There is an ongoing debate on the message boards as to who has the “best” hamburger, ceviche, whole fried fish, etc. Perhaps the most frequent question is who serves the best pizza? Our personal pizza preferences (thin crust, fresh toppings etc) help determine our top choice but for us it is also about our desire to support a family business of islanders who has been around since before we started visiting (over 20 years ago) and who has managed to not be squeezed off of Hidalgo. Pizza Rock is all of these things and therefore we think they serve the “best” pizza!

My friend Carlos was quick to accommodate three pairs of family, friends and newbies even though the place was jammed on a Monday night.

It was full of locals which I think really tells a story of its own.

There was live music which was a lovely accompaniment to our evening. (There are times when music can be a huge distration to a meal on this island).

They have a great wine selection and goblets of wine were selected all around (well mostly). My friend Karen had a beautiful pina coolada garnished with a fresh flower.

We had some help selecting an appetizer. Carlos recommended that we taste their Spinach Dip. Served hot, it was a concoction of cream cheese, parmesan cheese and spinach. It was accompanied by a whole loaf of premise made bread. We had a bite and then passed it around the table. Everyone agreed that it was scrumptious. My sister-in-law was particularly enamored with the dish and would love to have the recipe. I mean this literally, Carlos, would your kitchen mind sharing the recipe with me to pass along to her?

The gang around the table were interested in pizza and ordered meat lovers,

pear, gorgonzola and provolone,

Hawaiian

and Mediterranean.

Two of us were dreaming of pasta. I chose Carlos’s recommendation of Lemon Fusilli. He also encouraged me to add shrimp to it which I happily agreed to. When it arrived, I eyeballed it and thought that I would have no trouble eating the plate. In the end it was so rich and flavourful but I could only managed half.

The richness came from the plentiful bacon. It was chockful of the aforementioned shrimp, sauteed mushrooms and el dente fusilli in a three chili seasoning. It was just my cuppa tea even though I could not detect the lemon.

My sister-in-law selected the Fettucine with Shrimp. Wow! The pasta was tossed in olive oil, white wine, cream & ribbons of grated parmesan cheese. A seemingly endless line of shrimp was perched upon the pasta row. She was delighted by her choice, so much so that she wanted to save some for a little meal on another day.

I am so proud of the family that owns and operates Pizza Rock. They are typical of the hard working islanders-doing their very best, day in and day out. Their results are divine.

Kath’s quote: “Most seafoods should be simply threatened with heat and then celebrated with joy.” — Jeff Smith

Love never fails.

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