kaszeta’s Profile
Recent Comments
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
The pizzas from the non-Wooster St Pepe's are a mere shadow of the real deal.
And the real deal itself.... is more variable than it used to be. In the last 5 years, I've had about 12 phenomenal apizzas... and about 6 "merely good" ones.
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
Of the choices given? Wendy's, especially with the recent bacon upgrade.
No Sonic, Carl's Jr/Hardee's, or Jack-in-the-Box even remotely near here.
Photo of the Day: The Motor Burger from The White Spot in Charlottesville, Virginia
Mmmm, haven't had a gusburger in a few years...
See more comments by kaszeta »
Recent Posts
kaszeta hasn't written a post yet.
Recent Favorites
F-Words of Wisdom from Pizzaiolo Chris Bianco
Posted by Adam Kuban, May 5, 2009 at 2:40 AM
See more favorites by kaszeta »
Recent Polls
kaszeta hasn't answered any polls yet.
Recent Quizzes
kaszeta hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Tomorrow, 75-Cent Cheeseburgers and Beers at Billy Goat Tavern
Darn, I'm passing through Chicago today, but only the airport...
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
The pizzas from the non-Wooster St Pepe's are a mere shadow of the real deal.
And the real deal itself.... is more variable than it used to be. In the last 5 years, I've had about 12 phenomenal apizzas... and about 6 "merely good" ones.
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
Of the choices given? Wendy's, especially with the recent bacon upgrade.
No Sonic, Carl's Jr/Hardee's, or Jack-in-the-Box even remotely near here.
Photo of the Day: The Motor Burger from The White Spot in Charlottesville, Virginia
Mmmm, haven't had a gusburger in a few years...
Openings: Paulie Gee's, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Well done, and good luck!
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Side Dish to Go with a Burger?
Onion rings. But only good onion rings. A lot of the FF ones (Burger King: I'm talking to you) aren't actual onion rings, but composite rings made out of minced onion. To me they have the taste and texture of minced surgical gloves. Blech. But some really well done onion rings (a good example is Ted's Hot Dogs of Buffalo (and Tempe AZ) fame).
Fries are good as well. But I don't like In-N-Out fries, they are conceptually flawed (cooked once, not cooked twice).
I'll never understand why people like steak fries so much. They never do anything for me, and are one of the reasons I'm never that excited about Red Robin.
Le Waf Burger, a Burger with Waffles-For-Buns in France
Sorry, but this is a place where I'm going to draw the line. If it doesn't have an actual burger patty, it's not a burger, any more than a sloppy joe or a loose meat sandwich is. It might be good, but it's not a burger.
AHT Poll: How Do You Like Your Buns Done?
The Maillard reaction is a wonderful thing, and should be used more often.
I don't like overtoasted buns, however. They should be toasted to the point you can taste them, and have just a little bit of crunch. They shouldn't interfere with the light crispiness a decent burger patty should have.
The United States of Pizza: Arizona
Lance: I'd heard the same thing several times from people recommending Spinato's, but when pressed, most of them admitted to never having been to Bianco.
The United States of Pizza: Arizona
Ahhh, Organ Stop Pizza. I grew up right by the Mesa location. Bizarre, and the pizza was never all that great, but the overall experience was fun.
Looking forward to Friday. My flight gets in at 3:45 and I've already co-opted a friend to wait in line at Bianco.
AHT Poll: Five Guys or In-N-Out?
I give a slight edge to In-N-Out, simply because of consistency. I've eaten literally hundreds of both In-N-Out burgers and 5G burgers, and In-N-Out kills 5G in consistency. I *always* get a carefully built, good, quality burger from In-N-Out. I often get a 5G burger with the wrong toppings that looks like it's been sat upon.
I like a good 5G, but I'm finding myself increasingly disappointed in them as they expand.
Hamden, Connecticut: A Half-Century of Charbroiling at the Glenwood Drive-In
Yeah, I agree with hotdoglover. The dogs are where the action is, I've been disappointed by every burger I've ever had at the Glenwood (my grandparents lived practically across the street from them...)
Obligatory chili dog pic: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaszeta/1331600386/
Japanese Mystery Cafe: You Never Know What You're Going to Get
While this sounds novel, this is a pretty good description of how the local KFC/Taco Bell appears to run their drive-in. I always get a bag of stuff that has absolutely no resemblance to my order. When I went with a friend so we had two vehicles, I got random crap again. My friend behind me got my order...
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Burger-Cooking Method?
