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11 Red Flags You Should Always Look For At A Pizza Shop, According To The Pros

11 Red Flags You Should Always Look For At A Pizza Shop, According To The Pros

No one wants to waste time on bad pizza. There’s hot slice with crispy pepper cooked. Pizza always hits the spot for fans, unless it’s disappointing. Let’s figure out the signs so you can ensure your amazing.

To gain insight into the key to a we turned to Lawrence Longo, the entrepreneur and CEO behind Prince Street Pizza. Longo’s connection to the iconic New York City eatery began in 2018, six years after it first opened its doors to the public. So, what sets Prince Street apart? According to Longo, it’s the combination of high-quality ingredients and attention to detail that makes all the difference. “At Prince Street, we’re meticulous about every component, from the crust to explained. “We’re committed to using only the best ingredients and making everything from scratch.” It’s no wonder Prince Street Pizza remains a beloved hotspot, with its signature Sicilian-style SoHo Spicy Spring pizza being a major draw.

From the initial impression to the final bite, set a mediocre pizzeria apart from an exceptional one. He identifies warning signs, such as uninviting scents, an overreliance on online reviews, serving subpar freshly grated Parmesan, that indicate to excellence.

Walk on by a cluttered entrance

A pizza shop’s exterior can be a telling indicator of the cleanliness of its interior. Lawrence Longo, a discerning observer, notes that while it’s unfair to make judgments based on appearances, a cluttered storefront with too many promotional signs can be a red flag. In this instance, the initial impression can be a reliable gauge of what’s to come.

If the eyes are said to be the mirror a pizza shop serves as a gateway to a potentially questionable relationship with the health authorities. The focus should not solely be on of signs, but rather on the overall upkeep and attention given to the entrance. Neglected landscaping and debris surrounding the entryway may signal a lack of cleanliness in the establishment. Even if the area in front of your beloved local pizzeria is littered with napkins, paper plates, and ancient gum, when visiting a new restaurant, one should be drawn in by the dedication of the business to maintaining a clean and tidy appearance.

Your nose knows the smell of a good pizza place

The irresistible allure of enticing aromas shops and bakeries is a familiar phenomenon, but pizzerias can also capitalize on the power of scent to draw in customers. A successful slice shop should fill the air with the mouthwatering fragrance of toasted, melted goodness, making it impossible to pass by without stopping. If the scent of pizza doesn’t greet you at the door, it’s likely not worth a visit.

The lack of distinctive aromas like pepperoni and crust in a red flag, suggesting that the shop isn’t preparing its products from scratch with fresh ingredients on the premises. According to Lawrence Longo, a more telling sign of a pizzeria’s quality is the pizza itself. He notes that even if a shop replicate the perfect conditions, such as filtering its water to mimic the taste of New York City’s, the true test of a pizzeria’s worth lies in the quality of its pizzas.

Ditch the dried-out slices and the abandoned pies

Take a closer glance at the pizzas showcased in the display case. If you notice entire pies sitting untouched and unclaimed, alongside slices that have shriveled up and lost their appeal, it’s likely that the pizza shop is experiencing a slump in business. After all, who wants to be the first to crack into a stale, forgotten slice of pepperoni that’s been lingering for too long?

Even a DIY pizza enthusiast can ruin a pie with a rolling pin, but a perfectly good pizza into a disaster by leaving it under the heat lamp for too long. If you’re wondering if that pizza has been sitting around since the dawn ofaged” slice. According to Lawrence Longo, been left out for too long include a crust that, cheese that’s lost its color, and toppings that have shriveled up.

In addition to checking the pizza’s display time, you can also observe the restaurant’s staff to gauge the According to Longo, another indicator is the level of activity among the employees. If the staff are moving at a steady pace and the restaurant is bustling during peak hours, it’s likely that the kitchen is producing freshly made pizzas that are worth trying

Cut out the cuppy pepperoni at a low-grade shop

Currently, if you see cupped and crispy pepperoni on a pizza at a restaurant, it is likely a positive indicator. While this might not be the case for Elvis, who had a preference for pizza topped with barbecued pulled pork, the majority of pizza enthusiasts enjoy having pepperoni on their slices. However, if you come across curled pepperoni at an establishment that does not excel in making high-quality pizzas, it could be a negative sign.

