PIZZA.
That perfectly terrible way to fill yourself. I’ve NEVER had a bad slice of pizza.
NEVER. EVER.
I remember the EXACT moment I had my first deep dish pizza in Chicago. I remember it like it was just yesterday. Ok, maybe not yesterday (I hate that cliche’) but like it wasn’t too long ago that I forget it. I was in Chicago, interviewing for college entrance into the University of Chicago (I didn’t get in, btw, but I caught a cold, so there’s that….)
But I digress.
I traveled to Illinois during the winter-time, and was entertained by some friends to “authentic” chicago pizza. It was at Pizzeria Uno, on Ohio, just north of the Loop.
It. Was. Awesome….
I would consider myself somewhat of a pizza geek. I’m a traditionalist. Plain Cheese, or maybe some choice meats, and I’m fine. Nothing fancy here. No vegetables to get in my way. Definitely NO onions. Or full tomatoes.
So on my first trip to Chicago, and my first REAL deep dish, I was met with the awkwardness of eating a pizza pie with a fork. I’m from Florida, and our pizza’s mimic NY style. Foldable. Greasy. Delicious. I was not ready for the experience, to say the least.
First, this style is truly a pie. It has sides for pete’s sake. And the sauce is on the top, not the bottom. That’s weird, but ok… I was all in from the beginning.
I was taken aback at first, and muscled my way through trying to hold it in my hand, to which my hosts laughed and schooled me on how to eat it.
Grab a fork, you idiot.
As as I imagined, 4 minutes after eating exactly 2 slices, I was “STUFFED” beyond belief.
I was full, man…. seriously. That never happens to me on a mere 2 slices. I normally can shuffle down 4-6 slices, easily. But no so with this new favorite.
So for the most part, I’m freezing cold, warming my self with a pizza pie that I can barely eat, and to wit, I’m not fully emotional that I’m taking back 6 slices to the hotel, to eat at later on.
As I headed back to Florida, in love with this new found style, I could only wonder why it doesn’t exist back home. I eventually moved to Chicago to take a job there and lived for a little more than 2 years. I eventually found several other deep dish spots in town. Lou Malnati’s. Giordano’s. Portillo’s. Beggar’s. They all became instant favorites. When I moved back to Florida, I looked continuously for a restaurant that offered Chicago Style deep dish pizza. I haven’t found many, and as time has passed, I have begun a new relationship with NY style pizza. So, for those that care, below are my recommendations for the best of both in the Tampa area.
Deep Dish – Chicago Style
Cappy’s, OldeTown, Windy City Pizzeria
Thin Crust – NY Style
Sally O’Neil’s, Anthony’s, Cesare’s, Eddie & Sam’s, East Coast
Enjoy!
