Old Forge Pizza/Ghigiarelli's/Salerno's

My Father is from Old Forge. I grew up eating in the great pizza places that are still owned and run by the same families 40-60 years later. My all time favorite is Ghigiarelli's.

The owner(Vince) and his daughter(Maria)are good customers of mine. Great people who are dedicated to maintaining the quality and tradition started by their ancestors.

The place has not changed much in the 40 plus years that I am going there. I always say that when you walk in the front door its 2008, by the time you reach the dining room its 1948. The building is very unassuming. It reminds me of Charlies pool Room.

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The dining room still looks the same also.

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The menu is no-frills. Side A:

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Side B:

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Whenever I come here I always start with a dish of Sofritto. Granted this may not be for everyone but I love it. Very hard to find outside of Old Forge.

Veal hearts boiled then cubed. Saute in olive oil with a splash of red wine vinegar. Salt, pepper and rosemary.

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Then comes the pizza. Fresh dough, light and crispy. The sauce is sweet and spicy at the same time. The cheese mixture blends in perfectly.

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Ghig's also has a bar area that is perfect for watching a game, having a couple cold ones and a few cuts of Old Forge's best pizza.

As you leave the restaurant by the side door you will see a beautiful home. We always just called it "The Mansion". It is owned by a member of the Ghigiarelli family and is always perfectly maintained.

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The tile roof and leaded glass windows are simply stunning. And like most homes in Old Forge, it has what we call "Italian Aluminum Siding"(Stucco)

Now there are a lot of other pizza joints in Old Forge that make the same style pizza. One thing that is unique is the owners are all still good friends. They grew up together, they see each other socially and eat in each others restaurants. They all compete against each other, yet they all promote each others restaurants.

I think that is the main reason for Old Forge's success as being the:

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Across the street from Ghig's is Revello's.

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Across from revello's is Acaro and Genells.

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Across from A & G is Brutico's.



Right next to Brutico's is Cafe Rinaldi(Formally Muccilo's)

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I think you see what I'm getting at. Oh, don't forget Salerno's. Check out the review here on Roadfood. Best pasta and polenta in town.

On a sad note, Calogero's Pizza is closed and up for sale.[/img][/img][/img][/img][/img][/img]

Nice report! Can never go wrong reporting on a good pizza shop...

See that pizza? Now, THAT is a PIZZA! Beautiful!!!

Excellent, my friend joerogo!!

Nice.... I'd like to add that the pizza at Arcaro & Genell's hasn't been very good the last several times we've ordered it. The dinners are still excellent, but the pizza crust has been really tough. We've taken it off the list of "special trips".

Wow...looks like I got to take a trip!!!!
By the way Google,"Shakespeare's Birthplace" and look at the home on Henley Street in Stratford- Upon-Avon. Looks like the mansion you showed us was patterned on Shakespeare's birthplace...at least a very similar tudor style home!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

Wow...looks like I got to take a trip!!!!
By the way Google,"Shakespeare's Birthplace" and look at the home on Henley Street in Stratford- Upon-Avon. Looks like the mansion you showed us was patterned on Shakespeare's birthplace...at least a very similar tudor style home!!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66656285@N00/411745404/

Here's a photo of Shakespeare's birthplace!

Do they deliver?

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

Wow...looks like I got to take a trip!!!!
By the way Google,"Shakespeare's Birthplace" and look at the home on Henley Street in Stratford- Upon-Avon. Looks like the mansion you showed us was patterned on Shakespeare's birthplace...at least a very similar tudor style home!!!!

Lee, This is a trip you need to make. The food is that good. Eat light and hit 3 or 4 places in one night.

Is this Shakespeare guy a friend of yours?

no...missed being friends by about 400 years! I will try to make this trip!!!!!!

Joe, Thanks for all the pictures and history of Old Forge. I'll be up there next week and I can't wait to hit all the places.

Thanks, Sal

quote:

Originally posted by Tarpon

Joe, Thanks for all the pictures and history of Old Forge. I'll be up there next week and I can't wait to hit all the places.

Thanks, Sal

It was your request for info that got me hungry.

Please note. I included Brutico's picture because its right in the thick of things. I never ate there. They are known for not being family friendly.

