I have always been vulnerable to fantasizing about trading places with some character from a television series or movie. Somebody who I wouldn’t mind being like since they possess the qualities I desire – some that I may have and some that I may lack. My latest one is the character of Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht in the fabulous USA Network television series Suits.
Despite the still developing premise as to whether or not he may have the negative quality of being a womanizer, Harvey has it all. He’s handsome, always looks great in his $10,000 suits and is of course a top-notch attorney. But on top of all this, what Harvey has that I admire most is that he knows the important “man” things in life. Nearest and dearest to my heart is the wall full of vinyl records and the cool turntable he has in his office at work. And he also carries on geeky music conversations with his limo driver that shows he intelligently cares about his tunes. He also knows baseball and does so well enough that he even got Tracy Stallard to add his autograph to his signed Roger Maris ball. (Look it up if you have to.)
Contrast Harvey to his counterfoil in show – the character of Louis Litt, brilliantly played by Rick Hoffman. In fact, Louis is my latest recipient for the Frank Burns Award for best portrayal of a character that you love to hate. While Harvey “gets it,” Louis just doesn’t. Witness when he gets caught (and rightfully scolded) for touching Harvey’s records and criticizes Harvey for not having any Queen (“the greatest band in rock history”) in his collection. While so far on the show Harvey’s mostly delved into the Blues, it’s obvious that he ain’t a Queen guy. Yeah, he’d not necessarily dislike them, but rather you certainly find some Mott the Hoople, T. Rex and New York Dolls in his collection instead; bands much more hipper to like than Queen.
Suits is just getting started with its second season and Harvey’s coolness and manly ways are still continuing to get flushed out. And as for food, so far we have seen that he does know that the best hot dogs in New York City are those right there on the sidewalk at the nearby “umbrella club.” But I can guarantee you that we will soon find out that being the full man that he is; Harvey knows his pizza as well. Why? Because knowing your pizza is important man stuff!
Well, I know my music, used to know and wish I kept with my baseball, and I do aspire to know my pizza. It’s the one meal that I and many others could eat three times a day, seven days a week. It’s worth talking and writing about. And as I now have entered my later years in life, my banner line says: “Calories are just too precious to waste on bad pizza!” So yes, I will admit it, I am a pizza snob!
Let’s start off by defining what pizza is for purposes of this blog. I am talking about New York-style pizza or “pie” as we like to call it. A whole pie is round, gets cut into triangular slices and consists of nothing more than crust, cheese (mozzarella of course), tomato sauce and spices. For purists like me, that’s it, nothing more. I will however respect those fellow purists who add one topping but that would be limited only to a choice of either pepperoni or sausage.
My definition of pizza does not include Chicago-style deep dish pizza. I like it but it is so different that you might as well call it quiche instead of pizza. It is also not that foo-foo stuff that you get at a place like California Pizza Kitchen that has pineapples, chicken, artichokes, feta cheese or some other kind of unrelated ingredient on it. (A tear often comes to my eyes when I see some of the classic pizza establishments letting their tradition go by giving in to this “topping-abuse”.) Pizza is also not that cardboard crap sold by chains like Pizza Hut, Papa John’s or Dominos. I haven’t tried the later in years, but I chuckled when I heard how their new CEO came on board declaring that their pizza was lousy!
I was blessed in many ways to have grown up in the great state of New Jersey. Growing up in the Garden State not only gave me rights to boast about the New York Yankees and Bruce Springsteen, but it also has great New York-style pie to brag about. Until I left in 1980 at age 24, I lived in Bayonne where I grew up on a healthy diet of pie from the pizza parlors (yes that’s what we called them) that were on just about every corner. There was also a bar on just about every corner and believe it or not just about every one of them made pies as well. (Watch this space for a future feature on the art of the “bar pie.”) Bayonne is also just across the river from Manhattan, the true pizza capital of the world.
From 1980 to 1998 I lived in beautiful San Antonio, Texas where I saw my diet shift more towards Tex-Mex than pizza. I then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the greatest city in America (tied for first with New York City). In both places I struggled to find good pie and on many occasions reluctantly settled for sub-par pie. My Mom and Dad still live in Bayonne so I continually have indulged heavily on my regular visits back home.
