Midtown Lunch

I’ve been quite intrigued by this current trend of fried pizzas, and after reading Chris’s review of Don Antonio‘s (50th btw 8th+9th) fried panini, I knew I wanted to stop by to try one out. Unfortunately since his visit, some of the lower priced options have snuck up $1, but still a buck shy of the ML price ceiling. I decided to take a gander at the other panini under $10, the Toscano. For $9, I will say you do get your money’s worth.

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The other week, we noted the exciting opening of Don Antonio Neapolitan pizza in Hells Kitchen. Why is it exciting? Because there’s some serious culinary chops behind the restaurant, including Kesté’s Roberto Caporuscio and his mentor Antonio Starita. According to Serious Eats, Mr. Starita is also the vice president of the Naples-based Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, the organization that trains and certifies pizza makers (Mr. Starita is also a partner at Don Antonio). Impressively pedigree’d pizza in Midtown? And several menu items under $10? Don’t walk, run, to get your lunch at Don Antonio.

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Good news for all lunchers looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza in Midtown – Don Antonio is open for business (on 50th btw. 8+9th Ave.)  The new pie shop boasts some serious culinary chops, as its owned by Roberto Caporuscio, the pizzaiolo in charge of Kesté, as well as Roberto’s long-time mentor, Antonio Starita of Naples’ Pizzeria Starita. While most of the pies are well above the $10 range, almost all of the restaurant’s calzones and paninis are at the $9-10 range. Serious Eats has a drool-worthy preview of the place, and we can’t wait to check the place out ourselves for lunch. And if anyone has tried Don Antonio’s, please let us know what you think in the comments.

Don Antonio, 309 W 50th Street (btw. 8+9th). 646-719-1043

Crain’s announced earlier in the week that Roberto Caporuscio, co-owner of Kesté (one of my favorite pizzerias in the city) and Antonio Starita his mentor and owner of the oldest pizzeria in Naples, will open up a Neapolitan pizzeria called Don Antonio in the fall. It will be on 50th Street just west of 8th Avenue and will serve wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, those crispy, pillowy delights. Only two of the pies at Kesté are under $10, so I imagine this restaurant might also be a little out of our price range. But here’s hoping they offer some lunch specials. [via Eater]