The cold winter season is often condemned for its shorter days and face-numbing dry air. Cabin fever kicks in the instant the thermometer submerges below 40 degrees because venturing outdoors becomes too burdensome, especially when staying home and cranking up the heat is so enticing. Recently I encouraged my parents to go on a late-night adventure to grab a bite and admire the city that never sleeps as it transformed for the holidays. Of course, pizza is enough of an incentive to make the journey into the cold worth the trip. However, little did I know that even though we hopped boroughs, we never left home.
We decided to try Artichoke Basille's Pizza. The moment we entered, we were greeted by a “Staten Island Expressway” sign. At first, I was confused. Did I not just drive through the Verrazano bridge? After a few Google searches, my suburban pride was ignited after discovering that the owners are Staten Island natives. Francis Garcia and Sal Basille, cousins by chance and best friends by choice, opened up Artichoke Basille's in 2008. Today there are over 16 locations branching from New York to California. Besides being seen on the Food Network, Basille's is also well known amongst the stars. I visited the 14th street location, which happens to be the same spot Paris Hilton and Dave Portnoy filmed his One Bite Pizza Review.
Paris is a big Artichoke Basille fan and gave their classic margarita slice a 10/10 rating, and I couldn't agree more. My parents and I tried a handful of slices, spanning from their crab slice to their classic creamy artichoke. Of course, we couldn't leave before sampling their classic margarita. Basille's is known for being a late-night pit stop since most of their restaurants are open until 4 am. Don’t expect a Michelin Star dining experience. This grab-and-go pizza does not need the frills of gold flakes and truffle. Artichoke stays true to the classic New York pizza experience.
Each slice is bigger than your face, served on a paper plate, and is the perfect way to end a fun night out. The cheesy and saucy goodness, along with the good company, made this night one I will never forget. Nothing compares to toasty pizza in the brick New York winter.
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