Griddled. If done right, it's very hard to beat the "smashed into the griddle" method. Juicy in the middle. Crispy at the edges.
If done poorly, however, you get dry leather.
Is One of Your Coworkers This Bad?
This reminds me of what was a regular event at the SO's office.
1. Someone brings in donuts.
2. Another person says, "I love donuts, but I'm on WW, and only have 4 points I can use on a snack. Donuts are 6 points"
3. Person solves problem by taking 2/3s of a donut, leaving a fractional donut behind.
Data Visualization: Distances to Nearest McDonald's
I can confirm the claim above that Montpelier has no McD's, the nearest one is ~20 miles away in Randolph, VT.
I have a similar map for Starbucks, and my house in NH is about 45 miles beyond the Starbucks frontier.
AHT Poll: What Type of Mustard is Best on a Burger?
In general, this is one of those places where I like standard yellow mustard.
But on a really good, thick, well-cooked pub burger? I usually go for just a dab of dijon, as unpopular as that might be.
The AHT Guide to Hamburger and Cheeseburger Styles
We've been needing this post for a looooong time. Thanks.
I also need to make a shirt that says "A Mini Hamburger Is Not a Slider!" Preferably with a picture of a pissed off Adam Kuban. Got a good source photo?
Blog 'Jaws Wired Shut' Makes You Really Appreciate Your Teeth
Yeah, this definitely reminds me of my own broken jaw experiences, the highlight of which was the "Bratwurst, pepper, and onion smoothie"
The Fish in Filet-O-Fish Sandwiches at Risk
Someplace I thought I saw a circa-2007 press statement about how they were shifting to Alaskan-sourced pollock due to Hoki harvesting losing it's Marine Stewardship Council listing. Apparently they still use 11 million pounds of it...
AHT Poll: How Do You Like Your Burgers Cooked?
This is definitely one of those things that depends on the place. If it's a thick, hearty patty? Medium rare all the way.
But for some other styles, like the "press-it-into-the-grill to get a good sear" thin patty? It's more about getting the proper sear than the overall done-ness, and I find that the sear is best when the overall patty is medium. Just don't let it dry out too much.
Leftovers: The Day's Stray Links
Hey, I've had the fountain burger at the Peninsula. That was pretty good. They also had a nice brown-sugar-crusted bacon and waffle special for breakfast.
Sliders Live On in New Jersey at Clark White Diamond
Here's where I again have to remind folks that there is life outside of NY and NJ. Sure, the closing of White Diamond is sad, and the existance if White Mana and White Manna is a great thing... but sliders exist well outside the eastern seaboard. Indeed, the Detroit area is still well-populated with them, including such excellent examples of the genre as Bates in Livonia. There's also Telway (Madison Heights), Brayz (Hazel Park), Campau Tower (Hamtramck), Greene's (Farmington), ... The list seriously goes on, and on, and on.
Yes, if you are interested in sliders and want to document and embrace this particular burger style, get thee to Detroit! Indeed, there are more than enough good slider joints to do a "Slider Crawl" (although you'll probably want a local as a guide).
Slider *aren't* dead, and they aren't yet on the scrap heap of history! I'm not even sure they are really dying. Getting diluted as a concept, sure, but plenty of pure slider joints are still cranking them out, cheaply, like the good old days, even if one well-loved NJ joint has packed it in.
Your Favorite Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Monterrey Jack and a little bit of chopped sundried tomato.
New Orleans Jazz Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins Smokes 'Cue for Fans
Kermit is cool. I actually met him at the famous Willie Mae's Scotch House (he's also a fan). Went to his show that night, but no BBQ that particular night.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
Adam out of respect for the Wooster St legacy I kept Pepe's at #3 because of the respect issue and because there are other pies Like the Clam which are out of this world. But I observed other people cutting into their pies and everyone was having the same issue and looked upset that it was taking so much work to eat their pies.....
the slice when you would pick it up would stay straight that's how tough the actual crust has been coming out of the oven lately at both locations.
I've eaten Pizza in quite a few cities and I've followed the GQ Pizza Article on a few of the Detroit pizzeria's since I have family on my wife's side who live out that way.
I really enjoyed buddy's pizza and actually found photos on my cell phone that I sent in. Way different pizza squares and such....
But back to New Haven, for the health conscious Pizza eater up the road about 4 miles up on Whitney ave in Hamden there is Olde World Pizza they do lo carb and even wheat pizza. It's not coal oven but it's pretty good stuff as well.
