Scott S.
Yelp
Texas Forever. That being said, there are some things I do miss from the garden state. State income taxes ain't one of them. But jersey pizza certainly is.
So I was really excited when I heard of a jersey pizza spot that was authentic and had great reviews so I quickly jumped my car and for a few minutes, the Mopac felt like the garden state parkway, and research boulevard was i dunno, maybe route 3 or 17.
I didn't know what to expect, and was trying to prepare myself for disappointment. I def want to try the Leander full service spot and not just the take out one, but I don't want to leave too much suspense...I gotta say I am impressed...Turned out to be a real commendable showing with a big dose of nostalgia.
I have to admit, when I got the box I was a little worried when I saw the slogan "pizza with a jersey attitude" that this was going to be just a gimmick. Like "i asked for spagetti with marinara and got egg noodles with ketchup"...or worse, if a Texan was in NYC and remember a couple years ago these magazines showed these pictures like "watch out texas, here is brooklyn BBQ" and it was the most sad pathetic little plate of BBQ...like that was my concern...
Anyway, I get rung up for my pie (15.50 is a jersey kinda price compared to most ATX pizza) and take the box and throw in my car. Pop it open (see below) to take a look.
The first thing i noticed if you see the cheese towards the crust of the pie was really white. Now that is great for a coal fired type pie, but not for straight jersey pie. So I was a bit worried. But looking toward the middle looked like the right color combination and I gotta say the look of the crust texture, shape, color combination and doneness was very promising.
Close the lid and get back on 183/NJ Route 3 and was very happy about the scent in my car for the rest of the ride home. Had the proper Jersey aroma to it.
Got home and ate it, and I have to say the first couple bites I noticed four things right off the bat. First, the cheese was really well done (not like over cooked but it was the right cheese, cooked correctly etc). Second, good curst thickness, doughy/crispy balance. Third, very nice light touch on the tomato sauce. Finally, I wasn't getting the amount of taste I was hoping for.
But, when I went to fold the slice to continue, the taste got incrementally better. It's like there is a cheat code embedded in the pizza to prove you're a real jersey guy. Once I folded it, it allowed the oil and grease to properly disperse and fill the pizza with flavor. Think of Mega Maid putting the air back into the Earth and King Roland is like "Aiiirrrrrrrr!!!!". So following the fold it was really awesome pizza with a nice crust finish.
Further, something I didn't know is that jersey pizza needs to breathe like an uncorked fine wine. After the pie was out for about 30 minutes the coloration of the pizza toward the crust got better; more of that orange hue from the grease. The pizza changed...so mystical...like stem changer verbs in Spanish.
As I was ready to throw the box in the fridge I was thinking how this is going to be a great cold pizza for the morning.
So why not 5 stars? I don't know. Maybe I am being too picky but I do think there could have been a bit too much oil on the pie. It felt heavy. Maybe from the oil. I feel like I should be able to eat 3 or 4 slices and still feel okay to hang out and such. Also, not fair to make Texans to have to know a cheat code to properly experience it. Many might not know the trick and not be able to property enjoy it.
I will definitely be back and look forward to hitting up Leander for the full experience (especially mozz sticks, Taylor ham egg and cheese), and get a taste of jersey every once in a while.
As Dr. Peter Venkman said to Lord Vigo after photographing him, "I've worked with better, but not many. Thank you."