Pizza Bowls, Fresh Flatbreads, Salads & More
By Tiffany Jarva
Across from the sleek new courthouse on Brodie Street, NYS Restaurant & Pizzeria is a south-side eatery that mixes the modern with the traditional. Retro Italian signs hug the walls, a coffee bar invites conversation and espresso shots, and brick walls add a touch of warmth to the sleek furnishings. A lovely handwritten sign features today’s special: an Italian flatbread sandwich served with soup or Caesar salad.
A regular client comes in and banters in Italian for a bit and then pokes fun at co-owner Frank Pellegrino for not being a Montreal Canadiens fan. “It’s the people who make me want to come to work every day. It’s all about being personal,” says Pellegrino. Pellegrino and his brother Joe have been in the restaurant business for over 21 years—initially slugging subs over the counter in Victoriaville Centre. Now they have ventured beyond the world of subs. In 2012 the brothers opened this lovely sit-down restaurant, which Frank describes as phase two of their food journey.
As yummy as today’s special sounds (as do many of the other items on the menu, including flatbreads and pizza), I have actually ventured across town to try their latest creation: an individualized pizza bowl. Think of a very tasty smaller version of a panzarotti without the grease—the pizza bowl is baked instead of fried. I try the pepperoni and sausage bowl, which somehow strikes the perfect balance of being meaty and cheesy, yet light and not too salty, and totally tasty. Paired with a Greek salad tossed in an earthy, light homemade dressing, it leaves me more than satisfied. Buon Appetito!
NYS Restaurant and Pizzeria is a popular south-side lunch destination. Catering is available and the space can be rented for special occasions. Contact NYS at 110 Brodie Street, at 622-0077, or on Facebook.