Prince Street Pizza is frequently credited with popularizing the trend of curved pepperoni slices in 2012. According to Lawrence Longo, “cup and curl” pepperoni refers to a style of pepperoni that develops a distinctive curved shape and forms small cups at the edges when cooked. This characteristic shape is commonly seenheat ovens, where the pepperoni slices contract and become crispy at the edges. Longo notes that even if the pepperoni isn’t cut in the cup-style, a curled edge is often an indication of high-quality pepperoni.

The decision on whether to choose this flag based on its bright red color or its invitation for a slice ultimately depends on the quality of the pepperoni’s raised edges. If the edges of the pepperoni are dry and tough due to being left under a heat lamp for too long, it’s best to avoid it. However, if the edges are crispy and fresh from the oven, it’s a good sign to enjoy a.

Skip the outsourced sauce

While it’s easy to elevate a bland pizza sauce with unconventional ingredients, the most flavorful pies can be found at shops that proudly serve their own proprietary, expertly seasoned sauce.

Lawrence Longo credits the success of Prince Street Pizza’s signature spicy sauces, made from traditional family recipes, as a key factor in the shop’s popularity. He warns that a pizzeria that doesn’t make its own gravy is likely to serve unremarkable, generic-tasting pizza. Similarly, a lack of visible pizza preparation, such as dough tossing, sauce ladling, and topping preparation, may indicate a lack of attention to detail. While a hidden kitchen isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, Longo suggests that it could raise suspicions about the pizzeria’s commitment to quality. For Longo, the pursuit of pizza perfection begins with a homemade sauce that sets the shop apart from others.

Don’t go for the burgers and stay for the ‘za

When your guests at a dinner gathering have varying food preferences, it’s best to choose a restaurant that caters to a wide range of tastes. Opt for a place that serves a variety of dishes like pizza, burgers, and sushi. However, when seeking top-notch pizza, be cautious if a pizza joint’s menu includes anything other than excellent pizza it may be a sign of subpar quality.

Lawrence Longo agreement when asked if pizza shops offering a While he appreciates pizza places that also provide additional options like buffalo wings, salads, or garlic knots, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on delivering exceptional pizza. If a pizza shop’s menu is overwhelmed by unrelated dishes or lacks coherence with the traditional pizza style, it may be wise to reconsider choosing that establishment for a slice. The key factor is the restaurant prioritizes perfecting their pizza-making process by using top-quality ingredients and appropriate equipment, rather than diluting their focus with

Don’t sleep on bad reviews and no social media presence

The landscape of online restaurant reviews has evolved significantly, with platforms like Yelp introducing features such as its Best New Restaurants series in 2023, while others like Reddit continue to thrive in their own unique way. Despite the occasional scathing review that starts with a dramatic declaration, Lawrence Longo believes that a pattern of consistently negative feedback can be a reliable indicator of a subpar pizzeria. According to Longo, online review sites like Yelp and Google provide a useful gauge of a restaurant’s quality, whether you love or hate them.

Although we can overlook extreme criticisms, most reviews offer valuable insights into a visit. When numerous positive reviews describe similar positive experiences, it’s a good sign. Conversely, if there are many negative reviews, apologies from management, and unappetizing photos, it’s best to be cautious.

It is important to mention that having no presence on social media can also be a pizza shop in the Information Age. Longo advises that every business should establish a social media presence, and consistent negative reviews on platforms like Yelp and Reddit should raise concerns. Conversely, Longo suggests that a highly popular pizza shop is likely worth a try.

No toppings, no stopping

Celebrity chefs also enjoy using shelf-stable, grated Parmesan cheese. However, if a store overlooks the quality of the grated Parmesan, it could indicate that they are not prioritizing the preferences of their loyal customers.

