It was a gorgeous sunny day. The clouds were sparse and fluffy, like gobs of marshmallow creme on a brilliant blue canvas, decorated by my 5 year old Bronwyn. The weather was pleasant, just shy of hot, and the breeze had the tiny wisps of hair silhouetting my face playing tag with my eyes, the wisps were winning! Rays of sun danced about in midair, bouncing and reflecting off windshields, windows, fenders, hoods, rear-views,tiny shards of glass and pebbles, and various juxtapositional items here and there, glass fronted businesses. I had to squint often, since I was not wearing sunglasses. The traffic had once again begun to rise and fall, speed and slow, nearing the top of the hour of 5 pm. I walked to the shaded area underneath a canopy of foliage. There were leaves, large and small, flat and curled. There were vines, some elegant and slender, some gnarled and sinister. There were items scattered about the foliage, and upon closer inspection, I realized that they were of the fruitful variety. There were brown and fuzzy kiwi, small medium and large for their size, only a couple had fallen to the concrete below, indicating more time was needed before enjoying their citrusy tang, the wonderful green with speckled black interior hidden by a coconut like casing. There were also pods that hung loosely amongst the kiwi. They were as long as first grade pencils, fat pencils like snakes that had swallowed several grapes. They were the pods of a Wisteria Plant. Fragrant fruits that appeared as golden sunsets, side by side hung about the canopy as well. These were the largest Persimmons I had ever seen. The ones in my sister's yard were mere dwarves in comparison to these gargantuan gems, that emitted it's glorious perfume to entice the soul and stimulate the appetite. There were also grapes, bunches congregating throughout, the vines intermingled with the others, melting pot indeed. I had never experienced figs from it's original source until now, and they were astounding and amazing. They too will be enjoyed, in the months to come. While walking this small stretch of paradise, cascading along the outer brick walls and dangling over the seated picnic area for dining outside, I missed my number being called. The unforgettable Cheese Steaks my sister Hollie would bring home periodically were freshly prepared and waiting for me, this time I placed the order myself. This was my first physical visit. It was hard to believe I was actually standing outside of a fabulous restaurant in Vinton called The Original and Only New York Pizza, Inc, Italian Style. The owner brought these trees, bushes and vines over from the old country and planted them here himself. They were bountiful and beautiful, lavish and lush, and in the middle of a busy town, your psyche transcends and it's like walking a country hillside in Sicily, from whence they came. The grandchildren run the business now, which originally opened in 1983, but it's genuine character and integrity is unmolested and breathtaking, not to mention the food. The menu is concise and encompasses things Italian, whether your taste is for Old World Style Pizza, Neapolitan, Sicilian or Veal Sandwiches, this spot covers the gambit. The staff is cordial and engaging, eager to share it's history, that is if one asks, as did my sister Gayle and I. This place is must visit!! I can guarantee the visit will not be your last!!
The Original and Only New York Pizza, Inc.
708 Hardy Road
Vinton, VA 24179
540) 342-2933
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