Back in the Saddle at Pepe's...

A slice of Pepe's clam pizza

What can I say about Pepe's?

Pepe's pizza is like returning to an old friend you haven't seen in a while. You've both been through some new adventures but you still maintain that connection. The spiritual bond remains. And so it is with the pizza.

Pepe's Pizzeria Napolitana was the third stop on the Pizza Therapy East Coast Pizza Tour 2009.

We knew what we wanted before we arrived. We were all dreaming about clam pizza. We talked about the clam pizza in the car on the way down. And not just a casual mention. It was the main topic of conversation.

Pepe's is the home of clam pizza. Frank Pepe invented the clam pizza. You just hope against hope, that they are able to have clams on the day you arrive. They usually do, however, clam pizza is so popular, they sometimes, run out.

Pepe's Pizzeria is all about the pizza and tradition. Pepe's continues to carry on the legacy of Frank Pepe by serving incredible world class pizza.

And that is the best thing you can say about any pizzeria. It should all be about the tradition.

(Albert's side bar: In the case of apizzo, from Pawcatuck, they are creating their own tradition. Pizzaiolo Stefan understands this.)

Here is a video I created to pay tribute to Pepe's:



I am going to quote myself from an earlier visit:

"When you walk in, you are greeted by a huge coal fired oven which bakes the pizza to perfection! We started off with a Clam Pizza as an appetizer. The pizza crust was fantastic and the clams danced their way into our mouths.

"Are the clams fresh?", I asked. I was then invited to go around back to the parking lot and then peek into the kitchen door! There was Leo, shucking a collander full of fresh clams (quahogs). These clams were as fresh as they get!"

We had planned our visit so that I could spend some time with Gary Bimonte, grandson of Frank Pepe and co-owner of Pepe's. He explained a new Pepe's would be opening soon at the Mohegan Sun Casino, in Uncasville.

I also asked Gary the history of the clam pizza and how it was invented.

Here is what he said:



Thank you Gary, Thank you Frank Pepe's Pizzeria.

If you need tomatoes for your pizza:

Topsy Turvy Tree- Upside Down Tomato Tree

Grow over 200 tomatoes on you balcony, deck or patio!

pizza in pepe's,

albert grande
Pizza Therapy

P.S. You can also find out more about Gary and Peter at:
Legends of Pizza