However in 2012, I fought and won a major battle with my waistline and decided to more carefully watch what I eat. That was when The Pizza Snob was born and I decided to stop eating bad pizza. It was this declaration that led me to starting this blog so that I can keep the world unnecessarily informed of my opinions and adventures as to all things pizza.
So what constitutes good pizza? This of course will be the topic of many future blog posts but at this point we can certainly establish some simple ground rules. Let’s start by identifying what to look for.
There is a magical taste and texture to the crust in classic New York pie. This is so key to the slice that it is said that many establishments outside of the New York Metropolitan area actually transport their water from New Jersey to use in the process. I have in fact confirmed this with at least one Nashville pizza joint and assuming that pizza makers won’t be protective of their trade secrets; this is a topic that I plan on further researching.
But despite the water, a pie needs to be cooked just right – a little black on the bottom with a slight crispness to the bite. Undercooked pizza is a crime and should be immediately sent back to the oven until its time has come.
The cheese of course is best when it’s pure “mootz;” just fuhgeddaboudit blending it with anything else. The biggest problem with cheese though is putting too much on the pie. Simply stated, excess cheese will fall off and make for a sloppy slice. The true test of a slice is that it will stand firm at attention if you hold it out in front of you. If it starts to sag at the front apex of its triangle, there’s too much cheese on it.
Be careful also in committing the sin of not letting your slice properly cool down before eating it. That will also cause the cheese to slide off. It doesn’t take long so just be patient. After a couple of minutes the cheese will settle just right for the eating. As for temperature, it should be just hot enough to slightly scald the roof of your mouth. Yes, you might shed a little skin up there if you have been out of action for awhile, but if you stay in shape by eating your regular share of slices you will build a tolerance.
The sauce doesn’t need much. I am ashamed to admit at this point I am not expert in the spices that the best sauces contain and that too will be an item to investigate. Some pies will have a noticeable taste of oregano or garlic but generally neither should stand out very much. As for adding the flavor on your own, I have dabbled in sprinkling both of these items on a slice from time to time but I generally like to leave it naked as designed by its creator. Adding red pizza peppers is of course an encouraged and accepted procedure. Again, I most often go with the naked approach, especially when I am in research mode, but do love adding a little fire to my slice on occasion.
Getting back to the cheese for a moment, there is an acceptable measure of extra cheese that can be added to a pie. In fact, slices can often be ordered that way while some joints make some that are just generally cheesier than others. The distinction I am making here is that while the extra cheese can work up to a limit whereby it clings to the slice, it may get to the point where it is disqualified as what I call a “travelling slice,” one that you can eat while you are walking without taking the risk of losing cheese or dripping oil as you go. And as for oil, a slice should have just enough so that you could taste it; but not too much that you have to drain the sucker before you eat it.
Remember that the best place to eat a slice is standing up at the counter. This enables you to say “Bring me another,” allowing you to continue eating your slices in succession. It should be noted that ordering a “whole pie” is something you do when you are out with your family or having it delivered or ordered to go. If it’s just you (or you and a bud) the proper thing to do is to stand at the counter.
And finally, as for how to eat a slice, you fold it length-wise, holding it in one hand. Anyone caught eating pizza with a knife and fork should be forever banished from ever entering a respectable pizza joint again. Doing this is kind of like drinking fine wine out of a paper cup. Believe me, it looks that bad.
Well I think that gives you an overview of my philosophy about pizza. In future writings I will ruminate more on The Pizza Snob lifestyle and document my slices as I travel. And since many of you reading this will be Nashvillians, first up will be my picks of the best pizza places in Music City. So watch this space, have a slice, and let’s hear from you.
The Pizza Snob 
The Pizza Snob 
Greetings and not intended for posting
Just saw your write up in Prep Magazine. I am class of ’75 and have been living in Brentwood since ”96. Maybe we can have our own Prep on the road event. Sending this while our youngest daughter and her girl fronds from Fr Ryan enjoy milk shakes at Sonic.
