The eagerly awaited new kosher pizza shop in Linden, New Jersey is now open, and the rave reviews are well deserved. The Corner Slice, located at 223 W. St. Georges Ave., is billed as “Linden’s First Heimishe Pizzeria,” and the menu is well beyond the usual pizza fare. Leah Greenblum, owner (along with Gershon Friedman and Moshe Zaiat), is the welcoming presence answering questions about the offerings and making sure that customers receive their food promptly. The steady stream of customers is made to feel welcome whether it is their first visit or their 50th.
James, the “Pizza Master,” has over 20 years in the pizza business and is well known for his famous secret recipe pizza sauce that gives each slice a special taste, while Chef Mendy works in the kitchen creating his masterful pasta and fish dishes. The pan pies have a delightful distinctive taste, particularly the Grandma Pizza, with a fresh mozzarella cheese and olive oil combination that is James’ “go-to” personal choice.
Greenblum said the process of opening the restaurant was at least a year in the making. “The community is growing, and part of the growth includes families and food.” The time was right to add a family restaurant, and the neighborhood needed pizza. “I love food, and can be called a ‘foodie.’ We serve delicious, fresh food that the entire family can enjoy.”
From Greek, Caesar, and build-your-own salads to appetizers such as garlic knots, French fries, onion rings or the incredible mozzarella sticks, there is plenty to start a meal.
Generously sized pizza slices with standard and unique toppings are available, and you can order a customized pie as well. James and Mendy collaborate on new and unique pizzas that are only available at The Corner Slice. One of their latest creations includes mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and spicy mayo that can tickle your taste buds. Other pizzas, available by the slice or whole, include the usual array as well as garlic knots pie, spicy pie, white pie, and a penne a la vodka pie. James is more than happy to indulge you with whatever pie you have in mind whether as Sicilian style or traditional 18-inch round.
Not in the mood for pizza? The fish tacos with huge, chunky bites of fresh fish, cabbage slaw and sauce in delightfully light tacos are delicious and the tuna tostados are out of this world! Chef Mendy’s al dente pasta pairs nicely with Alfredo, pesto and vodka sauce, and there is also macaroni and cheese and eggplant parmesan to choose from. Portions are large enough to be shared, although you might not want to give any away. Falafel sandwiches/plates and salmon dishes are also available. “Mendy is very creative and passionate about food and wants to make people happy.” Calzones and stromboli are made to order and can be customized with your choice of vegetables. A full complement of soft drinks is available with Slushie drinks for the young (and young at heart).
The Lipetz family from Linden thoroughly enjoyed an order of garlic knots and a pizza that was half plain/half green olive; they heartily recommend a visit to The Corner Slice.
Greenblum had a hard time choosing her favorite item. It would be clear to anyone sampling the menu that there are certainly difficulties in picking just one favorite. Will new items be added to the menu? “You’ll have to come often to see for yourself,” she advised.
Admittedly, parking during weekdays can be a bit difficult in that area, but most of the customers live within walking distance to the shop. On-street parking on weekends was not a problem and there is a small lot about a block away. Greenblum notes that delivery is also an option.
What’s next for The Corner Slice? Despite only being open for a few weeks, they are already looking into expanding their menus as well as their physical space to benefit the local kosher consumer, the heimishe community, and beyond. Conveniently located near Elizabeth, Linden is accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway and is well worth a trip from anywhere in the tri-state area.
The Corner Slice also does catering for all sorts of events. Their first bar mitzvah will be catered in two months, and they are available for graduation and birthday parties and other celebrations with desserts and cotton candy, in addition to their regular menu items.
Discover Linden’s finest kosher dining at The Corner Slice, your go-to for artisanal stone-baked pizzas and a diverse menu of lunch and dinner. The Corner Slice is open Sunday from noon until 9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and after Shabbat from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. Call them at 908.350.4422 or visit their website: https://thecornerslicenj.com/. An expanded menu is available at: https://order.toasttab.com/online/the-corner-slice-nj. Kosher certification is CRC.
Deborah Melman is a staff writer at The Jewish Link.
