Article and photography by Danielle Jones of Slice & Torte
(Lead photos: Tony Pino in food cart + Pino’s meat ball & garlic roll)
I don’t have Facebook. Neither do I have a personal Twitter, Instagram, Google+, or any other procrastination inducing form of social media, nor do I really understand how they work. But I know enough to log into the Slice & Torte Instagram and stalk Pino’s Meatballs.
After much Instagram stalking, I finally found an event where I could have my first meatball from Pino. I first met Tony Pino and his food cart at the Riverview Village Days in Lafayette Park. When Southern Grit’s Editor in Chief Fitz and I arrived, they had sold out of meatballs already. But my heartbreak quickly faded when we were assured that more were on the way. So we grabbed a coffee and came back. We each ordered a meatball bowl, but just our luck, now they were out of the famous garlic rolls; we resolve to order the meatballs today and find Pino’s again tomorrow for a garlic roll or two. A bowl consists of four meatballs, sauce, and shredded Parmesan cheese. You can definitely tell that these meatballs are homemade and fresh. They have a flavor profile somewhat similar to an Italian sausage and are moist and tender. But, to me, the real star is the sauce. It has a little bit of a spicy kick that enhances the freshness of the tomatoes and heightens the other spices. It really completes the dish. I actually think the Parmesan detracts and dulls the flavors of the sauce and meatballs, so I would recommend going without it.
The next day, Fitz and I head to the O’Connor Brewing Company, where Pino’s Meatballs has set up for the afternoon. We receive a warm greeting from Tony and are quickly in possession of two garlic rolls. Emphasis on garlic! I love garlic more than most people, but even I felt bad for anyone who needed to speak to me after eating these rolls. But they are delicious so…sorry, not sorry. The rolls themselves are soft and slightly chewy. Very reminiscent of the pizza crusts I’d had when visiting friends in New York. The rolls are brushed with oil, garlic, and a few dried herbs and are served piping hot. I wish they had a bit more salt, but overall, they are quite good.
It’s safe to say that I will continue to stalk the Pino’s Meatballs food cart and I highly suggest you do the same. The staff is friendly and the food is hearty. It’s a wonderful way to get out and enjoy the transforming food scene in Hampton Roads.
For more on Pino’s Meatballs visit them on their facebook HERE and their twitter HERE
Fore more on Danielle Jones and Slice and Torte visit them HERE
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