‘MAST-erful pizza in Downtown Crossing (Originally posted 12/15)

 

Matt records segments for Jordan Rich’s “Connoisseur’s Corner” which airs on WBZ (http://boston.cbslocal.com) weekdays at 11:55 AM.
The following is a “script” for one of Matt’s forthcoming segments:

 

‘MAST

With its strong connections to Italy, Boston is known as a Hub for pizza and breaking into the scene can be a challenge.

Apparently, nobody told that to the native Neapolitans at Mast.

Though touting itself as a restaurant and “drinkery,” the clear focus of Mast (which, appropriately enough, is Italian for master) is the beautiful bronze-clad behemoth that cooks dinner and dessert pizzas unlike any you have ever tasted. In the hands of pizzaiolo Fabio De Angelis, the hand-tossed dough becomes as canvas and the locally-sourced produce and meats become paints. Among the most popular preparations are the simply spectacular Margherita (San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, basil, olive oil), the Prosciutto e’ Rughetta (cherry tomato, Prsociutto di Parma, fior de latte, shaved Parmagiano Reggiano, garlic) and the eponymous O’MAST (San Marzano tomato, fior di latte, Seranno DOC, crème di ricotta). No matter which you get, however, be sure to save room for the crowning achievement to any Mast meal- the Nutella pizza!

If pizza is not your thing (or if you are somehow still hungry), MAST’ offers a raw bar and an intriguing menu of Neapolitan street foods that includes Cartoicio Napolitano (potato cake, fried polenta, fried dough balls), Arancini Siciliano (beef, peas, mozzarella), and Cartoicio di Mare (smelts, shrimp, calamari). There are also self-curated antipasti, organic duck wings, creative salads, and entire menus of panini and bruschetta, among other locally- and Italian-inspired favorites.

As befits a “drinker,” Mast also offers their talented bartender’s daily picks,as well as a bar of bellini, a raft of drafts and a side of ciders that can wash down any meal. And if they do not have what you want, you can order your favorite and have it kept in your own drink locker.

(www.mastboston.com)