So I’m headed up to Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday to attend a Weird Al concert. As joy-inducing as that is for me, I am even more thrilled by the prospect of eating my favorite pizza of all time again.
Let me 'splain. No, there is too much… let me sum up.
I have family in Columbus, and it was through them that I first encountered the Columbus-local pizza chain known as Massey’s. Exsquisite thin-crust pizza, very crisp, cooked until the edges of the pepperoni curl and turn brown. Mm. I visit Columbus at least once a year for the Origins convention, and look forward to this pizza every time.
So the point of this thread … what other local pizza chains are folks aware of that just make the bestest pizza in the whole-wide world, and what is it about that pizza that you like so much?
Have you searched for other Weird Al threads? I think I started one last year after I saw him. Some interesting things (that it would have been good to know beforehand) were that he doesn’t seem to care if you take cameras along (he was out in the audience singing while people ran over to take closeups at the show I saw) and if you hang around after the show he often comes out to talk to the remaining audience members.
No, I haven’t even really thought about it. I have read his official site, and thus heard the fact he sometimes stays after. I guess I could bring a camera, but the batteries in my new digital camera don’t last long at all.
Glass Nickel Pizza in Madison, WI - absolutely divine
Also, Vennari’s Pizza in Columbia, MD - not even sure if they’re around anymore, but growing up this was the best damn pizza I ever had. And I had it several times a week throughout childhood and adolescence.
The Sub Station in Kalamazoo. Run by an honest to god Italian. I can never explain why exactly it’s so good, because I eat it so fast. If you’re ever in the area, though, check it out. I still have no idea how I haven’t managed to get really, really fat living so close to it.
There used to be Noble Roman’s all over Indy, and growing up I loved the Deep Dish Sicilian. It had the best sauce, and it wasn’t just smeared lightly over the crust–there was a huge divot full in the middle of each piece. Best pizza I’ve ever had from a chain, and better than a lot of local places.
I just moved back to Indy after ten years, and one of the first things I wanted to do was find a Noble Roman’s. Turns out the franchise went under. Must have happened recently, because you still see empty restaurants scattered about. Most still have the signs up.
They still sell pizza under the Noble Romans brand at a few gas stations and food courts, but nobody makes the Deep Dish Sicilian anymore. I drive past a boarded-up restaurant on the way to work, and it makes me sad every time I see it.
“Thou shalt have no other pizza before me, nor shall thou elevate on high the false god of the vile Donato-ians. Verily, whomever shall worship Donato and turn their eyes from Massey shall be stoned.”
Piffle. The world’s best pizza can be found at Papa Del’s in Champaign, Illinois. So good that when I worked in NJ another former U of I er would bring back about six packed in dry ice for all of us exiles to enjoy. Even under those conditions it was still better than any other. Thick pan, fresh home made sausage, it is perfect.
The only pizza place I went to was Giordano’s, and ohhhh God what a pizza. :eek: I never knew pizza until I visited Chicago.
One thing I’ve always wondered is how Pizza Hut survives in Chicago. I know I would never go there if I lived in that city (and oh how I wish I did! (not just for the pizza)). It seems like it’s the same kind of deal as Taco Bell in Mexico, which I think has been tried unsuccessfully.
My favorite pizza in the San Jose, CA area can be found at a small chain that runs several restaurants with different names but the same wonderful pizza: The Garret in Campbell, Jake’s of Sunnyvale, Jake’s of Saratoga, Jake’s of Willow Glen, The Boardwalk in Los Altos, and The Oasis in Menlo Park. Generous toppings, great crust, and lots of cheese–fantastic pizza!
Ah, Giordianos. I realized that I was in love with my now-fiancee at Giordianos just over 3 years ago. Great memories, almost as great pizza.
I remember going to Gino’s (Chicago, IL) when I was about 11 years old with my family, including my grandmother. She thought that it was a pretty shady place to be taking children. I thought it was a pretty shady place to be taking a senior citizen.
What a pit, but what great pizza.
I wish that there were a drooly smile for times like these.