I haven't eaten yet at the new Yonkers location or the Mohegan Sun for Pepe's but once they went to 7 days a week and opening up at 11:30am something has changed, you need more staff, different people making the pizza and it's just different at Pepe's right now...
I should send them an email because I'm asked all the time 6'3 300lbs which of the big 5 is the best and I tell anyone depends on what you like on it. Sausage hands down is Zupps...... Modern is bigger in seating capacity, very thin Apizza...But they have won best pizza in the Advocate for the past 7 years....Ballot stuffing who knows..... But everyone I know loves Modern. The one thing I do love in regards to the peperoni used at Sallys and Pepe's is that it's cut off the stick.....It doesn't get any better than that......
Then you have to go down the block on Wooster for Italian Ice at Libby's.
Libby's has a new location in North Haven right down the street from me.
Homemade just awesomeness is all I can say. You want any Italian Cookie or Angel Wings, expresso , etc.....It doesn't get any better than Libby's after throwing down.....
Anyone ever wants to do a Pizza throwdown with a Former/Transplanted New Yorker.....
Just drop me a line.....
Enjoy the weekend and holidays everyone...
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
Wow. Thanks for the great intel, offthemeter. Interesting that Pepe's still comes in at No. 3 even from what you say above. Before I got to your ranking, I expected it to be somewhere after Bar or Zuppardi's. It's now clear we'll have to go back and do Bar and Zuppardi's (and re-try Pepe's).
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
I want to chime in since I grew up in New York City and now live 10 minutes from the Big 5 Modern, Sally's Pepe's, Zuppardi's and Bar.
Pepe's the last 3 times in the past 2 months and 1 time at the Spot which is the original Pepe's. Their crust I couldn't even cut it with my knife and it was beyond noticeable. 4 times same Original Location and the same experience it's not a coincidence until I read the other posts on here today.
Sallys sauce when you ask for extra sauce is the sweetest of the bunch. The rudeness factor makes me laugh but my wife refuses to eat there and she's a native and lifer of the area. The issue is they can only squeeze in 10 pies into their oven at a time and they take phone orders if you can get through.
Modern is our favorite out of the Big 5 the Italian Bomb is a hearty pie sausage, pep, bacon, onion, red pepper. I'm a Pepperoni guy that's all I need and sometimes just good old Sauce and Grated does me fine as well.
Bar Pizza is made by someone who used to work at Sally's so that's why it gets high marks as a sleeper pizza. I've only had pepperoni and cheese and it was pretty good.
Zuppardi's in West Haven...Their sausage Pie is really good not Coal Oven though and the decor is very old school.... Gives it Character.
1.Modern
2.Sally's
3.Pepe's
4. Zups
5. Bar
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
"My experience is also that Pepe's is much more variable than it was when the previous generation was running it and before its expansion, but I have had some remarkably good pizza there recently...."
IMO, I strongly feel that product AND consistency is what makes a great pizzeria. Most pizzerias, either because of lack of ingredient quality, lack of skill sets by the pizzamakers and/or lack of passion are not even capable of making a great pizza to begin with.
A "great" pizzeria is capable of making a great pizza and is driven to get as close to that greatness as often as possible.....which is most of the time.
It sounds like Pepe's is in the process of falling, or has already fallen from greatness, even if it can still crank out a great pizza from time to time. That's really sad to this pizza lover and a situation that hopefully will right itself sooner than later.
Adam, the pic of the Sally's pizzas look delicious BTW. I need to get to New Haven ASAP! --K
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
@gustoct: Point noted. I'll have to try Pepe's next time I'm in New Haven to see how the crust fares again. Now that I know how easy/quick it is to get to with a Zipcar, that should be soon.
Just called to verify with Zuppardi's Apizza: They use a gas-fired oven. No coal.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
As a New Haven whose exposure goes back 47 years and who simply won't put up with the treatment at Sally's, I have mainly frequented Pepe's with occasional detours at Modern (as well as other places not as good and some really great ones, alas no longer with us). My experience is also that Pepe's is much more variable than it was when the previous generation was running it and before its expansion, but I have had some remarkably good pizza there recently and disagree with Ed's verdict (of course, I didn't have the pies he had). You get superb pizza more often than not and I haven't had a BAD one. My experience with the Fairfield location has actually been quite good, but I haven't tried the others.
I'll have to try Zuppardi's in West Havenm. Do they have a coal oven?
A List of Street Food Vendors Using Twitter
Would like an add - thanks!
