Get to Know the NJ Pizza Girls and Their National Pizza Day Picks

By
Deborah Smith, Executive Editor
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Have you heard of the NJ Pizza Girls? If not, we think it’s high time you did, and what better time than now? (ICYMI, February 9 is National Pizza Day.) Get to know Milvian, Marissa and Paris in this fun-fact-filled interview. Then get the inside slice on their own favorite pizza in the Garden State!

JERSEY BITES: What are the NJ Pizza girls all about?
MILVIAN: We’re a group of 20-somethings who absolutely love trying out different kinds of pizza. Marissa and Paris often accompany me on various pizza adventures and are based in Central Jersey. We’ll travel all over the state and beyond for some quality pizza and hope to invite more New Jersey-based pizza fans to join the adventure! [gdlr_space height=”20px”]
How did you meet?
MILVIAN: In high school and college.[gdlr_space height=”20px”]
What made you want to start your Instagram account just about pizza, @njpizzagirls? 
MILVIAN: While I was in college, Pete Genovese of NJ.com released his first ever “Top 25 Pizzerias in New Jersey” list. I noticed there were many not too far from campus so my friend and I would try to visit as many on the list before the year was over. We started documenting it on Snapchat to our friends and many people would ask “What’s this pizza tour? Can I come?” Fast forward to January 2016 and Mr. Genovese came out with a new list of pizzerias to try. I decided that I was going to continue this pizza tour post-college and bring a few friends with me on this adventure while documenting it for everyone to see.[gdlr_space height=”20px”]
Rocket pie, NJ Pizza Girls, Jersey Bites
Rocket pie from Urban Fire in Madison
Favorite topping? Why?
MILVIAN: Can’t go wrong with a Margherita. Simple, yet filled with taste.
MARISSA: Pepperoni! It has been my childhood favorite and will forever be my go to.[gdlr_space height=”20px”]
Do you ever make your own pizza? 
MILVIAN: I tried making a margherita pie a few times in college and I’d invite my friends over to taste-test. I’d like to learn how to perfect making dough, though!
MARISSA: No usually, I don’t always have enough time but when I have made my own pizza it was something similar to a cheese steak but so much better![gdlr_space height=”20px”]
Best pizza you’ve ever had? 
MARISSA:The Winterfell pie from Wood Stack in Pine Brook. It consisted of smoked beef brisket, pickled red onions, fresh mozzarella, and BBQ sauce.
MILVIAN:It’s tough for me to answer this. There are many different styles of pizza that I appreciate. However, I recently tried the “rocket” pie from Urban Fire in Madison and it’s still on my mind. The ingredients are: arugula, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, shaved Parmigiano, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.[gdlr_space height=”20px”]
Thin crust, deep dish, or regular?
MILVIAN: Regular. Love me some crust, especially if it’s in a wood or coal-fired oven. For now, I’m avoiding deep dish until I go to Chicago![gdlr_space height=”20px”]

Valentinas_Pizza Jew

Here are the NJ Pizza Girls’ 10 favorites (listed alphabetically).

 

Coal, Manalapan

At Coal, the coal fired oven burns at around 800 degrees, cooking each and every pizza to a perfect crisp. From specialty pies to deep dish and gluten-free options, Coal offers a wide selection for just about anything your tastebuds are feeling. Try the San Marco pie.

 

Esposito’s, Manasquan and Matawan

Three words: Sesame. Seed. Crust. Esposito’s specializes in this so if you’ve been dying to try it out, it is recommended you stop here. Choose from 12 different types of sesame seed crusted pies at either location. They are total game changers. Try a slice of the mozzarella with sauteed spinach and onions.

 

Mamma Flora’s Trattoria, Ewing

A total hidden gem in the greater Trenton Area, the birthplace of the tomato pie. Whether you dine in or have your pizza delivered, Mamma Flora’s does not disappoint. Try the Margherita pie.

 

Mangia Brick Oven Pizza, Shrewsbury, Jackson and Toms River

Nice family-owned restaurant with a modern, chill-vibed interior and the sauce comes from a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Try a slice of the spinach, artichoke and pesto pie.

 

Nicoletta, Bernardsville

The interior is modern yet cozy with its sister restaurant, Osteria Morini, right next door. Customize your own pizza here or choose from their hand-tossed specialty pies. Try the Tartufata pie.

 

Nunzio’s Kitchen, Sayreville

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are only used here and the list of pizzas available at Nunzio’s appeals to just about everyone. The display of their available pies for the day in the front counter is unique with only showcasing one slice as opposed to the entire pie. Try a slice of the Scooby Snacks.

 

Tony Baloneys Hoboken-Tony Baloney’s, Hoboken & Atlantic City

Looking to break out of the ordinary pizza scene? Check out Tony Baloney’s ASAP. The pizza menu is contains Cuban, Indian, Jewish and Mexican influences and everything in between. Vegan options are available too. Try a slice of the UTB.

 

Urban Fire, Madison

Customize your pizzas however you’d like at Urban Fire. At Urban Fire, you select a base: margherita, tomato pie, verde or bianco, and choose from over 30 of the finest ingredients. If you need a little help, feel free to choose from one of their specials. Try the rocket pie.

 

New Jersey Pizza Girls
NJ Pizza Girls (from left): Marissa, Paris and Milvian at Valentina’s pizzaiolo, with Michael (aka @Pizza_Jew.)

Valentina’s Trattoria Italiana, Northfield

Instagram’s beloved @pizza_jew, Michael, is the pizzaiolo behind Valentina’s. With using the freshest ingredients, he has mastered the craft of tossing dough and making picture-perfect pizzas that are equally delicious. Try the Tartufo pie.

 

Wood Stack, Pine Brook

Whether you come during your lunch break or for Sunday brunch, Wood Stack has a chill vibe with a full bar offering local New Jersey beers and crafty cocktails. Specializing in Napolitano style pizza, there are two wood-fired ovens imported from Italy that are firing pizzas at 900 degrees. Try the Bader Sting pie.