The Way of the Pizza

As we search for the perfect pizza, we will examine multiple dimensions of the pizza experience. Primarily, of course, are the ingredients that make up the Golden Ratio, Crust:Sauce:Cheese:Toppings. First, the crust. We will focus on the Three T's: taste, texture, and tensile strength. Second comes sauce, where we will consider it's viscosity, taste - sweet versus savory, and additives. Next is the cheese. It will be judged on amount, it's ability to stay on the pizza or the "slide factor," and, once again, the critical factor of taste. Then, there is the toppings. With freshness, quality, distribution, and - yet again - taste being our primary focus.

While each of these factors is extremely important, there are instances where the pizza is better than the sum of it's parts - just like Captain Planet was better than five teenagers with magic rings. So how the separate parts combine will also be judged.

In these tough economic times, taste is easily sacrificed on the alter of economics. So we will consider the price of each pizza.

Additionally, when possible, the service and and story of each store will be examined.

In cases of delivery, we will judge it on how quickly the order was processed, how well the pizza traveled, and the creepiness of the delivery person.

When ordering pizzas, we will try three different kinds. First, the cheese pizza, as it is pizza in it's most basic form. This will act as our control. Second is pepperoni. It is by far the most popular topping in the US. Lastly, we ask what each place recommends as their quintessential pizza. This will give each restaurant a chance to establish a unique and individual identity. Upon poor reviews, we are more than happy to give a restaurant a second chance.