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2014-04-23
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I’ve been on the lookout for a new go-to pizza spot since moving to Hong Kong from New York. Needless to say I was stoked to stumble across Motorino as I wandered about Wan Chai one evening. I'd been to both New York locations several times, so the ambiance made me feel right at home. Marble tabletops, cans of tomatoes and bottles of wine lining the walls. They even have the same crazy, specially designed Neapolitan pizza oven as the pizzerias in New York. I was greeted cheerfully as I walked in
I was greeted cheerfully as I walked in the door and, though the place was almost full, shown to a table right away. I recognized some of the menu from back home, but my server also informed me of the daily specials (listed on a chalkboard in the back, too). On his recommendation I ordered the Roasted Corn on the Cob, Meatballs (to see if they were as good as I remembered them back in Brooklyn) and a Negroni to start.
The meatballs were spot on-- the texture was perfect and the tomato sauce simple and delicious. My server's recommendation was great too. The corn was roasted in the oven with butter and oregano and finished with a touch of chili oil. Again, simple and delicious.
For pizza I went with another classic, the Prosciutto di Parma. My inner wine geek was excited to see that they have 9 different Italian wines by the glass, but in the end I opted for a glass of the Gragnano, which the menu describes as “the perfect pizza wine.” I can’t disagree. It’s slightly effervescent, fruity, a touch sweet and made a wonderful pairing.
So far everything had been great, but of course at a pizzeria it all comes down to the pizza. Motorino’s was perfection. Neapolitan pizza can be hit or miss, since only a few seconds in the oven can make such a huge difference, but here the crust had just the right amount of char on the outside while still being soft and chewy on the inside. Generous slices of prosciutto were draped from end to end and topped with pecorino cheese and fresh oregano leaves.
On my way out the door, I grabbed one of their to-go menus and discovered that both of their Hong Kong locations deliver! I'll definitely be back to the shop but it's great to know that I can get pizza this good delivered right to my front door.
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