By Kitty Jay
FoodConnect New York
myhusbandhatesveggies@yahoo.com

Opened in 1957, Arturo's is one of the newer Coal-Oven pizzerias to join the ranks of such NYC legends as Lombardi's, Patsy's, and John's, and as such, doesn't always merit the respect among die-hard pizza aficionados that it deserves. What a shame.

With its charred crust, silky fresh mozzarella, and pleasantly tangy sauce, an Arturo's pie rates right up there for me as one of my favorites that the City has to offer. And if you like a little bit of New York charm with your pie, Arturo's wins hands-down. Where else can you get such a top-notch pizza pie, served alongside a live jazz trio? The band makes the squeeze into the tiny West Village space even tighter than usual, but once you've cozied up to the bar and ordered a glass of house wine or Italian beer, you'll feel right at home.

Arturo's menu swims with Italian-American red-sauce favorites - chicken parm, and mussels marinara, to name a couple. For me, however, there is no need to stray from the excellent pies, unless of course, you'd like to start with one of their fresh salads (large enough to share), or an order of the heaping stuffed clams.

While there, make note of the still-life oil paintings that line the walls, along with the other bits of memorabilia and kitsch. The paintings, with their exorbitant price tags, have been firmly in place for years.

Arturo's Coal Oven Pizza
106 West Houston at Thompson
Manhattan