Last night I dined for the first time at Rubirosa, a cozy Italian neighborhood spot in Nolita. I'll admit that I'm a little behind the times with this dining discovery. Rubirosa has been open for six and a half years and their signature pizzas and pastas have a strong following amongst food-savvy New Yorkers.

My daughters Colette and Gabrielle go there frequently and they were excited to finally take me along with them. Better late than never! Colette said it may even qualify as her most-frequented restaurant in the city and, believe me, she dines out a lot!

While Rubirosa is known for its pizza, there are many other choices on the menu divided into Charcuterie, Insalata, Appetizers, Pasta, Pizza, Second Courses and Sides. Everything we ordered was mouth-wateringly delicious, starting with a plump breadcrumb and pecorino cheese stuffed artichoke and a dish of tender, roasted octopus with tomatoes, potatoes and a giardiniera sauce.

But let's get to the point here. You must order the Tie-Dye Pizza. When it arrives at your table, the scent of fresh basil, tomato and mozzarella is like a symphony of tantalizing aromas playing for your appetite. Then there is that crust, so thin and crisp that it keeps its shape without flopping down when you pick up a slice. As for the sauce, the touch of pungent vodka tames the sweetness of the ripe tomatoes, while the swirl of pesto packs a punch of fresh basil and parmesan. Finally, the melted mozzarella adds a soft and creamy texture that pizza lovers crave.

All the ingredients come together in a light-handed and vibrant way which you don't often get from a combination of dough, cheese and tomatoes, especially when washed down with one of the wines featured on the excellent wine list. My glass of 2013 Guardoilvento Etna Rosso was a zippy, light-bodied red wine, full of fresh fruit flavors— so refreshing on a hot summer night and a perfect accompaniment to the meal. Buon Appetito!

Address: 235 Mulberry Street, NYC

Phone: 212-965-0500