Location: Chelsea
Waldy's Wood-Fired Pizza and Penne
800 Sixth Avenue, btwn 27th and 28th Streets, Chelsea, NY 10001
Tel: (212) 213-5042



You might be horrified by the swank condos and mega chain stores that have taken over Chelsea's stretch of Sixth Ave, or you may hope to live there some day. Either way, there's no doubt that the new neighbors have brought with them a different kind of palate. Say goodbye to the greasy, oversalted and cheese-slathered pies of the good old days, and bring in the heart-healthy goodness of wood-fired ovens! "Fresh Fresh Fresh," they claim. "You're really going to love this." And they don't disappoint. Nestled cozily between Bank of America and HSBC (I kid you not), Waldy's welcomes both the people who wear jeans to work and those in suit and tie. For $8, order creative reimaginings like the Arugula, Garlic, and Sunny-Side Eggs Pizza and the White Clam Pizza with Garlic, Crumbs, and Ricotta. Or try their take on the oldies but goodies -- the pepperoni pizza comes topped with a substantive dose of broccoli rabe and fresh tomatoes. Beer and wine flow freely (but not for free), and are essential for a lunchtime wait that commonly tops fifteen minutes. Seating is limited, but even that doesn't stop customers from coming back for more of Waldy's local organic goodness. In addition to a steadfast commitment to high-quality ingredients, Waldy's gives back to the community by donating surplus ingredients to organizations like Table to Table, Days of Taste in NYC Public Schools, and The Food Bank for NYC. Finally, before you walk out the door, snip your own herb toppings from the living plants on the condiment shelf. It really doesn't get any fresher than that!

Lauren Wang