Pizza - The Raging Debate Between New York and Chicago
Anders Abadie
October 22, 2011
There's no question that pizza can inspire some fairly heated arguments, depending on where you live. Those who live in Italy may not quite understand what all the fuss is about across the sea, but those in the right U.S. cities need no introduction. For those people who tend to eschew the big chain restaurants, which style of pie is served is of the utmost importance. Is the NYC style the best the country has to offer? Or is the best found on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago? Maybe you have no idea what the difference is. If you ever find yourself caught unwillingly in the middle of the debate again, here are some key facts that will keep you from sighing and saying, "Bah, pizza is all the same."
Crust
The crust is one of the primary differences between New York and Chicago style pizza. In fact, depending on where you go, this may be the only difference between them. Restaurants are known to get rather liberal when using the terms, so things can get needlessly confusing at times. But to stay strict about it, the NYC variety should have a thin crust and the Chicago style should have a thick, "deep dish" quality to it. Even Chicago styles that aren't specifically deep dish will have a much thicker crust than those found in the Big Apple.
Eating
There is only one acceptable way to eat a slice of New York City's finest delicacy: fold it at the crust and eat it almost like a sandwich. One hand. Preferably while making your way quickly to your next destination. New Yorkers aren't known for their preference of staying in one place for very long. If you've ever watched the TV show "Louie," the opening credits are a perfect introduction to how NYC pizza should be consumed. Chicago-style, on the other hand, is far from a grab-and-go food. Depending on how thick it is, you may even need to get utensils involved.
Oil
If you're used to ordering homogenized pizza from some local fine eatery or you prefer to make your own at home, you could be confused when people use the term "greasy" to describe it. But make no mistake about it—good Italian pie should be pretty oily. In NYC, you'll see this oil right away. It will be shimmering on the top of the slice. You'll eat it and you'll like it. In Chicago, the food is probably no less greasy, but it is distributed a bit more evenly throughout the slice.
For pizza Reston foodies head straight for the best slice in town. To check out the menu, go to http://pizzapaisanos.com/.
Crust
The crust is one of the primary differences between New York and Chicago style pizza. In fact, depending on where you go, this may be the only difference between them. Restaurants are known to get rather liberal when using the terms, so things can get needlessly confusing at times. But to stay strict about it, the NYC variety should have a thin crust and the Chicago style should have a thick, "deep dish" quality to it. Even Chicago styles that aren't specifically deep dish will have a much thicker crust than those found in the Big Apple.
Eating
There is only one acceptable way to eat a slice of New York City's finest delicacy: fold it at the crust and eat it almost like a sandwich. One hand. Preferably while making your way quickly to your next destination. New Yorkers aren't known for their preference of staying in one place for very long. If you've ever watched the TV show "Louie," the opening credits are a perfect introduction to how NYC pizza should be consumed. Chicago-style, on the other hand, is far from a grab-and-go food. Depending on how thick it is, you may even need to get utensils involved.
Oil
If you're used to ordering homogenized pizza from some local fine eatery or you prefer to make your own at home, you could be confused when people use the term "greasy" to describe it. But make no mistake about it—good Italian pie should be pretty oily. In NYC, you'll see this oil right away. It will be shimmering on the top of the slice. You'll eat it and you'll like it. In Chicago, the food is probably no less greasy, but it is distributed a bit more evenly throughout the slice.
For pizza Reston foodies head straight for the best slice in town. To check out the menu, go to http://pizzapaisanos.com/.
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