Hope to meet up soon,
Tom Forsythe
Wow-thanks for pointing this out as I actually read the magazine last night and missed the story! I am out next week but will drop you a line when I get back and get together.
I grew up in Bayonne as well, started eating slices when they were $.15 and a coke was a dime. Since my folks resided on 15 st., I frequented Mario’s for many years, enjoyed their “pies” and mussels, whenever I visited my folks who have now passed on. Haven’t visited Bayone in 3 years, I’m looking forward to visiting the city in October when I return for a high school reunion. Will try to visit several of the “joints” you recommend.
Love your blog !!
From one snob to another, email me your phone #, I would love to chat about a product the chains have destroyed!
I will be developing a website on how to make “your own” Pizza Parlor Pizza, the best in any town!!
It sounds like we have the same taste in pizza. Have you tried New Haven style pizza? If you are familiar with it google Pepe’s and Sally’s in New Haven. It is my favorite. Pepe’s has a parlor in Yonkers NY.
Thanks. I have heard a lot about New Haven and hope to get there some day (No clams and white sauce for me though!). Did not know about Yonkers and may wind up trying that one first. Appreciate your support, and hope you have a great pizza year!
Hi Mr.Snob,
I’ve been living in California for the last 13+ years (after 25 spent in NYC) and a few months ago I broke down and wrote an essay that had been asking me to write it(self) since my move here.
I’m guessing you’ll enjoy it.
Enjoy:
View at Medium.com
I am also a fellow paison from Bayonne, born and raised. Living in “the South” in Alpharetta, GA and loving it but Bayonne will always be a huge part of me. The pizza is definitely one of the foods I miss. My husband is from Long Island, which is where I attended college and never moved back to Bayonne. Since we have moved down here we have also been on a bit of a crusade to find our NY/Bayonne pizza equivalent. I compare all pizza to my very favorite, Pompeii in Bayonne. I’ve read many of your reviews and I think you are spot on. If you are ever in the Alpharetta, GA area there are a couple of places I think you would love, Romeo’s NY Pizza in Johns Creek, GA-I had one bite and it brought me right back to 22nd and Broadway-very close to Pompeii’s perfect slice-I’ve been hooked ever since. Romeos happens to be from Northern NJ as well-never knew there was a difference between NY/NJ pizza all of my life until I moved down south. The other is a 2nd location of the famed Antico Pizza (Atlanta) in The Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. It’s a bit different to a traditional NY slice, probably more like Italy’s pizza but amazing! And I read your Spumoni Gardens review-also a fan, A few exits north there’s one for you to try in Howard Beach on Cross Bay Blvd, New Park Pizza, my husband’s favorite. So just thought I’d offer up some pizza options for you to try in your pizza quest. Keep it up-love reading your pizza adventures.
Thanks so much for your feedback. I have noted all of your recommendations.
I’m from Bayonne as well, currently living in Sandy Springs, fond memories of Pompei Pizza on Broadway. Haven’t found anything resembling Bayonne pizza in the Atlanta area. Thanks for the recommendation on Romeo’s, I’ll give it a try. I did try Antico in Avalon, didn’t really care for it.
Bob
Nice to meet you Bob. Definitely check out Romeos! Since you are in Sandy Springs, have you tried Piu Bello in Atlanta? AMAZING chicken parm hero! Close to Lenox mall. Let me know what you think. I have to ask, did you graduate from BHS? Im class of 1990.
Good to hear from you, I graduated from St. Anthony’s in Jersey City, class of 1964. I first went to Pompei’s on opening day or shortly thereafter. At that time a slice of pizza and a coke was 25 cents, how times have changed. Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll give both a try.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Bob
Cool Idea.. Wish I thought of it.. Have fun from an Italian Citizen (Naples..Home of Pizza). I am living in Nashville where the choices are slim but we do have DeSano’s (Closest to Italy and great pizza) and Brooklyn Brothers which you reviewed. (Pleasantly surprised how good they were).
Thanks for the feedback and welcome to music city
Have you been to Bella Napoli near Vanderbilt? That’s straight up Neapolitan heaven.
