Reevaluating New York's Self-Proclaimed Pizza Dominance

When New York claims to be the 'king of pizza,#8217; it's often dismissed as mere hype. There's a belief that the city's claim to fame stems from a dramatic display of dough manipulation as seen in scenes from the Goodfellas movie. Yet, the truth about New York's pizza is more akin to a flat tire - thin, floppy, and barely holding together. What's more, the living proof lies in the stark contrast with pizza experts in other regions, notably California.

Water and Competition in New York City

Two primary reasons highlight the supposed supremacy of New York's pizza: the city's water and stiff competition from neighboring pizza joints.
The unique mineral composition of New York City's tap water, sourced from the Catskill Mountains, is essential for dough making, leading to the city's renowned bagels as well. However, the cut-throat competition within the pizza scene is where New York truly shines. Within a 10-minute walk from my apartment in Brooklyn, there are around 20 pizza parlors, all deemed good by locals.

Despite the clamor for accolades, quality and innovation are key determinants. Many evaluate pizza based on its toppings, but no matter how creative, one can always achieve great toppings. However, the true testis in the crust. Tomato sauce and cheese are seconds compared to the punch in the crust.

Stellar Examples: Jerry's Pizza in Connecticut

Contrary to New York's claim, Jerry's Pizza in Ridgefield, Connecticut, just south of Middletown, is a prime example of exceptional pizza. I first sampled Jerry's pizza on Route 17, halfway between McDonald's and Dennys, and it remains unmatched. The thin crust of Jerry's resembles a freshly made Italian grinder, with a simple yet delectable tomato sauce and Polly-O whole milk mozzarella. Despite its simplicity, the secret ingredient is its consistency and flavor, which proves that less is more.

Objectivity and Regional Pizza Styles

Meta on the objectivity of New York's pizza enthusiasts. A New Yorker's belief that their pizza is superior is often more a reflection of local pride and ego. Pizza styles and preferences are highly subjective, and what one deems great, another may not. The pizza landscape goes beyond New York, with distinct styles like Chicago deep dish, New York thin slice, and even the unique Detroit-style pizza.

It's not just New York that claims superiority. Anyone can make great toppings, but the true measure is in the crust. Chicago style is cherished for its deep-dish texture, while I prefer a more traditional thin crust, like what Jerry's provides. While New York's pizza may be famous, it's not the only high-quality concept around, and there are plenty of great pizzerias in various cities, whether they be in the traditional deep-dish style or something more inventive with unconventional toppings.

So let New York brag; in any city, you can find fantastic pizza if you know where to look! Ultimately, the focus should be on finding the pizza that resonates with you, regardless of its place of origin. Say goodbye to the flat-tire pizza, and embrace the diverse world of pizza styles.