Ok, not everything. But enough for me to pause the Piedmont posts to reflect on an issue near and dear to my heart. Other than the Yankees blowing a big lead to lose the World Series, there’s nothing that can rile up the natives more than another pizza list. Especially when it comes from the NYT. But as with any pizza list there are some good things (cause its pizza), so I’ll start with that…
First, the link. I like the transparency. I like that the story starts with “The reporters for this story visited 50 pizzerias across all five boroughs.” I like that the reporters are active in the comments section, being humble and all.
I do like some of the mentions of newer places like L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, and Ungaro Coal Fired Pizza Cafe in Staten Island. Da Michele especially feels fresh even for a Neapolitan. Although, why include a picture of someone using a knife and fork. We usually get the pies at Da Michele sliced, and we eat them with our hands. Its New York, not mayor de Blasio house.
Moving on to the issues…
While I appreciate the transparency, we have over 2000 pizzerias. NYC is the pizza capital of the world. Coming up with a list of 25, after eating at 50 places just wont cut it for “Best Pizza in NYC” list. And besides, in NYC, figuring out the best pizza is like trying to figure out the most active squirrels in Central Park.
Some individual inclusions and exclusions
Joe and Pats – Listing the overrated East Village location instead of the institution in Staten Island feels very wrong, strange and most importantly very wrong. Its like listing Di Fara Pizza on South St instead of the iconic Midwood. I understand its an expensive bridge even for the NYT, but Staten Island is one of our most important pizza boroughs.
Denino’s – Speaking of Staten Island, this is one of the more overrated places on the island. Old doesn’t always mean great.
L&B Spumani – Seriously, did they just forget to take a picture of the Sicilian? Maybe they never tasted it, or contractually obligated to include that pup? The Sicilian is their claim to fame.
Scarr’s – Ever since they moved to the bigger space across the street, they’ve gone downhill. It used to be my favorite slice in NYC but now its really no better than an average slice, and pretty much strictly for tourists.
Lucia of Ave X – I’m ok with this inclusion. In fact its one of my favorites. In fact I just had it yesterday! But this also highlights the challenges of a best pizza list in NYC. Its nothing more than a solid neighborhood joint where you can get a good slice that’s convenient to me. We have hundreds of these. And at least a hundred like Sacco in Hell’s Kitchen, Best Pizza in Williamsburg, Nonna’s in Great Kills, Lo Duca in Flatbush are excellent. Lucia, Joe’s, and the rest of them are simply more famous either due to age or marketing.
Other exclusions are more puzzling.
No Song e Napule? This might be the best we have. Its pizza perfection.
No Lucali’s? The author admits in the comments that the hassle was not worth it. But at the end of the day it’s still a best pizza list, not the most accessible pizza list.
No Una Pizza Napoletana? Widely considered by pizza experts one of the best pizzas in America, not just NYC, and the top in the world by the respected https://www.50toppizza.it/. Strange omission.
No Keste, Don Antonio? I can go on and on. But I guess you cant include them all, and a mix of types is important. Although more emphasis should be made for Neapolitan which is awesome in NYC at the moment.
No Di Fara?!? Ok, I actually agree with this.
Eating With Ziggy 