Yes love it – I posted a review of it earlier this year.
Sorry, that was for our new friend from Naples, mammothsales24
Jennk,
Thanks for the tip, I checked out Romeo’s, very good pizza, closest I’ve found to Bayonne pizza.
Happy Holidays !
Bob
Hi Bob,
You are quick! So glad you liked it! I do have to say Romeos is unbelievable when it’s good but so so when the regular guy isn’t making the pie. So I’m glad you enjoyed it too! I went to St. Dominic’s in Jersey City for 1st 2 hs years-andwhen I was growing up you could get a small coke for 30 cents and a slice for 70 cents at Pompei-it was a perfect lunch for a dollar!
Jenn,
The only bad thing is that Romeo’s is 14 miles away from home, but I do intend to get back there. Not much good pizza in the Sandy Springs area, Fellini’s is OK but not as good as Romeo’s. How do you know who the right guy is at Romeo’s. You must be a good Catholic girl going to St. Dominick’s, I spent my formative years at Mt. Carmel with the nuns, which by the way closed down several years ago.
Take care !
Bob
I want your job… I don’t know what you do, but getting to bounce around eating pizza is my goal in life 🙂
Thanks – this is a lot of fun and hearing from folks like you makes it more fun.
I love all your reviews. I too am from Bayonne and the struggle to find a good pie is real…my husband grew up in Maryland and simply doesn’t understand…he calls me a pizza snob. I proudly wear that name…and I truly believe the water makes the pies too. Thanks for this site!
Thanks for your support Melissa it really means a lot. As for the water I asked all of the pizza places in my new home town of Nashville about it. Some said they tried it and didn’t think it made any difference. Who really knows?
This will throw a wrench into it. My only #10 pizza of all time back was back in the 60s & 70s, had the 2nd worst water in Wisconsin & his crust was incredible! No filtering system, just plain old heavily chlorinated city water. I met a man from a coffee company in Wisconsin at a food show years ago & he said the best coffee was using unfiltered water & one of their accounts had bad rusty water but made the best cup of coffee, go figure!
Hi Pizza Snob : I also grew up in Bayonne and consider myself an Old School Thin Crust Pizza Guy . During 2017 , I have been on a quest for the “best ” thin crust pizza in New Jersey . This year we tried about 49 different pizza places and it’s been a lot of fun . My favorite, so far, is the Star Tavern in Orange , NJ . It reminds me of the pizza that I used to get at Venice , Patsy De Angelo’s , Domenics , and Naples . Have a great New Year !
Great to hear from you Ken – that’s a busy pizza year. Have a great 2018.
Ken, what are your top 10 out of the 49 you tried?
Ken,
I promise you, you can make the best crust / pizza of all, right in your own kitchen & I refer you to my website; http://homepizzaparlor.com/
Jim,
The Pizza Guy
Hi there, I just came across your blog and I like your rating system and organization of your website. You haven’t been to any pizza places in Indiana? Let me know if you are ever out this way we could collaborate because we also have a pizza blog (http://indypizzablog.com) focused on the Indy area. Cheers!
Thanks Eric and looking forward to checking out both your blog and some Indy pizza. I need to take a road trip.
i enjoy your reviews. But i must say, I didnt see a review for Frank Pepes original in New Haven Conn. This is must. I am also a Bronx Pizza snob, grew up on Louies and Ernies, CHECK IT OUT ! Its definitely way up there !
google images and you will see. The oven alone is amazing. Thank you for keeping me informed of where my next road trip may start THANK YOU
Thanks Richie for commenting. I’ve been longing to get to New Haven for a long time now. COVID messed up some plans that I had but I will get there one day. I have been to Lou and Ernies and even have their t-shirt! Went there once on the way to see my beloved Yankees play. Check out my review and thanks again. People like you make this all worth the while.
Thanks for putting the list together. I’m originally from Edison NJ and recently moved to Nashville. I look forward to working through your local recos. Pizza snobs unite!
Welcome to Music City. I have not been writing lately but the top three right now are 5 Points, Smith & Lentz and Pinky Ring.