Pizza e Vino, tucked into a shopping center anchored by a Ralphs, isn't only a shining star for the city, it's a shining star in Orange County where finding a crispy-thin Neapolitan pizza - baked in an imported, wood-burning oven - is a nearly impossible feat.

And oh what a pizza its is . . . .

Maybe it's something they put in their pizzas, well duh, it totally is (great ingredients, but you got the joke right?), but I was seriously craving a return visit the night after we went.

I'll also give credit to the setting - a dim wine bar (there's wine, I didn't drink any) with classical Italian music - as another reason to return for more.

There are a wealth of underground hot spots in Orange County that have wonderful food, and they have modest prices. These places are authentic, high-end spots that have a special feel to them. They’re timeless.

Pizza e Vino is one of them. Located in the heart of Santa Margarita, CA on the rural, gorgeous lake, Pizza e Vino brings authentic, neopolatan Italian pizza to the heart of South Orange County.

Finally, RSM has a delicious restaurant with all the fixins! I checked it out after a friend told me how yummy it is. I had family in town and decided this would be a great place to take them. It was better than I ever imagined. The garlic bread is to die for, the pizza toppings are so fresh and the crust is perfect. I loved it so much I took my husband the following week and keep in mind he is picky about his pizza. He loved it and as soon as we picked up his mom from the airport the following week, we headed straight to PIzza E Vino. Of course she fell in love too. The atmosphere is cozy, the service is great and the food is simply delicious and perfect.

Authenic Naples-style pizza, wood-fired, thin crust with delectable toppings, fresh mozzerella and herbs. My favorite pizza is the Stefano, which is a white pizza with olive oil, wild shrimp, toasted garlic, and fresh basil. The antipasto salad is excellent too - light and refreshing! The atmosphere is relaxing and there is a charming lilttle area to dine on the outside patio - great for a date.

A friend of mine decided to try this place, and I think I keep thanking her everytime I see her! I went with a fairly large group of 14 people on a Friday night. Originally they had told us that they were going to have to seat us outside to accomodate us, but they were able to rearrange the tables and seat us inside. +1 for them!

On with the good stuff... the pizza!!! I had a hard time picking between the various pizzas, everything sounded good! I ended up getting the special that night which was a Pesto, Chicken, Sundried Tomato and Fontina cheese pizza. oOoo it was deeelish! Its nice and thin, not smothered in cheese and sauce. I can't tell you if this is 'authentic' or not, since I've never been to Italy, but my tastebuds enjoyed it thoroughly. I traded with a bunch of my friends to create the "sampler platter" pizza. I was able to try the Prosciutto e Funghi, Misto Salumi, Quattro Formaggi (Q4 as they like to call it there), and the Margherita. They were all pretty good! Me being a carnivore though, I liked the ones with the meats more. I can't wait to go back! Next time I'll try to save room for the tiramisu!