Poppy’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery – Albuquerque, New Mexico (CLOSED)
Chef-owner Mario D’Elia knew what he’d be in for when he named his new restaurant Poppy’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery. Legions of Seinfeld fans would undoubtedly joke “Poppy’s a little sloppy,” a reference to Poppie, a restaurateur on the comedy Seinfeld who didn’t wash his hands after using the bathroom. Sure enough,the jokes came…until the jokesters tasted the seriously outstanding authentic New York style pizza. Poppy’s pizza is no joking matter. So why would Mario subject himself to a spate of predictable and hackneyed jokes? Poppy, as you might know, is an affectionate nickname given to a father, grandfather or a male authority figure standing in a similar position. Mario speaks with reverence and love about his poppy, the nurturing grandfather who encouraged and challenged him to always do his best. Mario’s Poppy would be very proud of the man his grandson has become. The precocious child who once giggled as he bounced on his grandfather’s knee has become not just quite a chef, not just quite a dad, but quite a good dude. Born and raised in the same Bronx neighborhood Joe Guzzardi of Joe’s Pasta House also called home, Mario started cooking at age 12. Because culinary school…