Pupatella food cart has blown my mind. Amidst the rows and rows of office buildings, competing with the chains and the street vendors, Pupatella stands alone fighting the gourmet fight. And it's winning.
You would never know, walking out of the Ballston metro stop, that such a delicious place was half a block away. Situated directly across from 901 Stuart (the Immigration Court building), this tiny little cart rolls into town around 8 or 8:30 every morning and stays for breakfast and lunch. There are three rules at Pupatella:
The lipstick red cart is unquestionably known for its Neopolitan pizza with an ultra thin crust. And who better to make it than a guy from Naples? The base is mozzarella, fresh basil, and San Marzano tomatoes, for only $6. For $3 more they'll use Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, a true naples delight made from Water Buffalo's milk with a creamier, fresher taste. The pizza is more than enough for one for lunch, but if it's not good enough for you, there are toppings. Go more Mediterranean and add sundried tomatoes and prosciutto. Or make it American with peppery salami and mushrooms. All the toppings are $1 more (except the grilled sausage, that's $2).
Lest you think that Pupatella is only pizzas, well, I told you all rules were off with this place. Deep fried risotto balls, grilled sausage and steak sandwiches, goat cheese salads - the menu tends to read like a list of "what we wanted to make today." Specials of the pizza and non-pizza variety show up on Pupatella's website daily (recently featured was a smoked salmon, capers, and goat cheese pizza). And don't forget, they do breakfast too. Fresh donuts, simply sugar-dusted or stuffed with your choice of chocolates or fruits, have just been added to the menu. Savory and sweet crepes are available depending on your mood. You really never know what to expect (unless you check the website. Then, well, you have a pretty good idea?).
Despite my praise, and your assumption that I now believe Pupatella is the second coming, allow me to provide some words of caution:
- Pupatella is two people in a tiny cart with the equivalent of a George Forman grill. Do not expect your food quickly. While there are a few kids plastic chairs for waiting, odds are you'll be standing for at least 15 minutes if not longer in DC weather (which is never "pleasant") before you eat.
- None of the food is neat. The pizza slices are huge and the sandwiches actually drip rainbows and happiness. There are plastic utensils that exist more or less to mock you. Suit and tie crowd, be aware: this food is messy.
- Cash only, people.
If you live in Ballston, if you work in Ballston, if you pass through Ballston, if you've ever been on an orange line train, you must go to Pupatella.
-M.
