The Great Pizza Upset

It's no secret that I've been actively searching for the best pizza in or around Garden City for almost a year now. I've found some delicious pies and I've blogged about them (click on "Wining and Dining"), but I can't honestly say that I've ever been blown away by any- at least not enough to suggest that one of them could upset the love affair that GC has with Umberto's. Umberto's holds the belt in GC and has trounced everyone we've put up against them. They're the ones to beat. But, as in sports, you just never know. Upsets can happen at any time; which makes me think of a few classics...

Buster Douglas vs Mike Tyson, US defeats the Soviet Union in the 1980 Hockey Olympics, John Daly wins the British open and perhaps the greatest upset of all… Rocky Balboa defeats Apollo Creed. In similar fashion, Giaccone's of Mineola has given pizza fans something to shout about. 

Perhaps Umberto's is getting soft? Or just possibly all along there was a scrappy contender waiting for the moment when preparation meets opportunity: in walks Giaccone's. How did the bout go? Well, let's look at the judges' scorecard:

--Who had the shorter delivery time?
Giaccone's

--Which pie had the better crust?

Giaccone's. The crust was definitely worth eating on it's own. Not too doughy and very tasty. After all, they do advertise "The Best Crust in Town."

--Which had the better overall taste?

Giaccone's. The pizza was lighter and tastier whereas Umberto's was thicker, heavier, cheesier. Giaccone's had a better balance of sauce to cheese. 

--Which delivery person thought to walk into the backyard to find us (where we were kicking back some drinks with our guests)? Giaccone's

--Which delivery person waited at the front door until we noticed him? Umberto's

--Which presented the better value? Giaccone's

GIACCONE'S:

UMBERTO'S:

In summary, it was a unanimous decision. Giaccone's takes the belt. A re-match is no doubt in the future. Maybe Umberto's had a bad day and will get back to the gym? Either way, it is setting up to be an exciting summer with a new champion on the scene. I suggest you take a drive over or order in a pie and see what they've got. You might agree that this underdog could be the next David to Umberto's Goliath. One important question remains- will they deliver to the GC pool?

Giaccone's 124 Old Country Road, Mineola. 516-877-7790

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