Derb's Gourmet Treats
url: http://www.derbsla.com
twitter: @derbsgourmet
Each truck is staffed by a culinary chef serving up: Lobster Sandwiches, Tacos, Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks and Midwest Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches as well as a host of unique tacos and wraps!
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
Couldn't vote in good conscience because Whataburger isn't there (which makes sense, it's a regional chain.)
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
@jwardell: Went to the Pepe's on Wooster. The big one, not The Spot. We ordered a clam pie and a sausage/mozzarella pie. My main complaint was with the ABSOLUTE TOUGHNESS of the crust. OMG. Jawache after trying a slice of each. Even if it had the most flavorful plain sauce/grated cheese, I'd still have an issue with the crust. Tell me how ordering a plain pie is going to change the crust situation and I may reconsider my assessment on further review.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
How can you diss Pepes when you didn't order a plainchees pie to compare it to the others?
I also wonder if you wen to one of its satellite locations which of course are nowhere near the original.
Also head into Reginas in boston (again, the original north end location), get a plain cheese well done.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
We're pretty much with you, Adam. I like Sally's best overall, Lil digs Modern's tomato pie, but Sally's mozz. We agree that Pepe's is third. Still, we'd be happy with any of the three on any given day.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
A few weeks ago, I stopped at Sally's while driving back from Boston to NYC, around 8pm on a Wednesday night. It was about half-full. The service was friendly, and not unpleasant. But the pizza... was superb. For two of us, we got a medium pie with mozzarella, and a medium eggplant parmesan pie (it was a special). Both were exceptionally delicious--if they have the eggplant pie, definitely get it--it's the best eggplant pizza you'll ever eat.
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
Ok, I had a few beers before writing my last post. I just finished reading it, and I would like to correct/elaborate.
I do understand why everyone hates McD's, and I believe it's primarily due to the inability to admit liking them. Again, they're #1 and it's never cool to actually like #1. In and Out burgers are nothing but a fresh "Big Macs". I say "Meh" to them, and their fries are lousy.
This one will probably get me banned from commenting, but here goes. In fact, most of these places are owned by foreigner's (or recent transplants) who cut corners anywhere they can, either by skimping on product, or running a skeleton crew. Unfortunately, most establishments employ people who ruin the product.They could care less about the quality of preparation. You can complain by calling the 1-800 number, but it doesn't mean shit to them. That's the reality of the local fast-food joints you visit (unless you live in Bumfuck, KS). The truth hurts, but unless you've been a franchisee of a major fast-food joint you don't have room to comment, STFU. Truth to power mother-f'ers! Oh yeah, I love burgers.
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
I love McDonald's. I don't quite understand where all the disrespect comes from, other than the fact that everyone hates a winner. I fully understand as a Subway franchisee and the disrepect I hear from some of my customers, yet, they keep a coming in. McDonald's has a special taste that reminds you of the good part of your childhood. When I was a kid we were only allowed the regular burger. When chicken McNuggets came out I said "Pish Posh", not literally, but I couldn't imagine them tasting good. Oh how wrong I was. McDonald's magic is their ability to create a taste all their own, and don't even bother with the negative comments about their "taste". Numbers don't lie and there's a reason they're #1. They create flavors we all can relate to, and every one in awhile, crave.
I also agree with ALRUI that most establishments (whatever chain) are abysmally ran (out here in San Bernardino anyway). Believe it or not, I don't think In and Out is "all that". Frankly it's a little baffling. What are they famous for, an extremely simplified menu, a 50's atmosphere, non-frozen ingredients, and overrated burgers and fries.
I like Jack in the Box, and Carl's, but I can't find a good establishment in my area. I know full well how hard it is to find good help, but really, most of the employees that work at these establishments (including the management) are loathsome people who have no concept of serving a quality product, let alone providing good customer service.
Burger King and Carl's taste too much like grease smoke, and the funniest thing of all to me is the love for Wendy's. I've been all around this country and the world, and Wendy's sucks ass period. Great concept, but horrible execution. I've tried all their burgers. Hell, I've wanted to like them, but I've never, and I mean never, had a decent burger at Wendy's. I guarantee if there were a blind taste test, they would lose.
Back to my original premise, McDonald's is #1 because of what they serve, food that people actually enjoy. Mock it all you want, but there's that new one just outside the Louvre. I love gourmet burgers, sliders, and fast-food burgers. I love burgers.
