June 2009

Summertime... and the pizza is cheesey

Pizza Roma

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Chicken Fajita Pizza

by Elizabeth Brinkama

Photos by Julie Wiatt

Is there ever such a thing as too much pizza? I don’t think so!

A year after announcing the imminent arrival of Pizza Roma at the Junction, the doors have finally opened and judging by the aromas wafting down the street, it has been well worth the wait. With family ties in the area, owner Abdul Baig brings his halal standard menu he perfected in College Park to his second location as part of the ever growing restaurant scene in Takoma Park.

The menu boasts a generous selection of pastas, calzones, salads and sandwiches in addition to the wide array of pizza. With careful perusal you can find some truly delicious gems that will no doubt become favorites.

Throwing a somewhat feeble attempt at vegetarianism out the window (at least for this review), I immediately gravitated toward the Chicken Fajita Pizza. The crust is the perfect blend of thick and chewy, substantial enough to support the multiple toppings without overwhelming the other flavors. The folks at Pizza Roma have a welcome light touch when it comes to ladling on the tomato sauce. Slightly sweet, it allows the flavors of the peppers, onions, and grilled chicken to be the stars of the pie. If you like things spicy, ask for the addition of fresh jalapenos and your sinuses will be clear in no time.

The Greek Pizza was an unexpected and completely satisfying surprise. In essence, it is a gyro sandwich pizza style, replete with feta cheese, black olives, green peppers, thinly sliced gyro meat, and anchovies. Having never been a fan of anchovies, I found their judicious sprinkling added just the right salty bite to the pie without leaving an overpowering fishy aftertaste.

The Seekh and Chapli Kebabs are served gyro-style on warm, fluffy pita bread adorned with lettuce, slices of tomato, diced white onion and lightly bathed in yogurt dressing. Both are full of flavor with the Chapli adding that extra spicy kick not for the faint of heart.

The calzones are baked to a golden brown and filled with an abundance of cheesy goodness. The Florentine Calzone, bubbling over with ricotta cheeses, grilled chicken and spinach, was more than enough to share with a few friends.

There is still so much more to try, but as squeezing into the jeans was fast becoming an issue, I beseech you to try Pizza Roma for yourself. Satisfying food, plus their personable and friendly staff, makes them a welcome addition to our neighborhood.

Pizza Roma
7322 Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
301-270-9292

Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Carry Out and Delivery