While in Orlando in December, my girlfriend suggested we check out Carlucci’s after seeing it mentioned in an Orlando Sentinel review. We went on a Thursday and arrived sometime around 3 p.m. Carlucci’s was somewhat hidden in a shopping center, but eventually revealed itself. Inside, it was nearly deserted. When we entered, a talkative waiter exclaimed we could sit anywhere.

We sat on the east side of the room. The walls were adorned with sports photos and some classic mobster photos. It was slightly reminiscent of Anthony’s Pizza in Blacksburg, Virginia, but the color scheme was darker. I waded through a menu. When prompted, I asked for the usual Dr. Pepper with no ice. Our energetic waiter complied.

My girlfriend’s pasta trio, coated in a blanket of cheese, stealthing the manicotti, stuffed shells, and lasagna, came with an order of garlic bread. It was warm, soft inside, with a minimal application of butter and garlic. The bread was quite good and I had several pieces even after my cheese pie arrived.

The pizza finally arrived. It was nice and hot. It sliced rather easily. The cheese wasn’t stringy or over applied. The pizza was, however, extremely oily. I tilted my slice on a 45 degree angel and let it drip for a moment while waiting for it to cool enough for my heat sensitive mouth’s consumption. Upon sampling it was good, though hardly seasoned.

Eventually it became clear that it was colder inside than out, prompting our eventual departure once I finished my ice free Dr. Pepper. I paid with my plastic and we departed.