Martini Alfredo

Prior to a comedy night at the Cultural Center, I went to Alfredo's Pizza Cafe in Scranton’s South Side. I was enticed by their ad in the newspaper. A stark white page with an icy blue martini, offered at half price on Wednesday and Saturday nights. The restaurant is situated in part of a strip mall, near a Dollar Tree and Weis grocery, so it doesn’t have the best location ambiance. The enclosed patio, closed for the winter, faces the parking lot. Upon entry, you are met with an Italian style bar with mood lighting. The smell of garlic, tomato sauce, and fresh baked dough wafts through the air.

My date and I sit down but are told that for “martini madness,” we will have to order our drinks at the bar, no problem. Alfredo’s features a staggering 38 different types of martinis. The bartender has a cheat sheet so you can see what goes into each. Flavors range from the classics like a cosmo, dirty, chocolate, lemon, and green apple, to the international, like Caribbean, French, and Hawaiian. At only $4, you can try a couple, but not before driving, they are not stingy on the liquor, quantity or quality. My snickers bar martini was made with Bailey’s and hazelnut liquor, the glass was covered in both chocolate and caramel sauce. Who said you can’t have dessert first?

For starters was the ahi tuna misto salad. They cook the tuna to order, so I unquestionably got it seared rare. The salad comes with blue cheese, walnuts, cranberries, and wasabi vinaigrette. Usually, fish and cheese do not mix, especially when the fish is so delicate and the cheese so funky, but the vinaigrette really pulled everything together. The tuna was not fishy at all and was firm even in the middle, and had a beautiful color.

Pizza in Scranton is a delicate topic. Not unlike the division between Chicago deep dish and New York thin crust, everyone in the local area has a favorite. People around here swear by some of the local restaurants, whether it be Old Forge style, square dishes, fresh toppings, or home made sauces. I have yet to visit all of them and must refrain from final judgment; however, Alfredo’s makes a good pie.

People eat with their eyes and nose as much as their mouth. On this point, Alfredo’s delivers. The pizza smells wonderful, every pan that passes your table comes with a wave of envy for whoever is receiving it. The cheese is melty and has a good elasticity. The crust is toasty on the bottom, yet soft on the top, without being soggy from the sauce or toppings.

Unfortunately, I can’t comment on their soups, appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, steaks, or desserts, we had a comedy show to attend and I am not yet paid to eat out. But overall, it was a good experience and will be a point of comparison for other pizza places.