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The Barese (mozzarella, tomato sauce, ham, black olives, anchovies, capers)
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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Members and friends of the Comitati delle Due Sicilie USA met up at Panzerotti Bites (235 Smith St.) in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn this week for an enjoyable evening of food and fellowship. Warmly welcomed by owners Vittoria and Pasquale, our hungry little troop settled in the cozy shop with open kitchen and patio seating, and perused the wide selection of panzerotti on the menu.
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Panzerotti Bites, a taste of Puglia in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
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An Apulian specialty, panzerotti are deep-fried half-moon pockets of dough (similar to Neapolitan calzoni) made with semolina and traditionally stuffed with mozzarella, tomato sauce and oregano. However, at Panzerotti Bites the popular peasant dish has evolved into a delectable delicacy made with a wide assortment of gourmet ingredients, such as black truffles and baby octopus. Vittoria and Pasquale even make a couple of sweet versions with cocoa or coffee dough filled with Nutella or Oreo!
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(Above & below) Pugliese pride on display
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Tempted to try them all, our party eventually settled on a choice few. Served hot on wooden cutting boards, the authentic flavors and aroma of the savory morsels briefly transported us all the way to historic Barivecchia. We ordered ours fried, but the kitchen’s new oven now offers the health-conscious connoisseur a delicious, though less traditional, baked option.
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Evviva San Nicola di Bari!
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Sampling our selections, we each had our own favorite. For me, the pièce de résistance of the meal was the mouthwatering octopus with mashed potato and parsley. Tender and chewy with a crispy crust, the panzerotto was tasty and very satisfying.
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The Octopus (baby octopus, mashed potato, parsley)
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Casual and comfy, Panzerotti Bites offers us Brooklynites an authentic taste of Puglia in our own backyard. Beer and wine are coming soon, so I’m told, which will only enhance an already pleasant dining experience.
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The Veggie (mozzarella, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, red onions)
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Only open since January of this year, we wish Vittoria and Pasquale all the best in their new endeavor. Friendly and attentive with a good location and superior product, the hardworking duo have the essential ingredients for the recipe of success.
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The Pomodoro (mozzarella, tuna in oil, sun dried tomato)
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235 Smith Street
Brooklyn, New York 11231
718-488-9300
www.panzerottibites.com
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The Salame (mozzarella, tomato sauce, spicy salame)
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