While on a constant quest to discover the finest of dining experiences, our very own restaurant guy, Eric, of Eric’s Restaurant Review, has taken to the high seas. Last we heard, Eric was staying at a swanky four star hotel in Tibet, next door to the summer palace of the Dali Lama. Eric always did have a penchant (that’s another word for hankerin’) for Tibetan food and was headed towards a serious bout with depression over the fact that he had exhausted the local fare in search for the perfect mutton dish.
In the meantime, let’s talk pizza. I meet very few people who DON’T like pizza.
It’s an American institution. Usually I have people who have their favorite national franchises, (thank you advertisers!) but it takes a true connoisseur to venture out into the world of mom-and-pop pizza.
Daring as I am, I have had my share of disappointments. But Superb Pizza on Watt Avenue is not a risk…it’s a sure thing!
The epitome of neighborhood joints, Superb has been run by Kevin (he’s known by everyone on a first name basis) for over 20 years. Uri is also a face Superb lovers have grown accustomed to; both gentlemen promise you on the phone to have your order ready in “about 15 minutes”.
Located in what may be the multicultural hub of North Highlands; it’s in the same shopping center as Stolichny (Russian Restaurant), Peenoy (Filipino Market) and Gee’s Pot (Chinese/Vietnamese eats!); it’s not really a sit down (though they do offer a couple of small, tightly situated seats to the left of the entrance).
Superb is a call ahead, pick it up or have it delivered to your house, business meeting or Super Bowl party kind of . It’s so good, you’ll be glad you didn’t cook at home.
They offer pizza, they’ll make any pizza into a calzone, (try the chicken with garlic sauce…hold the onions unless you absolutely love onions and your wife won’t hate you for it later) chicken strips and wings (choose hot or barbecue…extra saucy...yum), mozzarella sticks, homemade lasagna and cheesy garlic bread.
The menu is vast without appearing daunting. But what’s the secret to staying in business this long?
“Years of experience, quality ingredients. We don’t get anything frozen”, says Kevin. “We make our own sauce; everything is prepped the day of. We make our own dough from scratch. We make all of our own bread”
Never one to say there’s ever such a thing as too much pizza, I had to ask: After more than two decades, does he still eat it? “I still love my pizza, “says Kevin, laughing heartily.
I for one will always love their salads. They offer traditional garden salad, an antipasto salad piled high with deli meats, olives, red onions and cheese as well as a chicken salad with pieces of fried boneless strips. These are huge and fresh and average about 4 bucks. One salad could easily feed 2 to 4 people as a side dish to their wonderful pizza.
They offer both thin and thick crust which makes for something for everyone – but throw out the whole New York versus Chicago debate. This is neither…just really great pie. They don’t skimp on the toppings. Superb’s crust is just good bread -- not too doughy but cooked thoroughly without being overly crunchy. The sauce is the perfect balance of seasoning without being sweet or bland. They seem to really get what people want.
“I treat my staff like family – my employees – I even treat my customers like family”, Kevin beams.
“And I have employees that worked for me 20 years ago who had kids and now their kids are working here. Others who used to work here came back as customers so we’re talking generations.”
The latest on the menu is dessert. They call them cinnamon strips and for 16 pieces are only 4.99. It’s a dessert bread with what he calls “a sweet cheese”…its not mascarpone…it could be cream cheese but it’s obviously a secret “family” recipe so I didn’t ask any more questions!
As far as new products on the horizon, they hope to offer a seafood pizza with shrimp and pesto sauce. Again, they’re working on it. If you’re like me, this sounds just up your alley – but for now I will be satisfied with the sausage, pepperoni, artichokes and olives.
One disclaimer, this is not a by-the-slice shop. (believe me you’ll enjoy eating at least 2 pieces!) The Large Superb Combo is 14.99. They offer a filling, truly awesome calzone with a drink for 5 bucks. And always call ahead!
When you do be sure to take a moment, and get to know Kevin and Uri – I believe they’ll continue to be here for a very long time.