Queens Tribune

2429 Jericho Tpke., North Hempstead
(516) 747-3111
CUISINE: Italian
HOURS: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon-Thurs; 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sun.
PARKING: Lot

Normally, I don’t stray too far out of Queens to get something to eat – after all, we’ve got everything a person could want right here. But occasionally I’ll travel into one of our neighboring communities to see what’s going on.

Well that was the case recently when I stumbled across a hidden treasure just over the border on Jericho Turnpike.
One of a chain of three in Nassau County strip malls, Mama Theresa’s was a delicious find in North Hempstead. Up front the tempting pizzas sit – not for too long – behind the counter and in front of a line of huge pizza ovens. Workers create a constant stream of dough, sauce and toppings as the eager crowds shuffle in and out.

But some don’t shuffle out right away – Mama Theresa’s has a spacious dining area where guests are seated by a young hostess and led to a table service area, and that’s where this pizza place distinguishes itself as an upscale restaurant at pizzeria prices.

With more than 25 pasta dishes, finding the right one to choose can be a challenge. You can get the requisite penne alla vodka or fettuccine Alfredo, but Mama Theresa has cooked up some great combinations like Pasta Di Vinci, which comes with baby shrimp and fresh mushrooms in a light pink sauce, or Fettuccine ala Mama Theresa, which has pasta in an Alfredo cream sauce with green peas, onions and ham.

If its an entrée you’re looking for, try the chicken Valdostana, which is a chicken breast breaded and rolled with sautéed spinach and mozzarella, lightly fried and the baked, covered in mushrooms and Marsala sauce. Too formal? How about one of the many calzones, baked pasta dishes, heroes or delicious pizzas?

The Sicilian has a genuine pomodoro sauce that is rich with tomato flavor, the stuffed pies look great and the specialty pies – like Buffalo Chicken or Crispino.
Whatever your choice, Mama Theresa’s is sure to be a surprise when trolling the strip malls of Nassau County. Not only can you find them on Jericho Turnpike, but they’re also at 1071 Old Country Rd. in Westbury (near Outback) and at 2411 Hempstead Tpke. in East Meadow. Next time you’re going to be out that way, be sure to stop in to Mama’s. Enjoy!