BS: The Great Pizza Shortage

Subject: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: GUEST,chuck hemrick
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 09:15 PM

On my way back from the town this morning I stopped for gas in a Mini-Mart. After gassing up, I hoped to get a slice of fresh baked pizza as well. They buy pre-baked pizzas and heat them in a finishing oven. They aren't great, but not bad for the price.
When I went inside, however, there were no pizza's prepared. I asked the clerk, a new employee who does not know me, why there wasn't any pizza. He told me that the manager said he has not been able to get any for the past three weeks.
I replied, "Ah yes, the pizza shortage! That's President Bush's fault. He allowed Haliburton to buy all the pre-baked pizzas in the country to send to their employees overseas."
The clerk rolled his eyes and said, "You liberals get weirder and wierder by the day." Happy that he stood his ground, I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was pulling his chain. I paid for the gas and left, as he walked to the window to get a closer look at what I was driving.
I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind when he read the Viet Nam Veterans Against John Kerry bumper sticker on the back of my truck.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Bert
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 09:48 PM

With a bumper sticker like that you don't DESERVE any Pizza *GRIN*

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Amos
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 10:10 PM

Well, Chuck, for a liberal you do sound kinda weird. But it sounds like you are having fun.

A

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: GUEST,Reality Check
Date: 18 Aug 04 - 10:14 PM

I asked the clerk, a new employee who does not know me . .

How'd he get so lucky?

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: dwditty
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 02:26 PM

The only good pizza is in New Haven, CT, in my opinion.....reheated, pre-made pizza, indeed! (*Grin*)

dw
A VV of a different political opinion as well

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: PoppaGator
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:05 PM

DW -- I saw a Travel Channel special about pizza joints across the USA, and they featured a place in New Haven. They had a l-o-o-o-n-g line of patrons waiting for their wares.

Do you agree that there's one particular outstanding pizza restaurant there? What's the name of it again?

The Travel Channel show spent a lot of time on Chicago "deep dish" pizza, but as a native of the northeast, I am strongly partial to the classic thin-crust variety.

We have plenty of *great* food here in New Orleans, but pizza is not a local specialty. Mama Rosa's on Rampart Street (where it's impossible to park and pick up, and which is too far away for delivery to my house) is about the best we got, fairly close to what I grew up with in north-central New Jersey.

If you're ever at the Jersey Shore, try a slice at the open-air pizzaria on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, right next to the city line bordering Seaside Park. The pies are huge -- at least 30" in diameter -- and taste great (although the salt air & beach ambiance might have something to do with that.)

Also, one or two other boardwalk outlets in Seaside provide the northernmost source(s) for authentic Philly cheesesteaks. (Sorry about the thread drift, but it's getting close to lunchtime and I can't help how my hungry mind wanders.)

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:19 PM

The best pizza I ever had was at Ledo Pizza at their original location in Adelphi, Maryland (USA). It's been decades since I've had any of their pizza though. It tasted best washed down with a good cold beer.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: jeffp
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:24 PM

Carol, you'll be happy to know that Ledo Pizza is still fantastic. They do other foods very well, too.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Little Hawk
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:30 PM

Pizza is not food, it's entertainment.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:31 PM

Mouth fun

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:51 PM

There are about 100 Rays pizzas in New York- not a chain.   Just 100 different pizza parlors named Rays.   The origianl is in the village on Ave of the Americas.   It was very good.   When tourists come to New York and ask a taxi to take them to Rays, the driver can take to a number of different pizza parlors and the visitor never knows that it is not the original.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: PoppaGator
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 03:59 PM

My son, who moved from New Orleans to NYC almost two years ago to pursue a standup comedy career, reports that -- in addition to the many places called "Ray's Pizza" -- there's one in Brooklyn called "Not Ray's."

Within a few blocks of the original Ray's Pizza (in Greenwich Village) is my favorite, John's Pizza.

It's also Woody Allen's favorite, and the interior is featured in a couple of his films. The Travel Channel show I mentioned earlier featured a new second location for John's, in the Times Square area, which is a converted church and is supposedly the world's argest pizzaria. I'm not sure that bigger would be better, but John's Pizza (at the original location, anyway) is mighty fine.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: dwditty
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 08:55 PM

Poppa, if they featured New Haven pizza on the food channel it was likely Sally's (for Salvatore)or Pepe's...both in operation with the same brick ovens since the early 30's. Sinatra went to Sally's when he wanted his favorite pizza. Of late, though, a young upstart, Modern Pizza (1938) his been winning the annual pizza polls. The New York Times oncw did a story on New Haven pizza claiming that there is more pizza per capita here than anywhere on earth.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Once Famous
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 09:51 PM

Of course Chicago is famous for it's deep dish pizza. A chain called Uno's evolved out of this and has opened in numerous cities. Have any of you tried it?

