I venture over the Tappan Zee to Rockland County about every six weeks to get my hair done by Paul De Carlo, owner of De Carlo’s Salon. He has been doing my hair for over 30 years, and our relationship is one of customer and stylist, and one of friendship between two who share a passion for cooking. When I settle comfortably in his chair we always end up talking recipes, entertaining, family, and everything in between.
For as long as I can remember, Paul always has coffee, tea, and baked goods neatly displayed in a welcoming corner of the salon…there for the taking. Surprisingly, there is another generous tradition observed by De Carlo’s Salon on Saturdays; pizza is served to all interested customers around noon! Who does that? Paul orders pizza from Cicero’s which is a few doors down from his shop in the same strip mall in Bardonia. One can always find plain pizza while the more adventurous will find eggplant rollatini pizza. The pies are cut into 10 slices instead of 8, making the eating process a little easier and adding a touch of class to the whole experience. The first time I tried the eggplant rollatini slice, it was heaven. At my home, I’ve tried to duplicate this special pizza, but I can’t manage to recreate those perfect little eggplant rollatini pinwheels like Cicero’s. They really burst with flavor with each bite.
The last time I got my hair done at Paul’s, I ordered an eggplant rollatini pizza pie to go as a special treat for my family. Everyone loved it. Some dishes cannot be reproduced at home, and this is one of them. Just like getting my hair done. I trust no one with my hair except Paul and my daughter-in-law, Christine, who also does hair: Only the best for this gal.
I gave up trying to make this special pizza at home, but I can still get the best ever eggplant rollatini pizza from Cicero’s after I get my hair done at De Carlo’s Salon. Talk about a double feature!
The next time you are in Rockland, venture over to Bardonia and stop in to DeCarlo’s and Cicero’s. You’ll leave with hair to envy and a pizza you will be hooked on for life!
DeCarlo’s
59 Bardonia Road
Bardonia, NY 10954
845-623-1353
Cicero’s
71 Bardonia Road
Bardonia, NY 10954
845-627-3436
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