Chubby Bunny

Pizza at Amore’s

The most favorite NY-defining fast food that I have occasional urges for would have to be pizza. Granted, I’m sure Chicago holds it’s own when it comes to pizza, New York-style pizza will always have me as a consumer. Pun intended.

Pizza in NY is tasty for many reasons, I think. Personally, it reminds me of growing up near a pizzeria (that has now become a cell phone place…I think…) and it reminds me of how Mom used to get us a slice to share when we were very little. I remember it well– $1.50 was all it took to get an oversized slice that was sliced down the middle, more towards one side than the other. And I would get the smaller slice by choice, since I was smaller and had a smaller stomach.

But I make up for that now.

Café Amore is a small chain that has a few locations throughout the city. And like most food, pizza at Amore’s brings back memories, especially when out with old friends from high school. We used to go to one after long meetings or concerts and just eat and talk and enjoy life. Life was challenging as a student, but beautiful nonetheless.

My favorite part is the crust. I have had cravings multiple times last semester just craving the pizza crust. The crunchy and chewy texture, paired with the simplicity that is pizza dough, are an amazing combination that my stomach hungers for. And yes, it makes me sad when people leave off the crust and donate it to the garbage.

They should sell breadsticks made from pizza crust at every pizzeria. Or at least most of them. And no, don’t make them into cheesesticks or garlic knots. Just crust, please.

We ordered a plain pizza to share between the four of us. I particularly like the browning of the cheese. Proteins brown at high temperatures, which is why we use egg in an egg wash or sometimes milk to paint over bread before baking. It leaves a nice color and a good flavor when done properly.

Here it was as a united whole. I always liked the little table on the center. Honestly, I used to keep a few when I was little and used them for my really small toy rabbits and bears to have dinner or tea parties.

But of course, the benefit of growing up is that real food is incomparable to imaginary food.

By luck, we manaed to pull four slices that ended up being rather strategic. Yes, Eugene insisted we take a picture to note our combined nerdiness. Really, maybe it was a subconscious doing of four insane science and math majors.

Overall, the pizza is what you pay for– it has enough gluten, a reasonable helping of tomato sauce and cheese. They make it oven fresh, so be advised to best avoid a very burnt tongue.

Café Amore is located on 104 E 14 Street.