Chicago "I'm Gonna Be in it Deep" Dish

Over the next few weeks, I'll try and summarize the spots I've hit so far, one by one. I've got some catching up to do. But while I'm still thinking about it, I have to comment about a super lack luster dinner this evening.

I hate to start a blog about Chicago food by dogging on Chicago-style deep dish, but sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do.

Tonight I had my first slice of stuffed pie. And I have to say...ehhh? Totally not impressed. I'm a Jersey girl (for those of you who didn't know), so maybe my east coast thin-crust roots are showing. I did not understand this gigantic pizza though.

First, the experience was poor. I checked in at Pizzeria Uno tonight (apparently the original deep dish in the city, per the Food Network). The wait was 30 minutes (which is nothing at this place), but you have to order your pie in advance of being seated because it takes an hour to bake. Well, the 30 minute wait turned out to be 75 minutes, and then I still waited another 30 minutes at my table for the pizza to come. In the meantime, I had some salad, which was essentially lettuce with red wine vinegar on it...exactly what I expected. By the time the 'za arrived (after asking about my elusive dinner maybe 7 times?), I could have put some parm on my shoe and it would have done the trick. Check minus on experience.

As my friend Charlie told me to expect, this pizza is closer to lasagna than anything else. The crust was plentiful, but strangely crumbly. Huh? The sauce was chunky, and needed seasoning. When I have to put salt on pizza, something has gone terribly wrong. In fairness, today was a Friday in Lent (and I'm a good Catholic girl) so there was no traditional sausage or pepperoni to add much-needed flavor. Probably not my best call. I ordered it stuffed with mushrooms, spinach and broccoli (a special on the menu), and the toppings were all pretty good. The mozz was delish and fresh.

At the end of the day, I didn't even want to take the leftovers home. And I NEVER leave food. Clearly, Chicago pizza is a matter of personal preference. I don't think it will matter which joint I choose or the toppings du jour... I just don't think this pie is for me...