Pizza from scratch the heart: At Clemente’s Pizzeria on Fleming Street
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE FOOD EDITOR
Of all the pizzerias in Key West, only one was actually driven down here by its owners.
I’m referring of course to Clemente’s Wood-fired Trolley Pizzeria, once located in a home-built trolley in Rhode Island, and later moved to the corner of Duval and Angela streets.
The trolley is now used strictly for mobile food and liquor sales at events such as concerts while its owners Angelo Scola and Eleisha Gallant concentrate on building up the stationary bricks and mortar side of their business, Clemente’s Pizzeria, 516 Fleming St.
Lifetime foodies both, the couple fell in love with the idea of the vibe and weather of the Southernmost City years ago, and made plans to move their mobile kitchen down here ASAP – sight unseen. The pair have since spent four years in Key West, first making a name for their authentic New Haven, Conn. pizza and other treats at Angela and Duval, and for the past 18 or so months consolidating their eatery in its new Old Town location. Those nostalgic for the duo’s trolley days can enjoy artist Rick Worth’s wall mural as they munch on their pies, salads, and, and custom-made pizza slices at the Fleming Street location.
“We import as many ingredients as possible from Italy,” Angelo Scola said. “Like our San Marzano tomatoes and the flour for our dough. And we make everything we can in house, even our soppressata sausage, and salad dressings. You can’t ignore the tourist trade down here, and we’re well positioned to serve them in this location, but we’re also very much a local-oriented business, too. We’ve kept our prices local-friendly, and we offer free delivery all over Key West. We love our local customers a lot and love being able to make them happy.”
Among the 12-inch thin crust, brick oven pizzas keeping the diners happy these days are the Margarita, featuring fresh whole milk mozzarella, Roma tomatotes, fresh basil, and pecorino romano.
Another favorite is the Meatball & Ricotta pie, generously topped with delightful, homemade crumbled meatballs, imported ricotta and marinara sauces, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
Want to try something a little different? Check out the Honey Bacon pizza, with a garlic and olive oil glaze, hickory smoked bacon, caramelized onion, mozzarella, and honey.
Fans of spicy food will adore the Hot Peppers & Soppressata, featuring hot red and green cherry peppers, mild soppressata (a salami-type sausage,) and the aforementioned pecorino. And the Roasted Garlic Bread Pizza, fresh-baked and covered in delicious imported Mozz.
In the mood for a fresh and crispy salad? Try Baby’s House Salad, combining chopped romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, avocados, red onions, chick peas and carrots, topped with Gorgonzola cheese and Eleisha’s homemade Italian dressing.
Unlike many local pizzerias, Clemente’s creates custom slices – to order – with a thicker crust, and the toppings of your choice.
Any of the tantalizing pizzas and slices mentioned above can also be made gluten-free.
Delicious desserts include homemade Tiramisu, and the Cannoli of the Day.
So, if you haven’t already, head on down or call for take-out. Clemente’s. It’s a whole new take on pizza in Key West!
Clemente’s Pizzeria is open from noon to late night from Monday though Saturday, and from 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays Credit cards are accepted.
For more information, call 305-900-7035.
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