Lawrence Longo explains that variations in pizza shop experiences are so it’s not necessarily concern. While Prince Street Pizza is known for not offering certain condiments like ranch or mayo, most traditional pizza places typically provide Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and sometimes oregano or garlic powder. The absence of these standard condiments could indicate that a shop is not focusing on providing a good customer experience. Yelp show that Prince Street Pizza satisfies customers by offering Parmesan cheese, garlic, and plenty of red chili flakes.

Skip the soggy vegan slice and go for the gold

For those who follow a plant-based diet, whether it’s a full-time commitment or just a Meatless Monday tradition, there’s no need to settle for a subpar veggie serving up a crust that’s more like a damp sponge, overwhelmed by a mess of watery vegetables, it’s time to explore other options. After all, you’ve already made the sacrifice of giving up bacon – you deserve a pizza that’s crispy and satisfying.

gy pizza can be the result of various factors, including an undercooked crust, excessive toppings, inadequate cooling, or an overabundance of sauce. However, a top-notch pizzeria is skilled at avoiding these pitfalls, particularly when it comes to vegetarian options. Conversely, a subpar establishment may not devote the necessary attention to its plant-based offerings, which can be a turn-off for customers seeking meat-free alternatives. Lawrence Longo, proud of his own restaurant’s creation, which boasts a flavorful combination of sweet marinara sauce, vegan cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil on a crispy Sicilian-style crust, confidently recommends, “Try Prince Street Pizza’s vegan slice and you’ll be saying goodbye to soggy vegan pizza for good.”

Hang out to clock the hand hygiene

Americans consume around 350 slices of pizza every second, making it crucial for pizza shops to work efficiently in the highly competitive $233.26 billion global pizza market. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in pizza is essential. If you notice poor hygiene practices such as direct contact between hands and the pizza, it may be wise to seek out a restaurant that prioritizes both your health and your satisfaction rather than just making a profit.

It’s important to observe how the employees handle the food before deciding to order a pizza without any extra toppings. While it’s common employees to wear gloves, may not always be the case. According to Lawrence Longo, it is acceptable for pizza makers to work bare hands as long as they frequently wash them. Look for a clean hand-washing station and observe if the employees wash their hands between tasks. Longo also reassures that any germs are killed in the 500-degree pizza oven for those concerned about contamination.

Don’t do day-old dough

You might imagine a charming scene of dough by the warm light of a wood-fired oven, effortlessly tossing and spinning it with the flair of a professional athlete. However, pizzeria should still showcase the signs of freshly prepared dough. According to Lawrence Longo, “making dough from scratch every day is a key indicator of a high-quality pizza shop.”

According to Longo, the advantages of using fresh dough include a more complex flavor profile, a better texture, and the ability to tailor the product to specific tastes. To make the dough for Prince Street Pizza’s signature Sicilian squares, Longo uses a simple recipe that includes flour, sugar, salt, oil, and water, but no eggs. While he acknowledges that high-volume pizzerias may need to prepare dough ahead of time to keep up with demand, he believes that this approach can still yield a high-quality product if executed correctly. However, Longo is less forgiving when it comes to frozen dough, which he views.

Pizza advice from Prince Street Pizza’s Lawrence Longo

Upon stepping into a new pizza place, you can quickly assess the potential experience based on your senses. According to Lawrence Longo, top pizzerias appeal to all five senses of customers: sight smell, taste, touch, and sound. The presence these sensory elements can enhance the overall dining experience.

After choosing to remain at the shop, if you’re looking to try a, Longo suggests a method for experiencing the top selections available. He recommends requesting three slices, including the most popular, the freshest, and the slice recommended by the staff. This advice applies to any of the Prince Street Pizza branches in cities like New York City, Southern California, Las Vegas, Toronto, or Miami, and even at the new locations opening soon. Be sure to follow this approach when visiting any of these locations.

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