Let's update this for 2021! Ok to start: this pizza would be amazing if you plunked it down in Florida or really anywhere else outside of NJ/NY/CT (yes, New Haven gets its due). But is it pizza?
If you're interested in Palermo's, odds are you've read up on "Trenton style tomato pie." If you haven't, just know there are OTHER styles of tomato pie out there: The closest geographically is the Philly-style tomato pie, which (probably due to immigration patterns back in the day) is similarly to Utica, NY style tomato pie. The latter 2 are akin to taking focaccia or maybe a Sicilian style pizza crust, putting some yummy tomato sauce atop, and serving it at room temperature with a nice dusting of grated parm to finish it off.
Despite being in the same Delaware Valley as Philly and having MUCH more in more common with its big brother to the south (Philly) rather than the north (NYC), Trenton's tomato pie is unique. It has a VERY thin and typically moderate to severe crispy crust. The umami from the tomato is the star of the show.
Some people debate whether any of the aforementioned tomato pies qualify as pizza. I say: probably, but who cares? It's good in its own way.
Palermo's definitely makes their pie THIN. I took advantage of the Saturday/Monday only deal. Said deal used to be 2 pies (sans topping, cheese or tomato variety) for $20. Now it's crept up to 2 for $22.
I added garlic to my tomato pie, which cost...I think $3? Total damages for a plain cheese and tomato came to $25.54 and I didn't notice any BS card fees. That's a plus. Unfortunately, the amount of garlic wasn't sufficient, leading me to the tube of target's "good and gather" brand garlic powder in our kitchen cabinet.
Otherwise, the tomato pie is quite tasty, albeit not very filling compared to other varieties of pizza. For reference: I'm 5'10" and weigh maybe 140 lbs soaking wet, I put away 5-6 slices of this easily! That would never be possible with pizza elsewhere.
The plain pie (aka cheese)? It was good. Nothing special to report. It had cheese on it and the crust was the same as the tomato pie, very thin.
All in all, $25 for 2 pizzas of this sort isn't bad these days. That said, I can't help but feel that I walked away with a little bit of fool's gold. The product looks great and eats so easily. It also pairs well with beer. But I'm left wanting for further satiety for my $. Maybe this style isn't for me? Perhaps I'm just cheap these days?
My fiancée and I are soon moving up 55 miles to North Jersey: Hudson county. It would be interesting to see how this would fare up there, as you won't find pie like Palermo's once you get more than 25-30 minutes away from Trenton. Check it out and decide for yourself.
P.S.
When calling in the order, I did ask: "do you still have the 2 for $20 deal on monday?" The person on the other end clearly answered affirmatively and didn't disclose the $2 price increase. Money is money. Just be honest with me please. It's little things like this that drive people away. read more