Restaurant Review: Artichoke Pizza

On 14th Street down by 2nd Avenue, a new friend introduced me to an amazing little hole in the wall pizzeria that I probably would have never noticed. Its name is Artichoke Pizza. Outside was crowded with people milling around eating large slices of thick pizza. There are benches scattered out by the restaurant itself but people were also simply sitting on stoops and eating.

Meanwhile, there was a consistent line out the door of the restaurant for people grabbing slices and pies to go. There was a small sit down area as well, but most seemed more interested in eating out in the sunlight. The interior seemed dark and eclectic but I was utterly charmed.
We sat outside and shared one GIANT piece of pizza.  When I say giant, I mean this was a HUGE slice of pizza.  And it was utterly delicious. We shared a slice of the pie the restaurant is named for. We got artichoke pizza which had the most delicious creamy cheese sauce. It was absolutely fantastic.  The artichoke wasn't bitter but beautifully cooked and I really did enjoy the lack of tomato sauce. I want another slice NOW.  Please and thank you.  The crust was thick and flaky, crisp on the bottom but still soft in the center.
I would also love to try the other pizzas because they looked equally delicious! Next time I'm down by Union Square I'll definitely be walking over!

Recipe: Penne with cream, peas and pancetta

Wow, I haven't posted anything up here in ages!  I assure you, I've been cooking and making delicious things as per usual, I just haven't taken too many pictures... And I haven't been nearly as creative, I think I'm getting a little boring and repetitive, even if it does taste delicious.
That being said, I'll post up one of my favorite meals, that I make way too often for my own good!

Penne in a cream sauce with peas and pancetta
serves about 4 (although I often cook it for one lol)


penne (around 400-500 gramsish)
frozen peas (1/2 bag normal bag being around 1000grams)
pancetta dolce (container 250 grams... if you're in the states, use a package of regular bacon, and dice it into small pieces)
1 container of panna (states, heavy cream, you need about a cup and a half)
rosemary
pepper
hot pepper flakes

Start boiling water, add pasta to water as usual.
In the meantime place your pancetta in a hot pan, when it's about half way cooked add in frozen peas and about a tablespoon of rosemary, and pepper and hot pepper flakes to taste.
When the pasta is almost al dente and when the peas are no longer frozen, add the cream to the peas and pancetta.  Do not allow the cream to boil (i.e. lower the heat).
When the pasta is done drain, and add to cream mixture.  Mix well and serve :)

I've done other variations on this as well.  I've added onions which adds a nice little sweetness.  Instead of peas I've added potatoes diced into tiny cubes (which is a little heavier, but still delicious).

Get creative!
~Raspberry Truffle