Joe, thanks for the trip to Old Forge. I spent a few hours there about 1 1/2 years ago on a two day trip to Williamsport. I loved the local feel of a small town engaged in thier collective love for thier local pizza. I did a trip report about it back then. One thing I found frustrating is that a lot of the places don't open until later in the day. I think of the 7 stops I planned to make I was only able to get into three because I was there around lunch time. Great pizza though, and much different from what we get here in NJ. ---Ken

<<Please note. I included Brutico's picture because its right in the thick of things. I never ate there. They are known for not being family friendly>>

From the pic it doesn't look very inviting.

In what part of Pennsylvania is Old Forge located? Near Philly? Pittsburgh?

quote:

Originally posted by billyboy

In what part of Pennsylvania is Old Forge located? Near Philly? Pittsburgh?

billyboy, Just south of Scranton. A day trip from NYC.

joerogo-
Very nicely done! If you do happen to eat pizza at the other places, maybe you could post those pictures in this thread, too. I would be interested in how they compare.

Or maybe you should organize a Roadfood meat n' eat/greet and take us to the different pizza places? I know there are several other Roadfooders in that area. And it is certainly an easy enough drive for me from Pittsburgh. Maybe even billyboy would join us from NYC? Just an idea.....

What happened to Salerno's? That used to be my favorite but I haven't been there for several years. I was hoping to make it back this summer on our way to Cooperstown.

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

joerogo-
Very nicely done! If you do happen to eat pizza at the other places, maybe you could post those pictures in this thread, too. I would be interested in how they compare.

Or maybe you should organize a Roadfood meat n' eat/greet and take us to the different pizza places? I know there are several other Roadfooders in that area. And it is certainly an easy enough drive for me from Pittsburgh. Maybe even billyboy would join us from NYC? Just an idea.....

BB, I would love to do a "Meat n' Eat/Greet". Great pizza and getting to promote my area to a lot of great people. What could be better?

It won't be easy. On weekends these places have lines out the door. Let me check the hours of the key places and report back.

Just to give you an idea, your ride(Pitt) is just short of 5 hours, Billyboy(NYC) is 2 1/2 hours, Philly is 2 1/2 hours, Boston is just short of 5 hours and Syracuse, NY is about 2 hours.

Oneiron339, Salerno's is still there. Its about 1/2 mile from where I was at. I didn't take pictures because there is a review with pics available already.

I like to go there during the week when its not as busy. They have specials during the week that are not available on weekends. I always order the homemade fusilli pasta as a starter. They are the most difficult pasta to make. After rolling out the dough, you run a thin wire over a 3" piece. It wraps around the wire and makes a curly pasta. The last time I was there Mrs. Salerno was still making them herself.

Old Forge Roadfood meet n greet? I'm in.

I've been eating them since the 70's and Joe is TOTALLY RIGHT, Ghigiarelli's is truly the VERY BEST of the Old Forge Pizzas. Nice pictures too! Service could be slow however, and they still allow smoking, which is DISGUSTING!. The new PA No Smoking law should go into effect within the next couple of months! AMEN!!!

BTW---I think the second best pizza in the area is Pizza Perfect in Trucksville. Even though it's twenty minutes away, it most certainly should be on a NEPA Pizza Excursion. It's oily, oniony, almost "deep fried" and totally unique to the area. Plus, that would give everyone a little digestion time! You could even stop at Hillside Farms for ice cream in between!). This place is always packed.

Calogero's (RIP) was moving up fast. Sensational "trays".

Revello's was my favorite growing up, but has slipped a little of late. Still, I'd put it ahead of Salerno's, Brutico's, Rinaldi's and Arcaro and Genell. A & G is most famous for the white pizza. The red is good, I suppose, but doesn't stand out for me. I'm not a "white" pizza fan, it's too much like grilled cheese, but A & G's overall pastas and Italian meals are arguably the best in town---and in a town like Old Forge that's saying something!

This is my home---and I'd be most happy to take part in the Roadfood Old Forge Pizza Excursion! Just let me know when! Also, we should set up a breakfast at Tony's Diner in Kingston the next morning for those who stay the night. (Italian omelets and sandwiches that will blow your mind!).

Sorry for the late response, but for some reason I didn't hit this thread until tonight.

I have been trying to work this out since BB mentioned a Meat n' Eat/Greet. I think this will have to be scheduled for a Saturday. The only place in Old Forge that opens in the afternoon is Salerno's.

