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/ **SPORTS** / THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
NSTANT
FEATURE
WORDS BY | AMANDA KISTNER
PHOTOS BY | CHRIS BRONSON
"Thin, doughy, strong, gummy, yummy, chewy, salty pizza paradise. On top, there is a sweet tomato sauce that foams up all bubbly and creamy when it melts the fresh buffalo mozzarella, and the one sprig of basil in the middle of the whole deal somehow infuses the entire pizza with herbal radiance."
This is how Elizabeth Gilbert describes the pizza found at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in the book, Eat, Pray, Love. The restaurant is said to have the best pizza in the world, and is found in the city where pizza began: Naples, Italy. Since Americans introduced the tomato to Europe in the 18th century, pizza has taken the world by storm.
Italian pizza today is much different than American pizza. Italian pizza has a thin, floppy
crust and uses brick oven-baking methods. Though the main ingredients used in most pizzas are similar, like dough, sauce, cheese and toppings,the taste can be vastly different even among pizzas in the same city.
Today Americans eat approximately 350 slices per second, and pizza accounts for more than 10 percent of all foodservice sales, according to the National Association of Pizza Operators.
It would take a lot of time and money to sample every single pizza place in Lawrence,
Lawrence has more than 15 pizza places, the majority of which are local. Each boasts having the "best pizza in town," but it's always best to decide for yourself. In a recent survey of 50 randomly selected KU students, students said cost, taste and speed were the most important factors in choosing a favorite pizza place. Toppings offered, convenient hours and taste of crust were also important.
so knowing where to start and what each place offers will help you narrow your selection to the very best.
PIZZA SHUTTLE
With daily specials and student coupons, there is no doubt that Pizza Shuttle has the best prices in town. KU students surveyed voted Pizza Shuttle as their number one choice because of low prices, which they say was the most important factor when choosing a pizza place. Pizza Shuttle's "two-fers," "three-fers," "four-fers" and "big-fers" deals are perfect for a group wanting to satisfy a late-night pizza craving.
"The pizza you need to try is the cream cheese pizza with extra cheese," says Independence, junior Kelsie Froebe. Pizza Shuttle's best deal is the "Party 10,"which features 10-inch, one-topping pizzas for 40 dollars. If you don't mind
a drive to 23rd between Ousdahl and Naismith, Pizza Shuttle also offers a carryout special of $4.75 for a small and $8.75 for a medium pie.
THE WHEEL
Students voted The Wheel as their second favorite Lawrence pizza place. Owned by Pizza Pete, the cash-only pizza is offered by the slice, and is conveniently located next to nightlife and campus. "The pizza is cheap and it is always packed at 2 a.m. after people dance the night away at the Hawk," says Ariana Cohen, San Diego, Cal. senior. The Wheel also features a bar, with drink specials throughout the week, and is a great place to hang out and watch the game. Cohen says the pizza is soft with a thick crust. She says the best part is the dipping sauces (rach or honey) and the parmesan cheese.
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JAYHAWK BOOKSTORE
1420 CRESCENT ROAD
JAYHAWKBOOKSTORE.COM
1116 WEST 23RD STREET KUBOOKS.COM
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