Last week, we finally started the pizza-eating adventure. We decided that we should stick to local places or smaller or local chains (in other words, no Papa John's or Pizza Hut). We would order the same type of pizza (sausage and mushroom) at each location so that it would be a more even comparison. If extras were on the menu, they could be ordered but it wasn't necessary. And if we were just jonesing for a pizza, we'd go to the old-standby of Dion's.
We devised a ranking system:
10--best ever; stop looking for alternates
9--really really good; would never turn it down
8--one of the best
7--very good
6--good
5--it's good but. . .
4--meh
3--nononono
2--oh hell no
1--would eat my own arm first
It's a very scientific ranking system, as you can see.
Our pizza-eating adventure started last Friday with a pizza place called DaVinci's Gourmet Pizza, which is located a couple of miles from our house in a little strip mall. It doesn't seem to be designed for eating in although it is advertised. Seating is minimal with only four tables. Drinks are bottled sodas, teas, etc. It seems most business is carry out (which is what we'll probably do in the future as well). They also deliver in our neighborhood.
We initially placed our order as a to-go and then decided to eat in the restaurant. Paul had brought along a card game so we had something to do while we waited the 20 or so minutes. The teen girls behind the counter were "disinterestedly friendly." Not unfriendly or unhelpful just teen girls with better things to do than much more than the required steps of their job. Even though we changed our order, it was still brought in the box. Not a biggie and it saved us from needing to ask for a to go box later.
Our (totally unscientific, totally our own) opinion of DaVinci's pizza (subject to change as we eat at more places):Crust: 8 (we both liked it; good thickness and just the right crunchy)
Sauce: 7 (both liked it; didn't skimp on the amount on the pizza)
Cheese: 7 (an appropriate amount with the other toppings)
Toppings: 8 (really liked the Italian sausage on the pizza; a generous yet appropriate amount of toppings)
Overall: 7.5 (will definitely add this one to our repertoire of pizza places)
Staff: 6 (disinterestedly friendly; not enough to deter us from going back; see above)
Cost: $21 for 14" pizza w/ two toppings & six bread knots
Value: 7 (seems like an appropriate amount to pay)
Notes: Italian sausage was very good; breadsticks were good but don't have to get the again; pizza sizes were 10", 12", 14", or 18"