If we start at 3:00 PM at Salerno's, then hit A & G, then Revello's and finish at Ghig's. This would be a complete road trip of the big four.

Or we could stretch it out over the Scranton Wilkes-Barre area. Start at salerno's, then Ghigs, then Dominicks in Plains and end at pizza perfect.

Any early arrivals could go to Tony's for breakfast.

Stan, I'm partial to Blue Ribbon dairy in west Pittston.

HELP!!!!

Yep, the late open is what really makes this difficult. There are SO MANY pizza joints in Old Forge that you could really just park the car and walk---except for Salerno's of course. Salerno's seems like a good place to start. They are Jane and Michael approved---plus they open early. I think Revello's belongs since they are probably the most "famous" place in town---and right across the street from Ghig's. Saturday nights can get VERY crowded, so the earlier the start---the better. Also, crowds might be lighter in the summer because of vacations and summer picnics. Maybe it just makes sense to stay in town? That's what would make this rather unique.

For anyone staying over/arriving early, we could make a list of other recommended places...for pizza, etc. Many may want to try The Glider, now in the new Roadfood book? They are closed on Sunday but open all night Saturday.

Joe---I haven't been to Dominick's for pizza in a long, long time. Would you recommend the square red?

I grew up in this area, Kingston, PA!
Never went to Old Forge, but had heard of the pizza over the years.
Have fun guys!
My favorite restaurant in the WORLD is Hottle's in Wilkes Barre for all kinds of seafood, the tossed salad with Paris dressing, and the side dishes of potatoes. Seriously, I would go there over any other restaurant given my druthers. Also, Vic Mars in Edwardsville has great steamed blue crabs(not the spicy kind) and french fries served on a cafeteria tray. fyi.
bethgrd

This is making me hungry and homesick. Love Pizza Perfect in Trucksville and you can't beat Hillside Dairy. But I have to throw in a ride around harvey's lake and a stop at Jones's for potatoe pancakes and pierogis!!!

We had pizza from Pizza Loven for dinner tonight, the Hanover Twp location, and it was really good. We got a half of red and a half of white, both with onions, and pepperoni on the red. The crust was really nice, crisp on the bottom and chewy through the rest. This style is actually distinct from the Old Forge style; the pizza is sicilian style, but baked in a thin layer of oil so the crust takes on a unique texture and flavor. The whites are the American/mild cheddar/Monterey Jack type of cheese, the reds are more of a traditional style, but the sauce is more garlic and less oregano. They are served as trays, with each slice being half of what a traditional Sicilian slice would be.

If you guys decide to do an Old Forge "meet and greet" I might be interested, especially if the Scranton Yankees are in town.

Lets start shooting dates and places around. I've never done this before but, what the heck.

The places we choose will depend on the number of people.

Stan, Dominick's red is #2 on my list after Ghig's.

Beth, So your a (Wyoming)Valley Girl. Cool. Hottles is a great place. The neighborhood is very scarey now. The last time I went there I park out front, looked around and left because I didn't feel safe.

I believe Vic Mars is closing. Edwardsville has also become the Badlands.

If it's a Saturday, I can only join up in the evening; I work until 5 (and sometimes later). But I'm in.

Dobrosky: So you are jonesing for Jones's? Never heard of it; where is it?
yes, hillside dairy is great ice cream. We will actually be there tomorrow; stopping in the valley for a night on the way to Jersey shore.
My mom still lives in Forty Fort.
We are having dinner at 31 Lake St. Restaurant in Dallas; my mom's choice. Never been. I think it is new.
Joe, Edwardsville and downtown Wilkes Barre have always been bad neighborhoods, but I never let it stop me before, and still won't. If Vic Mar's closes I will be very upset!!
beth

Beth, 31 Lake street is new. Several different owners over the last couple of years at this location.

Right after dinner go to Jones on the lake for potato pancakes. Been there a long time. Great pancakes, rude service.

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Jones.Pancake.Shop.570-639-5243

I worked on South Main in W-B for many years. Its not the stabbings and shootings that bother me. The drug people keep that amongst themselves for the most part. It's the car break-ins. You go for dinner, you come out and your side window is smashed and your stero and/or navigation is ripped out of the dash. After you had it once you don't go back for more.

BTW, The Fort Cafe is open again. Have not been there yet but I know the new owner and he is trying to keep it original.