July 12th, 2006
Croma
This review is long overdue, considering Bunches has been waiting tables at Croma for more than a month and I have been pledging just as long to visit him at work.
The old Croma burned down 18 months after its orginal opening and a new version rose from the ashes like a pizza-obsessed Phoenix. New Croma installed a grill and widened their menu options to include serious entrees like Filet Mignon and cutesy panini. Bunches also tells me to stay tuned for further expansion of the downstairs lounge, which may soon offer bottle service and private areas.
On Sunday I half-watched the World Cup final on one of Croma's two flat-screen TVs and alternately munched two of their Neapolitan pizzas, the Cinqe Formaggi (five-cheese) and the Parma (shaved parmesan, proscuitto, olives, arugula). The Cinque Formaggi didn't stand out as anything spectacular and I swear I only counted three cheeses. The playful Parma, however, was much more fun. I liked the contrast of thick mozzarella with cool, light argula, and relished the generous serving of lean proscuitto. Bunches sipped an artful Double Shot Espresso Martini and I, still recovering from a previous nocturnal excursion, nursed a leggy Petit Syrah.
I'd like to sample some of Croma's more unorthodox pizzas, like the Cheeseburger or Chicken Tandoori, although the chicken and avocado panini is rumored to be fantastic.
The patio at Croma is the place to be on sunny Saturdays, so expect a 30-45min. wait. I recommend warm weekday evenings, especially Mondays when half-price pizzas and discounted drinks are served during trivia.
The Info
Croma
269 Newbury St., Boston
www.cromaboston.com