We also gave high marks to the hand-tossed crust, which pulled off the difficult trick of being simultaneously tender and pleasingly chewy.
Universally popular, relatively easy to prepare, and quite profitable, pizza has served as the catalyst for many a restaurant owner's entrepreneurial dreams. "Open a small shop, turn out a good pie, and work long, hard hours" is a pathway to prosperity that more than a few have trod.
Claudio's Pizzeria in Ludlow seemed to us as if it might be just such a venture, since the establishment suggests it might still be work in progress. Open since 2011, Claudio's has recently expanded into an adjacent storefront, creating a dine-in bistro space.
The operation's bread and butter nonetheless remains pizza-to-go traffic. During our visits a steady stream of customers, some on a first-name basis with the staff, came in to pick up orders.
Pizza is, of course, at the heart of Claudio's menu. Pies come in four sizes, and a small Classic Cheese ($10) version leads off the line up. Twenty additional toppings await to enhance a custom-made pie.
The "gourmet" pies the bill of fare describes are an interesting lot. Some, like the Hawaiian (ham and pineapple) are widely available elsewhere; others, such as the Breakfast Pizza ($14 for a small pie topped with egg, ham, sausage, bacon, and cheese) qualify as unique.
Though tempted by the Shrimp Scampi Pie (shrimp, oil, and garlic -- $15), we instead opted to try the Big Fat Greek Pizza ($14 for a small), an assemblage that harmoniously brought together various Eastern Mediterranean flavors. A basic cheese pizza enhanced by thin-sliced fresh tomato, pitted Greek olives, crumbles of Feta cheese, and dollops of ricotta, the pie offered an interesting combination of sweet and salty-savory flavors that certainly were suggestive of rustic Greek cookery.
We also gave high marks to the hand-tossed crust, which pulled off the difficult trick of being simultaneously tender and pleasingly chewy.
As is customary in the pizza shop universe, Claudio's offers an array of grinder choices, from the Italian Cold Cut ($6.75) and the Sausage Parm ($6.75) to a Claudio's Special ($7.50) of layered veal, eggplant, and ham that's topped with sauce and mozzarella cheese.
"Gourmet" sub sandwich suggestions range from "The Rodeo" (chicken, Buffalo sauce, and blue cheese -- $7.95) to "The Boat" (clam strips, French fries, and tartar sauce -- $8.50)
A Chicken Cordon Bleu ($7.95) sub featured a crisply crusted breast filet tucked in an oversized roll along with sliced ham, cheese, and a lettuce-tomato-mayonnaise garnish. The result -- a hearty and entirely enjoyable eating experience.
While Claudio's might have the pizza and grinder thing down pat, to us the "dinners" portion of the menu seemed "not yet ready for prime time."
Entree selections include classic pasta combinations like pasta with Marinara ($7.95), Meat Sauce ($9.95), or Baby Clam Sauce ($10.95). Stuffed Shells ($10.95), Homemade Lasagna ($10.95), and Stuffed Eggplant ($14.95) are available as well.
Various appetizers like Fried Mozzarella Sticks ($7.95) and Spicy Calamari ($9.95) can be enjoyed, as can Chicken Tenders ($6.50) and various salads.
A portion of Chicken Parmesan ($12.95) was generously sized, with two thick, breaded breast filets topped with marinara sauce and plenty of mozzarella. The sauce was quite credible, with a tart character and a noticeable onion presence.
A side of penne had, however, not been properly heated and was served too cool to truly qualify as "hot" food.
An order of Fried Haddock ($11.95) suffered from a similar timing problem. The two haddock filets had been overcooked, a misstep that left their crust dark brown and the fish inside rather dry.
Dinners at Claudio's come with either a credible garden salad or a cup of soup. Opting for the latter, we got to enjoy a quite likeable tortellini en brood, the pasta pockets tender and tasty, the chicken broth full of honest flavor.
Claudio's Pizzeria isn't licensed, so beverage options are limited to soft drinks. The house is, however, welcoming of those who opt to BYOB.
Name: Claudio's Pizzeria
Address: 223 East St., Ludlow
Telephone: (413) 589-9200
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 12 noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Entree prices: $7.95 - $16.95
Credit cards: Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped access: Accessible, rest rooms not equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Not normally taken