Cucina Alba, an Italian eatery in Chelsea, NYC, offers a highly sought-after $28 Neapolitan-style pizza on Mondays. The restaurant only makes 15 of these unique pizzas each week, and they tend to sell out quickly due to the high demand. The crispy crust, similar to a New York slice, is a major draw for customers who are willing to show up early to secure a pie.
The popularity of the special pizza night at Cucina Alba has been steadily increasing since its inception about a month ago. Customers like Jake Taub are excited about the unique dining experience and are willing to come back week after week if more pizzas are made available. The restaurant has seen a significant increase in Monday night crowd size, indicating that the promotion has been successful in attracting customers.
Chef Adam Leonti, the mastermind behind the prized pizza, sought to create a crispy crust similar to old-school NYC pizzerias that serve pizza by the slice. The modern twist on this classic style involves an 18-minute baking process that ensures the crust remains crispy while still being soft. The pizza is topped with a blend of three mozzarella cheeses, fresh tomato chunks, herbs, and spices that provide a distinct and flavorful taste.
Despite the demand for the pizza, Cucina Alba only offers a limited number of pies each Monday. Leonti personally prepares the pizzas behind closed doors, as the dough alone takes up to three days to prepare. The goal is to maintain the exclusivity of the offering while providing customers with a unique and affordable luxury dining experience. The pizzas are served on Versace platters, adding a touch of elegance to the meal.
To accommodate customers who miss out on the weekly pizza, Cucina Alba assists in making reservations for the following week. The restaurant aims to be inclusive and democratic while still offering a high-end dining experience. In addition to the pizza night, Leonti plans to introduce a dessert cart on Sundays, featuring a variety of Italian pastries. The success of the Monday pizza night has generated a significant buzz and excitement among diners.
Overall, the $28 Neapolitan-style pizza offered by Cucina Alba on Mondays has become a highly coveted dining experience in NYC. With a limited quantity available each week, customers are eager to reserve their pizzas in advance to secure a taste of the unique creation. The combination of traditional crust with modern baking techniques and high-quality ingredients sets this pizza apart from other offerings in the city, making it a must-try for pizza enthusiasts looking for a high-end dining experience.
