Eat This Now: Bru Room's Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to pizza in New Haven there are the classics and local favorites: Frank Pepe's, Sally's, and Modern. Not as well-known is the pizzeria across the street from the city's other famed food institution, Louis' Lunch. Bar's Bru Room is much younger (since 1996) than New Haven's storied pizzerias, but it's another place to sample the city's signature style. There are no less than 24 topping options. The most intriguing, the reason for a Bru Room visit, is mashed potatoes.

Mashed potatoes on bread. Ah, the ol' doubling up on starch move. But which way, white or red? "Some people order it on the red pie, I don't really get that," noted the server. "It's great on the white pie, but in this case, you want the cheese." She was right. The pie looks a bit like it's covered with thick béchamel. The mashed potatoes are well-seasoned and fairly creamy for having just baked in an oven. And there's lots of garlic. Lots. All in all, a definite check-it-off-your-list item.