P.S. Islands is a great premium burger chain out here, and Red Robin blows!!! Sorry for the rant, but I had to get it off my chest.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
I'm astounded by the undeserved dis of Pepe's clam pie. It was only a few weeks ago that my food writer friend and I drove up to NH with the specific intention of eating that very pizza. We even called ahead to make sure Pepe's had a clam pie that day since we were disappointed last time around when no clams were to be had. We arrived about 3pm. Not much of a wait at that time of day. We were seated almost as soon as we walked through the door. We ordered our prey. It came to the table large, hot, redolent of garlic and chopped fresh salty succulent clams. A little sprinkling of cheese (not a no-no in this instance) The crust was perfect. Chewy, crisp and light. Not a bit doughy or tough. The pie was, in a word, perfection and I will defend it to the death. To paraphrase a well-respected, former contender for the vice presidency of the United States-- I have had Pepe's clam pie and Lombardy's you are no Pepe's.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
Man, I really dont like sliced tomatoes on my pizza...but the "plain" and sausage look gooood! Used to go to Ricky's Clam House often back in the daze of yore..so funny its a Frank Pepe's now. Hope its good.
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
@rondertaker: I'm glad you clarified that, living most of my life in CA I would order the "Super Star W/Cheese at Carl's & when I moved back east it was a few years before I went to a Hardee's & not seeing anything like the Star/Superstar I thought the corporation got rid of it as a menu item (it was about the time the $6 Thickburgers came out). Your comment prompted me to look & compare both the Hardee's & Carl's sites and sure enough you can still get the Star/Superstar at Carl's! They are reallt good fast food burgers. It seems none of the Hardee's burgers have the "special sauce" that Carl's serves on "Star" lineup, shame its good:-)
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
With 20/20 hindsight, we should have hit Bar instead of Pepe's. Even then, we would have been cutting it close. We were told by a New Havenite who joined us at Modern that Bar would likely have a long wait but that we could probably do a Pepe's take-out pie in between Modern and Sally's. And so that's what we did.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
Another vote for Bar Pizza in New Haven!
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
I haven't been to Sallys but think that Modern is better than Pepes. If the line is too long at Modern, they have a take out area around the corner (entrance is in the parking lot). Last time there I got a pie and ate it outside to avoid the crowd waiting for a table.
Non-pizza wise, excellent choices with Ess-a-bagel (21st and 1st location only - get whatever is hot), Katz's (pastrami on rye with mustard, sour pickles on the side and a hot dog or knoblewurst to eat while waiting for your cutter to finish preparing the pastrami sandwich), White Manna (a few sliders w/ cheese and onion) and Rutt's Hut (2 rippers and an order of onion rings).
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
@axis: I explained in my intro I only included the largest burger chains.
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
How could you forget 5 Guys?!?!
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
I was just at Pepe's a week ago (thank god for being a hockey mom I at least get to visit some decent food places!) and even my 11-year old said, "This pizza just has so much flavor!"
I admit I have not been to Sally's (have to check the hockey schedule!) but have been to Modern and I love Pepe's much more.
I also like going to the bakery next to Pepe's with the 10 different flavor cannolis too.
AHT Poll: What's Your Favorite Mass Market Burger Chain?
ummm...well...none of the above. I cannot stomach mcdonalds processed hamburger food stuff. bk flame broiling I taste that nasty charring for the rest of the day and it ain't pretty. wendy's is dry and tasteless even though it is fresh(?) and hot. I did a commercial for carl's junior several years back and ate those damn things for two straight days. never again. sonic suffers from a similar aftertaste effect as bk. and there's just something wrong w/ that cheesy mayoey sauce jack uses.
the real bottom line is that no one can compete w/ in and out burger. better than decent burger at a better than reasonable price. and fortunately for me it is right down the street. when I need a fast burger fix, that's the ticket.
Dear Slice: 'Heading to NYC, and Pepe's in New Haven'
Bah, Pepe's is for tourists, Bar Pizza in New Haven makes a far better pie... and you won't convince me otherwise.
Recent Posts
kaszeta hasn't written a post yet.
Recent Favorites
F-Words of Wisdom from Pizzaiolo Chris Bianco
Posted by Adam Kuban, May 5, 2009 at 2:40 AM
Polls
kaszeta hasn't answered any polls yet.
Quizzes
kaszeta hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
About kaszeta
Website: http://offbeateats.blogspot.com
Location: Grantham, NH
About: Engineer and Bacon Aficionado.
Favorite foods: Bacon, good steaks, udon noodles, ...
Last bite on earth:
Darn, I'm passing through Chicago today, but only the airport...