With the announcement that 2 Wives and the Exchange Bar & Grille on nearby Bank Street would raise the "pizza" bar I at first grinned, then sighed, then smiled... why? for the pizza? actually no because two more old buildings in New London would be re-used for a new and interesting proposition. With restaurants coming and going in downtown New London a city where struggle is a hobby 2 Wives fills a void on Huntington Street across from the venerable 1787 Court House in the old Electric Building once the home to the carriage / car garage for the Crocker House (Hotel) where the father of America's playwright Eugene O'Neill once worked. Now called "New London Market" which houses apartments, Bean & Leaf Coffee,  and Tree Hugger Organic Salon 2 Wives entices the customer with a large brick oven in the very center of the restaurant. Shaped in a "U" formation tables and chairs as well as a large bar facing the frantic pizza chefs greets the customer.

Greeted by an "minimally" friendly hostess whom appeared more interested in filling the nights shift calendar I opted to sit near to the bar. The menu is exciting...Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Standard Margarita Pizza, Lasagne Pizza and Grilled Vegetable Pizzas I opted to the try the chef's recommendation..."Buffalo Chicken Pizza" and  a Sam Adams Summer Ale.

While waiting for the pizza I noticed a steady dinner crowd coming to take their seats while others were finishing up in this cavernous hall. A large and open room sparsely decorated the restaurant had yet to act like a sponge (absorbing the smells of the pizza oven).

My pizza arrived served by a friendly waitress whom understand the art of serving. The pizza...a personal and decent sized 8 inch variety was cooked right with the crust being a little blackened as it should have been. The chicken and toppings were fresh and the cheese nicely melted. A slight sign of water on the top (moisture) did not dampen the taste. A little light on the gorgonzola but a nice overall blend of flavors. I followed up with a quick order of a Panzanella Salad (see below)

panzanella

Plum tomato, red onion, fresh

mozzarella, parmesan cheese, garlic,

basil and extra virgin olive oil tossed

with our crusty seasoned bread

The salad arrived in a VERY healthy portion... fresh ingredients and very tasty reminding me of the 1905 Salad at the Columbia Restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. Salad was a meal in itself and possible the best part of the meal.

In the end after chatting with the chef I felt as though once the oven had absorbed more of the flavors of the various pizzas it would help make the pizza would be better. I would recommend that the vegetables are slightly cooked in a pan before being placed on top of the pizza for cooking in the oven as this would give a more "grilled" taste and not the "cooked in the oven" taste. All in all a nice place to try and I am sure with time it will mature into one of the better pizza "joints" of the gourmet variety in Southern New England.

Food Quality & Presentation	3.5
Variety	4
Service	4
Beverage Selection	4
Atmosphere	4
Price (not included in scoring)	1

TOTAL: 19.5 out of 25

RATINGS KEY:
SCALE:1-Low/Check out other places, 3 "ok" to 5-Highly Recommended
Price: (1)up to 15.00 person, (2) 15.01 - 25.00 person, (3) 25.01-35.00 person, (4)- 35.01-50.00 person
(5) Over 50.00 person

Price: Includes Main Course, tax & tip. (drinks, appetizers, deserts not included).

http://2wivespizza.com/

www.thenewenglandcoast.com