Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza- Is Really a Tomato Pie...

[N2NH]

So sez Supreme Scalia. And he's not alone:

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is no stranger to controversial rulings, and he's just issued an opinion that might be his most divisive yet: Chicago deep-dish shouldn't be called pizza.

“It’s very tasty, but it’s not pizza," he said Friday night in the Windy City, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Don't worry, Chicago. Scalia's opinion, delivered at the Union League Club of Chicago’s 126th annual George Washington’s Birthday celebration, is non-binding and doesn't carry the full weight of the court (or even the weight of a deep dish from Uno or Lou Malnati's).

But it's clear Scalia is an originalist in more ways than one. Back in 2011, he explained why he believes a Chicago deep dish should be called "a tomato pie" and not pizza.

"Real pizza is Neapolitan [from Naples, Italy] It is thin," he was quoted as saying. "It is chewy and crispy, OK?"

Scalia has also called New York pizza "infinitely better" than Chicago's, but we should note he may be suffering from a bit of judicial bias. He was born in New Jersey and moved to New York at the age of 6, where he remained through high school.

But even without Scalia's opinion, deep-dish pizza has been hitting hard times. In December, a survey by the online ordering website GrubHub found that only 9 percent of all orders in Chicago are for deep-dish pizza.

And last year, 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart railed against deep dish.

"Let me explain something, deep-dish pizza is not only not better than New York pizza. It's not pizza," Stewart explained in perhaps the only example of him agreeing with Scalia on anything. "It's a f***ing casserole!"

When Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent the 'Daily Show' crew some deep dish, Stewart released a video showing that even a dog wouldn't eat it.

Well I like deep dish. Once every few years. Makes for a nice change of pace.

Antonin Scalia Rules Deep Dish Is Not Pizza

[kb2vxa]

Everybody has their own idea what "real" pizza is depending on where you live and where you get your pizza from. Even greater debate comes whether you prefer Siciliano (deep dish) Napilatan or Romano. Then people who make their own think theirs is best even if everybody else think it sucks. Some even prefer spinach pizza, I think it sucks. I prefer New York style cooked in a coal fired brick oven and you don't have to go to Little Italy to get it, we here in "the beach" have The Coal House on Arnold Avenue (plug) and they serve lots of other goodies in the restaurant or take out, no home delivery. Oh, his pizza is menza menza but I like his name, Al Capone's over in Brick.

Off topic just a bit, everybody and his brother makes "Philly" cheese steak but the only REAL Philly cheese steak can be found in Philadelphia. I know, I've been around that block a few times and my tongue knows good Philly! They have pretty fair pizza too just to be fair. Also to be fair to your stomach and wallet, the absolute WORST food to be had at prices that make New York look cheap is on the boardwalk, BARF! Come on down and have fun, be a Bennie for a day, but take a tip from the locals and we all agree, in town the food is better and a whole lot cheaper.

I've lived here 14 years and haven't figured out where the hell this sign is!

[W3WN]

Many, many, (too) many moons ago, there was a restaurant in State College, where East College Avenue and High Street (1 way connection from Beaver Avenue) met up. It specialized in "pizzas of the world"

You name it, they probably had it on the menu. Sicilian, Neopolitan, Chicago Deep Dish, Hawaiian, Southwest, Eskimo (I have no idea), English (none there either)... all cheese, any toppings, all toppings... red sauce, white sauce...

Strictly speaking, a lot of their "pizzas" were indeed tomato pies with cheese toppings, or casseroles, or quiches... but if you ever asked, the manager would tell you "it's a pizza because we say it's a pizza!"

All these varieties. How could they go wrong?

...the business lasted 2 or 3 years before going under. Seems most people preferred a 'regular' pizza at half the cost.

Looks like the building is still there, though.

EastCollegeAtHighSt.jpg

[n2ize]

Everybody has their own idea what "real" pizza is depending on where you live and where you get your pizza from. Even greater debate comes whether you prefer Siciliano (deep dish) Napilatan or Romano. Then people who make their own think theirs is best even if everybody else think it sucks. Some even prefer spinach pizza, I think it sucks. I prefer New York style cooked in a coal fired brick oven and you don't have to go to Little Italy to get it, we here in "the beach" have The Coal House on Arnold Avenue (plug) and they serve lots of other goodies in the restaurant or take out, no home delivery. Oh, his pizza is menza menza but I like his name, Al Capone's over in Brick.

I agree with you here. In years past I used to haver to go to Brooklyn to get it. Now we have a couple places right nearby that make it in coal and wood fired overns.

And, this is the first time I ever agreed with Scalia.

BTW I am not saying Chicago style is not good. I am sure it's excellent and I am sure I'd like it. But it is different from what I am used to here in NY.

[KK4AMI]

Having eaten everything, just about everywhere (just to look at me is proof of that), I have no pizza preferences. Thick crust, thin crust, veggie, cold for breakfast, and even anchovies! It all depends on the moment! I just love pizza.

[W3WN]

Having eaten everything, just about everywhere (just to look at me is proof of that), I have no pizza preferences. Thick crust, thin crust, veggie, cold for breakfast, and even anchovies! It all depends on the moment! I just love pizza.

A pizza to go... with no anchovies.

No anchovies? You've got the wrong man. I spell my name: Danger!

wha?

[kb2vxa]

I have a pizza for Mister I. C. Wiener?

[KB3LAZ]

You've never had bad pizza until you've had pizza in Spain. Soggy cardboard with uncooked crushed tomato, assorted month old deli meat, and half a kilo of dried oregano. A discount frozen pizza that is three months expired from Aldi is better than anything I have ever had here.

I can get lots of good food here but pizza is not included.

[W3WN]

You've never had bad pizza until you've had pizza in Spain. Soggy cardboard with uncooked crushed tomato, assorted month old deli meat, and half a kilo of dried oregano. A discount frozen pizza that is three months expired from Aldi is better than anything I have ever had here.

I can get lots of good food here but pizza is not included.

Having tried Aldi's frozen "pizza"... oh man, I feel for you. That's truly awful.

[KB3LAZ]

Having tried Aldi's frozen "pizza"... oh man, I feel for you. That's truly awful.

Seriously, some good food can be found in Spain provided it is Spanish food. Anything that originates from other countries is not something that you want to buy here.