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Pizzeria Cardamomo: A Love Story in Every Bite

Love and food have a magical connection that transcends mere sustenance, weaving a tapestry of emotions and memories with every bite. This beautiful union is embodied by Mohamed “Momo” Farouq and Sarika Batra, the vibrant duo behind Pizzeria Cardamomo in Redwood City. Their story begins in Italy in 2018, where fate brought them together in a chance encounter at a local restaurant. Batra, a California native, found herself seated next to Farouq, a Moroccan native who had moved to Italy at a young age and owned a restaurant called Pizzeria Cardamomo near Lake Como.

Despite the language barrier—Farouq spoke Arabic, French, and Italian, while Batra spoke English and Hindi—the two struck up a friendship that blossomed into a long-distance romance. Their relationship endured the test of time and distance, with visits to Switzerland and Lake Como, culminating in a life-changing decision to get married. Farouq, after 35 years of running his Lake Como pizzeria, made the bold choice to move to San Francisco to be closer to Batra. Together, they embarked on a new chapter by opening Pizzeria Cardamomo in Redwood City, bringing the flavors of Lake Como to California.

A Culinary Love Affair: Crafted with Care

Stepping into Pizzeria Cardamomo is like entering a world where love and food intertwine seamlessly. Farouq, affectionately known as Momo, greets guests with warmth and hospitality, his passion for creating the perfect pizza palpable in every dish. With Batra overseeing operations with her signature red lipstick and meticulous attention to detail, the restaurant exudes a sense of intimacy and care that sets it apart.

The menu at Pizzeria Cardamomo is a testament to Farouq’s culinary expertise and dedication to quality. Each dish is crafted from scratch, using fresh, organic ingredients that elevate the flavors to new heights. From the signature Moroccan pizza with sausage and dried plums to classic favorites like Margherita, every bite tells a story of love and craftsmanship. The Arancini Cacio E Pepe, a crispy risotto fritter with pecorino and parmigiano reggiano, is a must-try, along with the tantalizing Carbonara and decadent tiramisu.

A Taste of Passion: The Secret Ingredient

One of the highlights of dining at Pizzeria Cardamomo is Chef Momo’s signature chili oil, a secret recipe that adds a burst of flavor to every dish. This addictive condiment, housed in a dark dropper on every table, has become a fan favorite among diners. Its unique blend of Kashmiri chilies, ajmo seed, and amchoor powder creates a symphony of flavors that elevates the dining experience to new heights.

Inspired by Chef Momo’s chili oil, here’s a simple recipe to recreate this magical condiment at home:

Homemade Chili Oil

Ingredients:
– 6 Kashmiri chilies, dried
– 1-2 boriya round chilies
– ¼ tsp ajmo (carom) seed
– ½ tsp salt, or to taste
– ⅛ tsp amchoor (dried mango powder)
– ⅓ cup avocado or olive oil

Preparation:
1. Deseed the chilies and crush them into small pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a pan and add the chili mixture, salt, and amchoor powder.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a jar or dropper bottle.

Pizzeria Cardamomo, located at 2053 Broadway, Redwood City, California, is more than just a restaurant—it’s a labor of love that shines through in every dish. Chef Momo and Batra’s dedication to their craft and each other is a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. Visit Pizzeria Cardamomo to experience a slice of love and good eats unlike any other.