It seems I've started something with my declaration of Zio's being the best pizza in four states (those states being, officially and for the record: Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Iowa. If you live on either of the coasts, or London, just imagine the most boring place on Earth to eat pizza and that will represent well against what we are talking about). This was a statement made, like many of mine, without much reason or thought, and as such has begun what I can only describe a medium-wide debate. Well, I am open to being corrected on this matter, but will only do so based on physical evidence, not assertions or opinions. Here's how this is going to break down:
The 1PT.Rule Great Pizza Hunt
The Great Pizza Hunt will begin tomorrow, August 20, at Zio's Pizzeria on 130th & Center, in Omaha. We (should you choose to accept this mission) will order slices of pizza to our individual likings that will become the baseline for measurement. We will then travel to other pizzerias and attempt to order the same slices of pizza, and determine then which is better. In this way we are comparing apples to apples, so to speak.
The second stop will be at Yia Yia's in Lincoln, Nebraska, as it has been the most staunchly defended since Monday as the actual best pizza in Nebraska. If you want to take part in this first leg of The Great Pizza Hunt, you need to attend the local AIGA's Third Thursday tomorrow at Zio's for a comparison slice, otherwise your opinion on the matter will be moot.
Other important rules:
• Any attendee who participates tomorrow's inaugural outing will be considered a part of The Great Pizza Crew and may suggest a venue for testing.
• Only pizzerias, where pizza is the driving force behind the menu, will be considered for inclusion in The Great Pizza Hunt. If your venue choice offers pizza as only a few choices of a much broader menu selection, it does not count (thus, using Omaha as a baseline, The Upstream is out, Bene Pizza/Pasta could conceivably be in).
• Qualifying statements such as "...when this is half price it is totally better..." automatically disqualifies any establishment from consideration. If if needs to be half the price to be enjoyable, it is not enjoyable enough.
Some travel will be necessary, but let's face it, we're not driving to Wyoming just for pizza, and South Dakota is a stretch (though Souix Falls is nice, I'd go there again). If you live there, mail us pizza and we will hold an event. Otherwise I'm certainly willing to cross the stream over to Iowa, and would consider going as far as Des Moines if the Pizza Hunt Crew (TBD) is up for it and there's some sort of design happening, er, happening.
If you are man or woman enough to take part in this epic adventure, sign off in comments below. If not, STFU about your pizza and watch helplessly as we decide your fate.
Your important links:
Yia Yia's (no real website--WTF Lincoln designers?)
--Nate out.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
• There is no set schedule for the Hunt, but I assume we'll meet sporadically as the Crew's availability dictates, and we'll probably end around October/November.
• All outings will be recorded and posted to the site, of course.
OMG. Totally in! Ever since I moved here I have been searching for the best pie in Omaha.
A friend told me Yia Yia's is the closest thing to American Dream, but I still haven't made the trip. http://www.adpizza.com Fabulous pizza.
Still, I would also like to find one that compares to portland's http://hotlipspizza.com/
LaCasa is definitely the most unique pizza I have found in Omaha so far.
I haven't tried Orsi's, but have heard good things.
I'm a big fan of Zio's. Orsi's is good as well.
Yia Yia's is ok, but not even the best in Lincoln. Like Eric mentioned earlier, the crust is not great.
For Lincoln. The Isle's pizza is good and so is Piezano's and Lazzari's.
I'm thinking that Omaha will prevail in this contest.
I agree with the guidelines, but I would vote Upstream's pizza as the best non-pizza-joint pizza in Omaha.
Starting at Zio's, why waste our time elsewhere? ;)
Have you seen this? I couldn't make it to the event, but it would have been incredible. Food & Spirits Mag - Largest Pizza Review Ever
http://www.fsmomaha.com/food/2009/4/omaha-s-largest-pizza-review-ever
I'm totally in. But just let it be known that I have a friend who made pizza at Zio's for a chunk of time...y'know those rumors about Zio's problems with cockroaches and bleach? True.
I'm just sayin' :)
Now I won't vouch for Yia-Yia's "standard" pizzas. BUT, I will defend their Pacific pizza to the (near)death. Unfortunately it won't get judged in our apples-to-apples comparison because nobody else makes anything like it. Looks like I'm destined to lose this fight.
Craig, that would explain the blackening of their cajun chicken. Probably where the sweet flavor comes from.
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating roaches.
Zio's downtown does have a new location. Roaches may not be an issue any more. And maybe I'm just a true new york style pizza fan, but my money never lets me down at don carmelo's on farnam.
I have to say my favorite two places right now ( which will probably change at some point ) are La Casa and Lo Sole Mio
I love how only two people (so far) agree about Zio's after Vossenstein 3D so assuredly declared it was "the best in four states"...
Whatever Tom. If you don't like it the way I called it you better show up or shut up. Them's the rules, homeboy.
I like Zio's a lot. Orsi's and Zio's are definitely my favorites out of Omaha. I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I definitely care way more about pizza than about 'design.' Is there anyway we could get this blog refocused into a pizza blog? You could interview famous pizza chefs and give out helping tips on dough recipes. 36slices, maybe?
If you'd like to extend the Great Pizza Hunt over to Des Moines and use design events as an excuse; AIGA Iowa is hosting Design Week October 19-23.
www.iowa.aiga.org/events/2009/designweek
You can hear Patrick Coyne speak and then get a slice of Big Tomato topped with Spam & Doritos. (We have excellent non-novelty pizza joints as well.)