Edison's Pizza Kitchen -- Cleveland, OH

The storefront ... in the snow
(how very Cleveland)

Yes! Finally, I get to write about Edison's. I mentioned in my first post on this blog that I'd only include my own photos of the pizza I review. So this meant waiting until I returned to some of my oft-visited pizza joints in order to take a couple pictures and then review. (Otherwise, I guess I could have written the review and then included the photos later. Well, maybe if I'm going through a dry spell, I'll do that. Until then, I'm fine with waiting.)

It's ironic, considering I frequent Edison's more than probably any other pizzeria in Cleveland. It's only a few blocks away in my neighborhood (Tremont), and it's just really good. It's different than other pizza I've tried, in that it's just a bit more "over the top." I can't really explain it better than that. But I'll try.

Preparing my half-banana-pepper pizza

There's a little something extra to the crust. Perhaps that's because, upon emerging from the oven, the guys at Edison's brush oil around the pizza's circumference, and then sprinkle parmesan cheese on it. This extra preparation gives the pizza a little more greasiness, sure, but also a lot more flavor. I would describe the crust as "thick," although based on conversations I've had about several pizzerias in the Cleveland area, others might call this "thin crust." It's definitely not deep-dish, though, because it's not made in a cast-iron pan or anything.

Also, another funny and unique thing that Edison's does is they include small packets of honey into which pizza lovers may dip their crusts. I've never done it, personally, but I have heard of several yelpers who have.

The only thing I'll say about the pizza which is unsatisfactory for me is that, depending on which toppings you order (mostly veggies), sometimes the pizza isn't as well done and the toppings aren't really "integrated" into the slice. However: for those of you who like their pizza a little less done, and who really love biting into toppings as their own entity, this could be the pizza for you! And the pepperoni slice is awesome, I will say that.

Banana pepper slice

Pizzas come in medium (8 slices) and large (12 slices). And they really are big. Last night we ordered a large with half banana peppers. Because of the quality of the thinly-sliced peppers, this is one particular topping that comes out really nicely on the pizza. The vinegary, sharp flavor of the peppers could be a little overwhelming for some, but I still really enjoyed it. (I prefer a more "sour" flavor -- think pickled things, Greek salads, etc. -- to spicy things like jalapenos.)

The shop is tiny, as in no more than three people should ever be in there to place or wait for an order. However, there's a great bar attached to the pizzeria (called, aptly, Edison's Pub) where the service is friendly, the clientele is laid-back, and you can enjoy a beer while you wait for your order.

Check out the grease on that pizza box!

Next-day test: I would say that Edison's reheated pizza is almost as good as on day one. It's just a little bit drier, but not much. And, for those slices with veggies that weren't as well done -- here's your chance to cook 'em a bit more!

The Pizza Place at the Wynn -- Las Vegas, NV

Seating area at the Pizza Place

While staying at the Wynn Las Vegas (I know, it's way too fancy for me) I came across a place called, simply, "The Pizza Place." It's on the first floor of the hotel, in a wing called the "Esplanade" boasting several top designer shops, and has a patio overlooking a ginormous fountain. But all that cool stuff aside, it has really GOOD FRICKIN' PIZZA.

You know how there's that dorky little video that greets you when you turn on the TV in your room? Well, this one had Steve Wynn showing off about his little hotel. And when the time came for him to talk about the Pizza Place, he said something along the lines of this: "For some reason, everyone knows that -- inexplicably -- the best pizza in the country is in New York. Well, at the Pizza Place, we challenge that." (I did listen to it about four times, but can remember only some of it, so these aren't his exact words. But the gist is that his Vegas hotel restaurant is trying to emulate NY pizza.)

Cheese pizza slice at the Pizza Place (sorry for shadow!)

Well, did they do it? I'm going to say yes! I can hardly believe it myself. But the pizza looks exactly like a New York slice. The sauce and cheese are in perfect proportion not only to one another, but also to its crust, which is paper-thin, yet crispy and chewy in all the right places.

At first, I thought maybe the taste was a little different. Not enough oregano, maybe, or parmesan? But then I closed my eyes and really thought about all the New York slices I've had. (This took awhile.) And, yes, somewhere in New York there is a slice that tastes almost exactly like the one at the Pizza Place.

Gelato showcase at the Pizza Place

This place also has homemade gelato -- not too shabby. But that's enough about the non-pizza food items. Except to say that they also serve breakfast, and I'm writing this from the restaurant (where they happen to have free wireless internet, a plus for guests) where I just finished a delicious bowl of steel-cut oats with dried cranberries, almonds, and golden raisins. (So yes, I did break rule #3 this time by talking about other food. Sorry to my followers -- all two of you!)

Kirkland Cheese Pizza -- Yes, a Costco pizza

Kirkland 10" Cheese Pizza

Yeah, I'm reviewing a pizza from Costco. You got a problem with that?

Ok. I saw these pizzas at Costco -- 4 in a box for about $10! I'll take that. It's always good to have pizza on hand in the freezer. The pizza is 10" and is plain cheese.

Costco usually surprises me (in a good way) with how good their Kirkland brand is. I especially like their paper products, but other stuff is good too. How did the pizza measure up?

Well, I have to say that I was very pleased with this -- as long as we're talking about it in terms of frozen pizza. This is not gourmet, people! Far from it. But as compared to other frozen pizzas, the Kirkland brand is a new favorite. Here's why:

• The sauce didn't really have that metallic, over-herby "fake" taste.
• The cheese was light but still substantial.
• The crust was crisp and held its contents well; it didn't fall all over the place or get all over everything when I sliced it.
• The pizza was pretty small, but was perfect for two people to share. I felt satisfied, not full, when we were done. Bonus: I didn't have that "blecch" feeling an hour later. The pizza was not greasy in the least!
• For the price, you can't beat it.

The box suggests putting the pizza in a 425-degree oven for 10-12 minutes. We did 15, as we like our cheese a teeny bit browned. It worked out great!

So, Costco members, you now have my recommendation. Go buy some cheap pizza!