Lucali on my mind

Chris and I decided to swing by Lucali the other night for dinner. It's the second time we've visited and we walked away this time thinking that the pizza has improved. That's not to say that on our first visit we were disappointed - on the contrary - we were pleased.
    About a month before Lucali opened, we went out to Midwood for DiFara's pizza, which was absolutely worth the trek plus the hour-and-a-half wait for a pie. About 2 months after our first visit to Lucali, we ventured to Coney Island for pie at Totonno's. Chris and I left agreeing that DiFara's was #1. That brings us to our second visit to Lucali. I know this is crazy talk, but Lucali is almost, almost as good as DiFara's and a heck of a lot closer. I'd even wager that given another month of turning out pizza, Lucali could even beat DiFara in my little race for #1.*
    Lucali's is located in Carroll Garden.  Candles on the tables offer about 90% of the light in the restaurant, which makes for a kind of romantic setting (Lady and the Tramp style, minus the checkerboard tablecloths and spaghetti). Mark Iacono, the owner and pizzaiolo is working away in the back making pizza's by candlelight, listening to Italian classics on a small stereo. Ordering is simple. Pizza. That's it. You'll have to ask your server for what topping options are available that night. We ordered pepperoni .
    Here's what we liked: thin crust, crisp pepperoni, nice cheese and the sauce. That's what got us. The sauce is really really good. I'm super sensitive to garlic** and I didn't really detect much, which for my tastes is a good thing. Nice hints of basil and a tiny touch of sweetness. Delicious.
    On a cold night, walking in and smelling the wood burning oven makes you feel warm immediately and splitting a pie for twenty bucks never tasted so good.

*yes, I am aware that there are more pizza joints than just DiFara, Totonno's, and Grimaldi's and John's (both of whom not mentioned here)...etc.
** I know, I know.