cold fast! Which is also why you don't order two at the same time...

Baci e abbracci!