Testing Out Citarella's Pizza

Citarella Gourmet Market unveiled a new pizza counter at their Bridgehampton location, opening to rave reviews and accolades in its first week.

“So far people love it,” says store manager Lau Zarate. “It’s fresh. Right along with bagels, it’s New York’s food.”

In fact, Zarate says, the Big Apple is where the idea originated. Originally a New York company with its origins dating back to 1912, Citarella has long offered personal pies to local patrons at its New York City location. Owner Joe Gurrera decided to see if the idea would translate to the East End, offering Hamptonites a taste of pizza’s self-entitled American birthplace. The result was a success.

“We’re from there,” Zarate says. “Our owner is a native of New York. So you can say we hold up pretty well against them.”

Customers can expect to see a new whole wheat pie hitting the ovens soon. “To me,” Zarate promises, “it’s even better than this one,” as I took a bite of the freshly prepared, absolutely perfect cheese pizza, made with Citarella’s homemade dough, sauce and mozzarella.

And even more surprises await. The manager has also pitched the idea of incorporating his personal favorite pie, decorated with Nutella and banana, into the market’s menu. “I had it with Busie, the owner’s wife,” says Zarate with a grin. “That will be something we can do.”

Check out Dan Rattiner in his first ever pizza review!