October, 2013 – Mario the Baker; Hearty Italian Comfort Food for Fall

I love Italian food, but the majority of mid-priced Italian eateries in the county leave me yearning for consistent, delicious Italian favorites. I dream about the little mom & pop place in Boynton I used to love to go to—its doors now closed forever—as I search for a place that can deliver quality pizza and great entrées. Well, I think I have found such a place in Mario the Baker, located right in front of the Regal Cinema on 441. Mario the Baker has historical roots in North Miami where they first opened with great success. Now the family has moved their operation up here to Royal Palm Beach and we all can be happy they did!

Mario’s pizza ($13.00/ Large) is thin, crispy and has just the right amount of char on the bottom, letting you know the pie cooked in a proper pizza oven and at a proper temperature. We chose classic pepperoni as our topping, which was meaty and flavorful without being spicy. Mario’s sauce is of a very high quality as well. There is no high acidic tang nor is it too sweet, but tastes of fresh tomatoes that way it should.

The Caprese salad ($7.95) is one of the simplest ones you will find. Halved cherry tomatoes tossed with boconccini mozzarella, a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. I was not asked if I wanted any salad dressing, so be sure to request it if you want it. Don’t expect any lettuce garnish either!

My biggest test when it comes to a good Italian restaurant is the classic entrees. We selected the baked lasagna ($9.50) and the baked cheese ravioli ($9.50) – two dishes that seem to fail to live up to my expectations time after time. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted that both dishes proved to be stellar. The lasagna was light and had good meaty flavors that married well with the fresh sauce and creamy ricotta. It was far ahead of the many dense, dry, bricks I’ve sampled all over the county. I am a big cheese ravioli snob and I have to say I have found my favorite at Mario’s. Their ravioli swimming in red sauce, baked under a thick layer of cheese is hard to resist. The filling was light and the pasta appeared to be fresh.

One of the highlights at Mario’s; the garlic rolls ($3.50/doz) and the Marinara sauce ($2.00/ Lg). Pair the two of them together and it is almost a meal in and of its self. The rolls are always garlicky, but not overpowering, with a nice chewy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Their marinara sauce is thick with juicy chunks of tomatoes and just the right amount of spice. The best part: the whole cloves of roasted garlic they add, giving the sauce a heady and unique flavor that is truly addictive. Tear off a chunk of bread and mop up that glorious sauce. You may not want to order anything else!

Mario the Baker has my vote for best all-around Pizzeria and Italian fare restaurant. There is a level of commitment to quality, freshness, and consistency at Mario’s that is rare amongst our seemingly endless choices in Italian dinning here in Palm Beach County. Take the family for a big Friday night dinner out or order in for the big game. Either way, you can expect a great meal at a great price.