Wow, pizza box recycling, that’s awesome. I hope they don’t just take the boxes and put new slices of pizza in them. Ha, ha, I’m idiot but I told I’ve drunk quite a few Budweisers at this point… Seriously that is pretty cool that they recycle. Cue pizza wars in 3, 2, 1 go!
Not my usual poll question but a reader has a bet on it so I must oblige:
“I have a friend who insists to me that there is no such thing as bad pizza. Needless to say, I disagree, and have had more than a few undercooked slices of tasteless pizza with way too much cheese and no flavor to speak of in my time. However, she is adamant that no matter how bad I would think the pizza was, she would still like it.
I don’t believe her, and to prove my point I bet her that I could find her some truly revolting pizza to try. The problem is that–having done my best to avoid eating bad pizza–I don’t actually know where to find the genuinely terrible stuff in the area. I’m sure if I went to every Plexiglass carryout in town I’d find a couple good specimens, but that’s an awfully tall order for one person.”
So what’s the worst pizza you’ve ever had in town?
Ed. note: Following, Karen does a wonderful write up of Columbia Heights’ newest pizza option. As I am a fanatical pizza devotee I will be writing a smaller post with my own impressions shortly.
Tonight I went to Pete’s (www.petesapizza.com) for a slice of pizza from this new New Haven-influenced Italian eatery located right outside of the Columbia Heights metro (southbound), which just opened Monday. It might be tempting at first to compare Pete’s to Red Rocks–and, of course, heh, that’s exactly what I’m going to do–but even though the main attraction of both places is pizza I would put the two restaurants in completely different categories. While Red Rocks is a sit-down restaurant with individual tables and a bar, Pete’s is set up for quick service–you order at the front of the restaurant and await your meal among the snazzy cafeteria-style tables and either eat there or take your pie to go. And given the fact that Pete’s has almost a similar buzz to a coffee shop or cafe–a single room with bright light and colors, soaring ceilings, and immense photographs of Italian scenes (taken by Alicia’s twin brother Michael Wilkinson, who is a professional photographer based in Columbia Heights ) donning the walls–I’d be much more inclined to head there to read a book or do the crosswords with friends as I eat a slice than I would at Red Rocks, where the more intimate and dark atmosphere makes it very much a serious dining affair.
However, despite Pete’s cafeteria-style set-up, this pizza is anything but cafeteria-quality, and I think does a good job holding its own against Red Rocks’ brilliant Sicilian-style, individual-sized pizza. Pete’s goes back to American pizza basics with the pies large enough to feed a family. And more pizza means more goodness. According to co-owner Alicia Mehr, who I had the opportunity to chat with, Pete’s tries to use ingredients that for the most part are local and organic. But the most amazing thing about this pizza is the crust. Oh, good lord, the crust. Crispy, crunch delight that is augmented even more by the fact that you aren’t expecting it. When I was there I tried the sausage and mushroom and was absolutely wowed. Story continues along with more photos after the jump. (more…)
I promised some folks last week that I’d post a photo of Moroni & Bros. new interior. I very much like the color and the photos of DC around the restaurant are super cool. And of course the pizza remains delicious.
From an email I received:
“I am very happy to announce to you that we are finished with the make over project of one of our client’s restaurants and we are proud to invite you to its first big inauguration night! Come join the celebration on February, Thursday the 21 at 6:30pm.
In addition to the outstanding thin crust pizza, we look forward to sharing with you an improved ambiance!! The new interior, photography by a local artist, and good music are not to be missed. Moroni’s will also offer a selection of Italian wines, German and Salvadorian beers, and espresso beverages. Please come and join your friends and fellow Petworthians as we celebrate the reinvention of a true community restaurant.”
“Manny & Olga’s will be offering heart-shaped pizzas this Valentines Day.
Silver Spring , MD – February 6, 2007 – The babysitter’s booked, dinner reservations are made, now what to do for the kids? Manny & Olga’s Pizza, voted “Top 100 New Franchises” two years running, has a simple, heart-felt solution: A heart-shaped pizza. Manny & Olga’s Pizza heart-shaped pizzas are a perfect way for parents to express their love on Valentine’s Day, especially when leaving the kids for a night on the town.”
Heart shaped pizzas? Really? How about a free soda or something. I mean if your looking for promotional ideas. This ranks up there with, gosh, I don’t know what this ranks up there with, I think this could be the worst.
I know we weren’t talking about pizza but it is seldom far from my mind. So I’ve never been to Radius in Mt. Pleasant [Ed. note: Can you tell I walked around Mt. Pleasant recently?] but I was taken by the sign “A slice of New York Pizza”. So what’s the word, pizza aficionados? Rate the pizza compared to Red Rocks, Maroni and Bros. and Vace’s.
Another victory for those up in North Country. Manny & Olga’s new location in Petworth will be 833 Kennedy St, NW.
I had heard a rumor a while back that Manny and Olga’s was coming but I just received an official press release today. The press release says:
“Silver Spring, MD – January 8th 2008 – Manny & Olga’s Pizza Systems Inc. announced today the expansion of its newest unit in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC. With construction getting ready to begin the opening of the store is scheduled for early Summer 2008.”
Oddly it doesn’t give a location. But I do think this is a good development. I have a buddy who lives near the 14th Street location and he swears by it as a great (drunken) late night snack . I can certainly appreciate having that option closer to home.