As first reported by HowChow, there is a new wood fired pizza oven, apparently imported from Italy, sucking in air, licking a fire brick dome with flames and charring pizzas down at the intersection of Johns Hopkins and Montpelier Roads, close to the JHU APL (Applied Physics Lab). Facci Ristorante now occupies the space where Pasta Blitz used to be.
Facci Ristorante at Night from Bloggerphone
Based on Mr. and Mrs. HowChow’s visit during the soft opening, pizzas will run between $9 to $14 and apparently are offered in 10″ and 12″ sizes with a variety of cheeses, cured meats (sospressata picante or speck me wonders?) and vegetables.
HowChow mentioned the owner is from Napoli and they are importing flour, tomatoes and other items from Italy. Based on the pic over at HowChow, it looks like they are employing Cento San Marzano D.O.P. tomatoes for the sauce, an often used tomato for pizza sauce in the blogger household. There are also already unsubstantiated rumors that Facci may seek a VPN Certification for their pizzas.
Of course, anyone can import ingredients from Italy…it’s how well those ingredients are utilized that makes the difference. And as far as the VPN designation, if this is true let’s also hope Facci Ristorante aspires to not just merely meet the VPN requirements, but push beyond the minimum required to be a VPN member. A certification alone is no guarantee of inspirational pizza.
But we’re jumping the gun here, now aren’t we? I’m very much looking forward to taking a first look at Facci and am very excited about the potential for a high quality wood fired pizza joint in the area. Check out HowChow’s first peek at Facci, as well as some speculative bumblings by yours truly based on a “bottoms-up” picture that HowChow was so kind to send me.
You can bet your bottom dollar I am gonna skidaddle down to get a taste of Facci very soon! Lemme know what you think if you stop by and I’ll be sure to put some pictures up here and hopefully get a chance to talk with the owner.
(Update 1/13/2010): First Look at Facci Ristorante
Facci Ristorante (map)
7530 Montpelier Road
Laurel, MD 20723-6014
(301)604-5555
The food there is incredible and you can’t beat the prices. We have been there 3 times and haven’t been disappointed. Appetizers are scrumptious, portions are large and the staff is warm and friendly. Can’t wait to go back. The menu is large and so much more I need to try.
My hubby and I are a huge fan of Two Amys in DC, but it’s such a pain to get there. I saw Facci the other day and told him about it. We tried it out and am so excited to have such a great Italian restaurant so close to where we live and work. The pizza is outstanding and their appetizer is scrumptious.
Luci, have you tried Red Rocks in Columbia Heights, Washington DC yet?
Nice to have a place like Facci closer to home!
Went after reading Post review and loved it – the pizza, pasta and prices are sublime. Will go again and again.