CHRISTO'S PIZZA: THE LOVELY LOCAL

A visit to your local pizza shop should be like catching up with an old friend. You should walk in and feel like you've just been given a big warm hug and addressed by the nickname that only your closest friends know. You shouldn't feel the need to dress up to the nines to impress them and every time you catch up you wonder why you don't make more time for them. That's what our local pizza shop, Christos is to me. I've lived in these parts for just over a year but when I visit this little gem, the staff treat me like I've been coming since the day the doors first opened (coincidentally, the year I was born. Yes, they've stood the test of time). Whether I'm eating in or taking away, I'm always so satisfied that I walk out saying a thank you and "see you soon" to every staff member I come across on my way out. 

My brother and his girlfriend (who ought to be sister-in-law, pronto!) are in Sydney for a few days. I couldn't wait to celebrate their visit with good food and cocktails in a place where we could kick back and be guaranteed a good time. Christos was a no brainer. This place gets really crowded by the end of the week (however they always welcome stray diners) but, being Wednesday, we were lucky to snag a cosy booth looking out to the quaint village that is Five Ways. 

P.S. How genius is this lighting decoration made from empty Chinotto bottles?

While we pondered our drinks orders from the huuuuge cocktail menu, Josh provided the entertainment. I also realised that I look like I'm trying to catch flying popcorn in my mouth when I laugh.

The cocktails packed a punch, as cocktails ought to do. Reggie got the Midori Colada (Light Rum, Midori, Coconut Syrup, Pineapple Juice); I chose the Diamond Princess (Vodka, Midori, Sugar Syrup, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Limes and Mint). My darling ordered the Toblerone (Baileys, Creme de Cacao white, Frangelico, Honey) and Josh piped up: "Oh, are boys doing cocktails now?" He got a pure blonde. Pure bloke.

For starters, we chose some classics: bruschetta, garlic bread and grilled haloumi. Boy, did they go down in a flash.

 

But the starters weren't the best bit. Once upon a time I was a Melburnian, which means I was living in a city that produced some of the best pizzas in the country. When I moved to Sydney, no pizzeria managed to please me but as time passed, I managed to find a handful of places I could truly rely on to please my pizza palate, of which Christo's is one. The golden rule I learned from working in a pizza shop in my teens is "less is more" when it comes to toppings. The flavours stand out more and your base doesn't end up like a wet sponge. These guys nail it every time. We shared:

Avocado Pizza - (Mozarella, Sliced Tomato, Avocado, Chicken Breast)

Moroccan Lamb - Mozzarella, Chemoula Lamb, Roast Capsicum and Potato.  This pizza is James' go-to.

And of course, the classic and always welcomed, Margherita.

After a couple more cocktails, our trouser buttons popping off, we headed for home to watch the hilarious mockumentary Best in Show, before calling it a night.

If you like your pizza honest, reliable and with a lotta love on the side, you ought to roll up to Five Ways in Paddington and grab a table at Christo's. I must add: gluten free eaters are also welcome - they do a mean GF pizza base as well! You can find out more about them here. Buon Appetito!