I have eaten in Uno's in 2 or 3 other cities and it's just not the same as the original one here.

Most in the know, realize that without real Lake Michigan water in the recipe, it's just not the same!

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: bbc
Date: 19 Aug 04 - 11:07 PM

Oooh, Carol & Jeff, I've been to Ledo's in Adelphi, too! Lived there for 4 1/2 years. Yum! My favorite was the bacon pizza--great, but mighty rich. Thanks for the memory!

bbc (now in NY)

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 09:49 AM

What is the correct ettiquette for eating a Pizza.
Do you hold it in your hands

OR

Do you use cutlery?

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: jeffp
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 10:02 AM

bbc, the precooked bacon pizza still overflows. My doctor would probably slap me silly if she saw me eating it, but sometimes I just can't resist. Thank God they don't deliver, or it would be the only pizza I ever ate.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: dwditty
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 10:05 AM

Cutlery for eating pizza!!! What a horrible thought.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Once Famous
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 10:24 AM

Deep dish pizza, the gourmet of all pizzas and what Chicago is world famous for, not eating it with a knife and fork is barbaric.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 02:06 PM

Last time I tried to eat pizza with a knife and fork, the pizza refused to part. An extra sharp tug on the knife sent it spinning, discus-like across the restaurant. I use my hands or order pasta now.

Could be a new Olympic sport though, throwing the pizza. Great idea for a pizza shop logo too - the Discus thrower, but with a pizza instead, for speedy delivery....

I'll get me medication.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 02:24 PM

I wish I could still eat Ledo Pizza. I think one of the best things about it, though, was the cheese. I can't eat cheese any more, so Ledo pizza is out for me.

I can only have pizza without cheese now. Pizza Hut Veggie Lover's pizza is pretty good without the cheese. The best cheeseless pizza I've had so far was in a great little Italian restaurant in Niagra Falls, Ontario, when JtS and I were there last fall. Lots and lots of veggies and really good olives.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: PoppaGator
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 03:58 PM

Sorry to hear about your cheese problem, CarolC. I didn't think a pie could be called pizza without cheese -- but apparently I was mistaken.

One fairly recent "gourmet" trend, which supposedly has its roots back in Naples, is the "white pizza," with no red sauce (tomato sauce) of any kind. Little more than cheese, plus (usually) garlic. Interesting, sometimes very good, but hardly traditional or "classic."

Knife and fork are in appropriate for most non-deep-dish pizzas, but absolutely necessary for Chicago-style. The upside-down "pizza pot pies" at Chicago Pizza and Grinder Oven Company, for example, couldn't possibly be picked up and eaten by hand.

Back to basics (thin-to-medium pizzas): When I'm really hungry and unwilling to wait for a just-baked pizza to cool, and I want to avoid burning the roof of my mouth, I will sometimes cut a small piece, spear it with a fork, and nibble. Before the first slice is finished, however, I'm back to my usual hands-on technique.

And I *always* eat the crusts. The stupidest thing* I've ever seen is people who pay extra to buy "breadsticks" while turning their nose up at the crusts of the pizza they're eating. Breadsticks at a pizzeria, of course, are no different at all from pie crusts -- same dough, same oven, etc.

*Well, ONE of the stupidest things...

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: bbc
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 05:29 PM

Ah, yes, Jeff. I'm on 2 cholesterol medicines. My doctor would never forgive me if I still lived in Adelphi! :) I think Dennis & Judy Cook took me there!

bbc

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Peace
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 10:51 PM

3 Tbsp, Olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon Soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon Cumin
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
4 Japanese eggplants, sliced lengthwise 1/8-in. thick
Pizza dough as needed
2/3 cup Red onion, sliced in 1/8-in. rings
2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
4 cups Fresh spinach, cut in 1/4-in. strips
6 Oil-packed, sun-dried tomatoes, drained, patted dry, julienned
Extra-virgin olive oil optional
Balsamic vinegar optional


NO CHEESE

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 11:29 PM

Sounds great, brucie. Thanks. How is the 3 Tbsp of Olive oil divided? Is that recipe for three pizzas?

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Peace
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 11:38 PM

Carol,

I took it from a web site.

