Originally published 4/29/10 | If you are cruising around the LBC and looking for a good slice, a tasty sandwich, or a crispy antipasto, Pizza Pi is a fitting destination. My brother Brett and I were having a hard time finding parking on Broadway so we just kept going until parking and a place to eat coincided with each other. I saw the sign for Pizza Pi and told Bretty to find a parking place because I have wanted to try this place out, and he obliged. The smell of fresh pizza dough and tomato sauce was dragging us in, but the sound of an open mic night with some talented people also assisted in the decision.
We were not shy about ordering way too much food as we always do, and heck, we need to get a good sample so that there is something to write about. We surveyed the menu and decided to start out with an antipasto salad, followed by a medium Pizza Rustica which is subtitled “Meat Lovers” (that describes me), and finally to make sure that we rounded out the meal we also ordered the Chicken Parmesan sandwich. Yes, I know this is a lot of food, but that’s never stopped us before and it certainly wasn’t about to now.
As we waited for the food we sat and listened to the performers on the open mic. Their serenades and the accompanying acoustic guitar drowned out the grumbling of my hungry stomach. Soon came the salad, which had crisp, fresh lettuce topped with pepperoni, salami, marinated grilled bell peppers, and grilled eggplant, with a delightful Italian dressing. The eggplant and bell peppers were very flavorful, and the dressing was tangy and delicious, making this honestly one of the best antipasto salads that I have had in a long time. The bread that came with it was fresh from the oven and covered in butter and parmesan cheese.
As soon as we were finished with the salad, out came the pizza and sandwich. The pizza not only looked and smelled amazing, but the taste followed suit. It was piled high with pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, and salami, and the dough was just right: a little doughy on the inside with a crispy outer crust. The pizza sauce was tangy without being sweet, which is a total plus for me. The medium ended up being pretty large, and it was a great pizza. My only reservation was the presence of a little too much Italian seasoning for my taste, but that is just a personal thing.
After having two slices of the pizza I grabbed half of the Chicken Parmesan sandwich and went to work. The bread was excellent just like the pizza crust, doughy but crisp on the outside. They put a good portion of sauce and cheese and then took a few large breaded cutlets of chicken, folded them in half and shoved them into the roll. The chicken was thinly sliced, lightly breaded, and then fried to perfection. If you dig Chicken Parm then you will enjoy this sandwich.
Pizza Pi is another great find for the LB Food Review Crew. Its spacious dining area and inviting decor make it a great spot to host you and all of your friends. So make it on over there for a meal and tell them that LB Food Review sent you, and if you want a little entertainment go on a Monday night and check out the open mic, where they can always use more performers.
Until Next Time, Keep Eating Long Beach,
Cliv
Pizza Pi – Online Menu
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-437-0555
Mon: 4:30pm-10:00pm; T-Th: 11:00am-10:00pm; Fri-Sat: 11:00am-10:00pm; Sun: 11:00am-10:00pm