New York-style pizza

The Great American Pizza Divide In the culinary world, few debates spark more vitriol than the structural integrity and identity of regional pizza. Speedy Morman and Sean Evans recently met to litigate this age-old rivalry, pitting the foldable New York-style pizza against the casserole-adjacent Chicago deep dish. What began as a standard taste test quickly evolved into an examination of texture, utility, and the very definition of what constitutes a slice. Anatomy of the New York Fold The assessment of the New York slice highlights a common technical flaw even in high-quality iterations: the structural failure of the crust. While Evans praised the cheese quality and bake, he identified the "excessively floppy" nature of the dough as a primary detractor. A perfect New York-style pizza should offer a crisp, charred undercarriage capable of supporting its own weight. Despite the flop, the slice earned a respectable 8 out of 10, signaling that ingredient quality can often mask minor technical shortcomings in preparation. Depth Over Convenience Transitioning to the Chicago deep dish involves a shift in culinary philosophy. Evans describes it as a "serious meal for serious people," and he isn't wrong. The inclusion of cutlery highlights the departure from street food toward a formal, layered experience reminiscent of lasagna. The hallmark of a superior deep dish lies in the "cheese pull"—a feat of dairy engineering that relies on massive quantities of high-moisture mozzarella. This isn't a snack; it's a structural commitment to dough, sauce, and fat. The Verdict of the Palate The most surprising turn came from Morman, who entered the test with skepticism, referring to the Chicago style as "wet." However, the physical reality of the deep dish—its richness and festive execution—forced a total conversion. Morman’s admission that he was "buying what's being sold" serves as a reminder that culinary heritage is often best understood through the stomach rather than regional loyalty. For those seeking the spirit of the Slice Joint, the lesson is clear: respect the technique, regardless of the depth of the pan.