Join Dan Pashman, a three-time James Beard Award-winning host, and Melissa McCart, Eater NYC reporter and food writing expert, as they dive into the New York pizza scene. They tackle the debate over East Coast vs. West Coast pizza, discuss the evolving styles and pricing, and put the hot honey pizza trend to the test. Expect insights on personal preferences, the impact of social media on dining, and the thrilling rivalry between iconic pizzerias Scar's and Roberta's. It's a flavorful showdown you don’t want to miss!
The evolution of New York's pizza styles highlights the importance of innovative techniques and quality ingredients in catering to diverse preferences.
Dan Pashman's journey with Cascatelli illustrates how culinary innovation can disrupt traditional food categories and gain widespread recognition despite initial skepticism.
Deep dives
The Allure of New York Pizza
New York City is renowned for its diverse pizza styles, drawing on its rich culinary history. The discussion highlights the four primary styles of pizza evolution in the city: coal oven pizza, chewy pizza from baker's pride deck ovens, neo-Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, and a new wave focusing on innovative dough quality. Each type showcases specific baking techniques and flavor profiles that reflect the varying preferences of pizza lovers. Notably, the increase in demand and competition for quality pizza has contributed to New York's reputation as a top destination for this culinary delight.
Pasta Shape Innovations
Dan Pashman shares his journey of creating a new pasta shape called Cascatelli, emphasizing the criteria used to assess pasta, including its ability to hold sauce and provide a satisfying texture. His quest for innovation faced skepticism from the culinary community, yet Cascatelli gained popularity, being recognized as one of Time Magazine's best inventions. The discussion links this pursuit of perfection in shape and flavor to a broader conversation about how innovative thinking can disrupt traditional food categories. Pashman's work showcases how passion and creativity can lead to significant contributions in culinary arts.
Hot Honey Pizza Rivalry
A spirited rivalry between two New York pizzerias, Scars and Roberta's, centers on their unique takes on hot honey pizza, which combines sweet and spicy flavors. Dan Pashman conducts a taste test, praising Scars' flavor complexity from jalapenos and hot honey while noting Roberta's superior crust texture. This culinary battle illustrates how restaurants can differentiate themselves by offering innovative flavor profiles and high-quality ingredients, catering to evolving consumer preferences. The emergence of such trendy dishes reflects the dynamic nature of the food scene in New York.
The Future of Pizza
The discussion on the future of pizza indicates emerging trends, such as cultural mashups and the importance of storytelling in attracting pizza lovers. Factors like rising ingredient costs and competition have led to the decline of traditional dollar slices, pushing shops to elevate their offerings and narratives. Successful pizzerias must now weave compelling backstories into their branding while ensuring taste remains paramount; a genuine connection to classic food experiences resonates with customers. As culinary innovation continues to evolve, new flavors and combinations promise to further enrich the pizza landscape.
Get ready for a Business Wars pizza party! Sporkful podcast host Dan Pashman and Eater NYC reporter Melissa McCart join David to settle the years long debate: is East Coast pizza really better? Then, Dan goes out in the field to put hot honey pizza to the test. Plus, find out how foodies read the trends to determine whether a slice is all hype, or worth the wait.
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