Pizzeria Via Mercanti

Pizzeria Via Mercanti 188 Augusta Ave. 647 545 6647 I am on a mission to try every restaurant on Augusta Ave. It is such a hot spot. In the daytime the Kensington Market is alive with purchasers of produce. In the evening something magical happens. The street comes alive. There are restaurants of all types. Now that the weather is pleasant the outdoor patios are alive and bustling. The restaurants are open all day but it is in the evening when there is a special buzz on the street. My grandson and I have been trying to discover the best pizza in town. We are willing to go anywhere. I think the journey is now complete. This is the best pizza. I met my grandson and his lovely girlfriend friend at this new spot on Augusta. It was only opened in February. How did everyone find it so quickly? It was crowded but the place is fairly large and everyone was comfortable. We loved the window seating so we could watch all the action on the street. Gabriela was our delightful server and most accommodating to our queries. I noticed on the blackboard that a Marguerita Pizza and an Arugula Salad are featured at lunch for $10.00. You can bet I will go back for that. Each pizza is presented with olive oil, basil and parmesan. The dough uses only the finest Caputo Tipoo flour from Italy. The sauce is prepared with San Marzano tomatoes. Pizzas are baked for only 90 seconds at 900 degrees. The Gran Padano cheese was first made by monks at an abbey near Milan. The best ingredients are used and that is one reason this place has a winning combination. The Pizzas can be ordered white or red. The server was most gracious about allowing me to order the Vegetarian Pizza with a red sauce.($14.00) The grilled eggplant, zucchini, red peppers and mushrooms were plentiful. The crust was flavorful and crunchy. Every bite meted in my mouth. Delicious! Do ask for their homemade chili oil to enhance the flavor even more. My grandson loved his Broccoli e Salsiccie Pizza. Sausage, sautéed rapini and fior di latte made this a winning choice.($15.00) His lady friend equally enjoyed her selection of Funghi Pizza with a bountiful amount of mixed mushrooms. ($12.00) I’m told that there will be a choice of whole wheat crust in the near future. Parmigiana D’ Melanzane is offered if you fancy an eggplant dish.($10.00) Canneloni/ Lasagne are also on the menu.($10.00) I noticed several people dining on Pasta dishes. Primi Piatti, Antipasti Vari,Ensalades,Dolci. It’s all there. Chef Romolo brings his skill and flavors from Salerno, Italy. H