I will go look for some links or get the google words for you. There is life after the no-cheese order from the doctor. BRB

PS I will message a great kinda-pizza weight watchers recipe I encountered years ago. Uses eggplant instead of the dough base. Not bad.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Peace
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 11:40 PM

Carol,

google the following


cheeseless, pizza, recipes



The one above is from the first site on that page.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 12:30 AM

In Australia, I have now found a "Pizza Bread" - small about 8" circle, thin crust, no cheese, no toppings, just flavouring like garlic or chili, that freeze well. They can be cut in quarters and slipped in a toaster. You could make your own, & even bake them square in sizes that fit in a toaster.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 01:09 AM

Thanks brucie. I love eggplant.

Interesting idea, Foolestroupe.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 01:12 AM

Oh, and I found a frozen 'Toaster Croissant' product that tastes ok, and comes in break apart sizes that fit into a toaster like the square fresh unfrozen 'Toaster Crumpet' product.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Aug 04 - 01:32 AM

In the US, we can't get any baked products that don't have corn of some sort in them at anyplace other than health food stores, except sometimes pita bread. Most pizza, store bought or restaurant, has corn products in it here in the US also (corn syrup, corn oil, corn starch, or corn meal on the bottom of the crust). I'm extremely allergic to corn. Fortunately, Pizza Hut doesn't use any corn products in their Veggie Lovers pizza. They're the only place in the US I've found so far that has pizza I can eat now that I'm allergic to corn.

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 01:05 AM

Yes, the third topping for the 'Pizza bread' - now that I looked in my freezer!, is Sundried Tomato.

Others such as Pesto would work too.

I have a friend that is allergic to most Tomato products, so can't cope with most commercial Pizzas. He can tolerate 'barbecue sauce' though, and interestingly enough can tolerate SOME prepared tomato products. We're not sure whether it is to do with the preparation/cooking process, or whether it is to do with the seeds, or species of tomato, though. He can eat HP sauce - originally an imported British Product, but apparently now manufactured in Australia.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: Dewey
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 04:01 AM

Just a guess, but most likely they were short of help, more than pizzas, and thus gave up on making them available to the public. I currently make pizza in a gas station convenience store, I can set a slicer out and its gone in 3 minutes, especially during 5 pm. when people are filling their gas tanks up as well as their stomachs.

It takes a lot of ubiquity to manage both pizza prep and gas when the pumps outside are filling up, and with gas at close to $2.00 a gallon there is also the steady fast concern of drive offs. And Personally, if I own a Mini mart, I'd rather lose a few slices of pizza sales that I few tanks of gas.

Dewey

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 06:55 PM

$2.oo a gall is close to 50c a litre, and here, it getting over $1.00 a litre...

Well, carol,

you could make your own pizza breads using whatever ingredients you are not allergic to - thin crust works best in a toaster. I have warmed it up, and thick crust Pizza bread too, in a frypan with a little olive oil on the bottom (the pan, you fool!). You heat up the pan, then put the bread in, then turn the pan right down so it doesn't burn. Gives a crisp bottom crust. Another trick is to use a panlid, then dribble a few drops of water onto pan - makes steam which carries 600 times the energy of water, and helps warm the bread thru.

Herbs in the dough will work well, toppings have been mentioned above. Thin amounts of toppings work best for 'pizza bread' - if you want a real pizza with lots of topping, then make it that way, but may not work according to the suggestions made here.

You can do a large batch and freeze them, warming them from frozen or thawed. If shaped square to fit into a toaster, can also be made larger to be cut in quarters then fitted into toaster.

Tip: let cool to room temp, then wrap for freezing, but place in fridge for a few hours before placing in freezer - will help them to freeze faster with less load on freezer.

Use a pizza stone in the oven - will cook them faster, recover the temp faster between items and give a nice crisp base. You can use a large thick ceramic floor tile for this - covering it in foil may help, but you need to be careful that the peel you use doesn't tear the foil. A 'peel' is the wooden or metal thing on a stick thing bakers use to lift them in and out.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 07:16 PM

Thanks for the tips, Foolstroupe

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 07:45 PM

BTW, put the cold pizza stone in the cold oven before preheating - and allow longer to allow stone to come ot temp - seems obvious, I know...

Subject: RE: BS: The Great Pizza Shortage
From: GUEST,LilyFestre
Date: 22 Aug 04 - 07:50 PM

If you are ever in the Ithaca, NY area near Cornell's collegetown, take the time to hit the Slovaki House for a pizza.....best I've ever had!!!!!!!!!! It's a greek place and that's good...but their pizza is even better!!!!

:) Michelle