Pizza Week 2018: A REVIEW
Because I am a busy businesswoman, I was only able to try two Pizza Week slices this year. That doesn’t mean I can’t still be judgey.
Let the games begin!
Location: Atlas Pizza (Division)
Pizza Week Slice: The Smokey Kernel
FULL DISCLOSURE: This burnt-tip slice belonged to my co-judge Jeanne Goshe, which is why you will not find any mention of it in the flavor review.
Rating
Flavor: I went in really hoping to be convinced chicken should be on pizza. It should not. 4/10
Form: Even though the pizza had chicken bits on it, underneath all the nonsense you could tell this was a fine slice of ‘za. I mean fiiiine. 9/10
Environment: We went at a weird time, I think like 4:15pm? It was nice and empty and ~real chill~. Simpsons pinball machine in the corner. Nice environment. 8/10
Overall: The Smokey Kernel is the type of pizza where you and your friends order a few pizzas for the table and when you try it, you say “hmmmm….interesting” and then do not go back for a second slice. A good palate switch up to remind you how much you love ‘roni pizza.
And while the chicken bits were not for me, I could tell it was made by people that know pizza and that I definitely need to go back.
FINAL SCORE: 7/10
Location: HOTLIPS (Hollywood)
Pizza Week Slice: Chèvre, ‘Shrooms + Whips
Shiny, shiny babies.
Rating
Flavor: Okay, I don’t know if this can be counted as bribery, but I do love most things covered in goat cheese. Whether or not they knew my preferences before deciding their slice this year, I did enjoy the flavor combo. I am not fully clear on what garlic whips are, especially with the description “house-made garlic whip pesto (whips from Persephone Farms).” If the whips are from Persephone Farms, can they be house-made?? Nonetheless, the flavor was good (even though it could have used a little spicy kick). 8/10
Form: Form was fine. A lil' greazy. 7/10
Environment: If I were a child wanting to run about and play games in a bright room and live my best kid life, this would probably be a good pizza joint. If I were a crotchety me wanting to find a nice, quiet nook to visit with friends and judge pizza, this might not be it. 5/10
Overall: Of the two pizza week slices I tried, Chèvre, ‘Shrooms + Whips wins flavor, but lost out to Atlas for overall score. And while I did ding HOTLIPS for its environment, I realized too late that it was a nice day and you could sit outside in the sun. At a quiet picnic table. That one’s kinda on me.
FINAL SCORE: 6.5/10
Overall Overall: We're all winners & I love pizza