As Kingston continues to welcome an influx of eateries to its ever-burgeoning dining scene, Newburgh gets in on the action too. This month, the riverfront town welcomes Pizza Union Gastro-Kitchen & Bar to its roster.
While pizza alone is enough of an impetus to check out the new spot, it’s not the only reason to take a trip there. The real seller is the fact that Bruno DiFabio, a six-time World Pizza Champion, Food Network Chopped judge, and restaurateur, is the brain behind the concept destination. Best known for his work at Amore Cucina & Bar in Stamford, CT, DiFabio brings his signature Pizza Romana to his newest project in Newburgh. Amid the traditional New York style crusts that dominate the Valley’s pizza scene, DiFabio’s square pie, made from dough that is fermented for 72 hours and cooked in a gas-fired brick floor oven, stands out from the crowd.
The restaurant, which soft-launched at the end of July, centers its menu around gourmet pies and antipasto-inspired appetizers. On the Roman side of things, look out for the “Nuts & Bolts,” made with asiago, mozzarella, olives, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, pepperoni, hot salami, sausage, garlic, and tomato marinara. For a more traditional brick oven variety, you can’t go wrong with the “Nonna Romana,” a fresh twist on a Margherita that melds mozzarella, tomato marinara, garlic, basil, fior di latte, and grated pecorino into one classic pie.
Left: traditional pies are also available at Pizza Union. Right: Chef DiFabio leads the way at the new Newburgh eatery.
The beverage program isn’t too shabby either. DiBruno fuses old school and new school with a cocktail menu that offers everything from a bourbon old fashioned to the locally inspired “Rally-nburgh,” shaken with Dos Maderas rum, lemon, clover honey, and maldon salt. The star of the show, however, is the over-the-top Bloody Mary bar, which will convert even the most adamant naysayers.
DiBruno, who grew up in Yonkers, chose Newburgh for its central location in the Hudson Valley.
“The food scene continues to thrive in the area and Newburgh is prime for something innovative and new,” explains Linda Kavanagh, the restaurant’s public relations representative. Although Pizza Union is DiBruno’s first endeavor in the Hudson Valley, he also maintains restaurants in Westchester, such as Amore Pizza in Scarsdale and Irvington Pizza Company.
Pizza Union is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
1400 Route 300, Newburgh
845.522.8248
Pizza Union’s extensive Bloody Mary bar
