Table 42 Pizza – Where Coal Mine Used To Be
We were personally invited to try the new Table 42 that recently took the place of Coal Mine Pizza in downtown Boca Raton. Although Table 42 still has the same owners and managers, they decided to give the place a face-lift and change the menu around. Table 42 was named after one of the tables in the corner as you enter. Now table 42 is a huge living room style table that can comfortably accommodate up to 16.
Immediately upon entering Table 42, my eyes were drawn to this beautiful white marble coal burning pizza oven. Previously Coal Mine Pizza had a brick facade around their oven, and this subtle change added some modern flair to the restaurant.
(more…)
Stageline Pizza Missoula Montana
I didn’t roll into Missoula for the 2nd time in 9 days looking for a pizza; I’d been driving for nearly 20 hours straight, and all I wanted was a bed. After making my selection based on billboards on the highway, I chose the Econolodge Inn, for no particular reason other than it was the first one off the exit.
(more…)
A Last Eat At Coal Mine Pizza in Boca Raton Before it Becomes Table 42
Coal Mine Pizza was eager to improve its standing on WorstPizza.com, and they certainly impressed me, perhaps more than anyone else at our table. You see Coal Mine Pizza will be closing down (it already technically has) and re-opening as Table 42 on December 10th.
Starting with their margherita pizza, I found it to be light and crisp, cooked evenly and topped with basil so fresh, I’d wondered if it had just been picked from the plant. The basil was aromatic and added a refreshing minty-lemongrass herbal flavor that wasn’t as appreciated as much by my basil-blaspheming cohorts.
The “videl” pizza, topped with sausage and ricotta cheese was another variety I enjoyed. The sausage was so finely crumbled that it melted in my mouth with the ricotta and didn’t upset the balance of the slice as so many normally-heavy toppings do.
The truffle pizza ($40 for a personal size!) was another nice surprise. Rich and buttery in both flavor and texture, I’d order it again if not for the price. It may be an item targeted to more upscale clientele in the area, but I think a very similar flavor can be accomplished if topped with less costly mushrooms.
Finally, I find myself as the lone voice of dissension in regards to the white pizza. Unlike my pie-munching pals, I wasn’t crazy about this one. Heavy on garlic, it tasted less like a pizza and more like a flattened garlic roll. I’d love it as a crouton-style side to accompany a pasta/seafood dish, perhaps seared scallops or shrimp scampi. As a pizza, I doubt I could want more than a small slice or two.
Coal Mine Pizza did a wonderful job and I’d gladly return. 6/8 slices, with points included for cleanliness, freshness and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Scarfone’s Coal Fired Pizza Coconut Creek at the Promenade
A new coal fired pizza place named Scarfone’s Coal Fired Pizza just opened up their second location. This time in the Promenade Shops of Coconut Creek. After hearing about it from a buddy of mine, I decided to invite Lori & Willie and head on over there to see if it sucks, like some of their competition.
Upon entering into this metro-chic locale, I was truly impressed with the ambiance. No cost was spared during the renovating of this restaurant. After being shown our table from the waiter (there were plenty available due to the time we went, and the fact they just opened) I sunk into my couch like booth, and slowly leaned back to realize just how high the booths were.
(more…)
Victor’s Pizza Delight Melville NY
I guess everyone has that acquaintance who seems to think he knows the “best” everything. He has the best plumber, and the best dentist, even the best tire guy. Sure, during previous “best” recommendations he managed to fail me. Like the time he said “I know where the best garlic knots are in New York”, and like a fool I actually went there to try them, only to find they were far from the best. Note to self: never take advice on anything Italian from an Irish guy.
(more…)
Tommaso’s Pizza Smithtown New York
Obviously I didn’t eat the Sicilian shown in the photo above. It was overcooked on top, and raw looking on the bottom. It appeared to have sat there most of the day with no takers. Since I am not a gambling man, there was no chance of me trying this.
(more…)
Nancy’s Stuffed Pizza Chicago
I decided to revisit Nancy’s Pizzeria, a Chicagoland pizzeria favorite, after going many years without eating its famous stuffed pizza. The main difference between stuffed pizza and deep dish pizza is the layer of cheese is much thicker in the stuffed pizza than the deep dish pizza. And boy, can you ever taste that cheese difference with Nancy’s pizza. Unfortunately, part of the reason why you notice the cheese so profoundly is because of its icky texture. I despise how difficult it is to chew Nancy’s cheese–I felt myself choking at least 3 times. The rest of the pizza was decent; the pizza sauce and crust were in good symmetry and the sausage topping was fresh but unremarkable.
But you want to know the worst part about ordering stuffed pizza from Nancy’s? The price: it cost me $20 for a small stuffed pizza that fed 2 people! Actually, let me give credit when it is due. After hearing how horrified I was to learn the price when ordering the stuffed pizza on the phone, I was offered a buy-1-pizza-get-1 free deal. The problem was the pizza wasn’t good enough to eat a 2nd time.
The menu proclaims that Nancy’s pizza has been named “The Best Stuffed Pizza in Chicago” by ABC-TV. I don’t how long ago that assertion was made because I’ve certainly tasted better stuffed pizza lately. As always, when I have a less-than-satisfactory pizza-eating experience, I ask the readers: do you agree with my review, or have you had a much-better pizza eating experience than the one I described? Sound off below.
Nancy’s Pizza in Chicago gets 4 out of 8 slices.
You can follow Martha on Twitter @examinerchicago and us @worstpizza
Joe’s Pizza Southlake Texas
Yeah, I know…..Dallas is not known to have good pizza. I have even said it myself. Through my numerous posts about the pizza parlors I have tried while visiting the Dallas area, one could easily assess that I have been pretty disappointed. My view has changed a bit after trying Joe’s Pizza.
(more…)
Sammy’s Pizza Duluth Minnesota
BurgerDogBoy sent over this review he recently posted on BurgerDogspizza.com.
Sam Parella started Sammy’s Pizza on Minnesota’s Iron Range over 50 years ago. Today, Sammy’s locations are scattered across the Upper Midwest, and although each restaurant is independent, they are all owned by a relative of Sam or his best friend Nick Jerulle.
(more…)
I have previously written about Hunt Brothers Pizza, a concession company that has set up heat and eat pizza outlets in hundreds of gas stations and C stores. Another similar product is “Bellarico’s NY Style Pizza” – which I have seen a number of places, including the Crossroads Travel Center, in Missoula. the pizza product is more or less what you would expect from this outlet. Not good, not bad, just there. Slice and 20 oz coke, $3.28.