I’ve been thinking about pizza lately, and I might actually order one at some point. I haven’t eaten pizza for close to three years, since the last time was so disastrous. I’m allergic to some of the ingredients that are in most pizza and spaghetti sauces (the spices. Basil for sure, maybe others) so I’d have to order it without sauce, which is ok by me since I’ve never liked tomato sauce that much anyway.
So, here’s my question for pizza makers: I know that at a lot of places they sprinkle spices (Italian or Pizza, which are probably the same thing) onto the sauce before they add the cheese. If someone were to order a pizza without sauce, would you put any spices on it anyway?
Do I need to ask the place not to put any spices on it, or can I be safe assuming that they wouldn’t bother putting any one a pizza that doesn’t have sauce?
I worked cooking pizza’s off and on for years. Usually the sause has the spices mixed in. Then we shook some Italian seasoning on it. You could explain you want no sause and no spices, maybe they would be able to accomodate you.
Or try some gormet pizza place like California Pizza Kitchen that has different kinds of sauce.
It all depends on where you go, I guess. I’ve worked at two different pizza shops in college, and like Roadwalker said, with these two, the spices were in the sauce. We didn’t bother to put anything else on it because that would be too much effort (have you ever looked at the people making your pizza? Yeah, we REAAALLY go the extra mile). So, if you ask them for no sauce, I’m sure you should be alright. Of course, some places also have some seasoning in with the cheese, so the best bet is to ask them when you call if the cheese has any seasoning. Just ask for the pie with no sauce and no extra seasonings if not, and if they do, call somewhere’s else.
In my experience, we always put the spices in the sauce. You said you aren’t keen on tomatoes so I can’t say use a straight paste/water mix and although I’m a California native I can’t really vouch for the Pizza Kitchens. you might try some straight Olive Oil between your dough and cheese. I’ve had a garlic alfredo sauce before but don’t know what sort of spices it contained. Generally speaking, call early (before lunch) not on the week-end, and talk to the manager for the best chance of a clear assessment of what accomodations you can get.
I make homemade pizza pretty frequently and have discovered what I believe is the best taste combination: plain Hunts tomato sauce and spicy pepperoni, with generous amounts of mozzarella on top. The flavor from the pepperoni kindof seeps into the sauce. It also doesn’t hurt to add some crushed red pepper to the mix. Simplest is always best.
I don’t know what takeout places will make pizza like this, but it certainly is tasty.
It is also my experience (Primarily Round Table) that the spices are mixed in the sauce. Also, some places sprinkle stuff on the top too…right before it goes in the oven.
You should be fine if you ask for it with “no sauce, and no spices on top”
If you are really allergic a nice place (read: non jerks working the place) will use a clean knife to cut the pie…not sure about all places though, but we did that for folks sometimes.
If you’re dealing with a serious alergy I wouldn’t try this over the phone. Show up, explain the situation, and make sure they know you will be sick if you get the spices. Then watch them make it.
Another question for people who’ve made pizza (or other fast food).
How common, in your experience, is it for someone to do something unpleasant with your food while making it. Spitting, snotting, flicking things etc.
It won’t stop me eating fast food but I’d like to know waht the odds are on that happening.
Sorry for being so disgusting but I have to know. That’s why I opened this thread.
When I was working at Pizza Slut, disgusting things would happen to the food at least once a week-- sometimes more often.
A good rule of thumb- if there is just one guy working in the kitchen, odds are your food is safe.
If there are lots of teenage goofballs too young to vote, run away.
Go to a local place with a friend who is a “regular” at that place. Explain the situation directly to the pizza guy. He’s probably more likely to take you seriously if you’re with someone he knows. I wouldn’t really trust any chain place with a request like that.
