“ZaZas Pizzeria”

Highly Recommended **** I love Pizza! I guess most of us do. Many disagree on which type of pizza is the best stuffed? Chicago style?  Is it deep dish? Is it thin and crispy? Is it New York? There are so many choices, and even when you find the right size and shape, many argue over which is best in that category. Back in my acting days, living in New York, I became one who enjoyed a “slice” from time to time ( when I had extra money to spend). Here, in the Chicago area, I always enjoyed Father and Son for thin pizza with Barnaby’s running a close second. For thick it has always been Pizzeria Due and then Lou Malnotti’s. Awhile back, I received a call from Paul Lisnek ( a regular guest on my radio show and the political expert from WGN radio and TV) about a new place that he had tried called ZaZas Pizzeria just around the corner from the Briar Street Theater. It is a specialized version of New York pizza, so today, after A Red Orchid Theatre’s production of “The Moors” I went by their place at 3037 N. Clark Street and picked up a few for us to try and see what the fuss is about.

When I got to the theater, I called and spoke to Chef Chadd. I said since the play would end about 4:30, I would come by and pick up the pies at 5 p.m. Since I wasn’t sure what I might want, I said to make up two pizzas, each 1/2 one item and the other half something else. In this way, Jane and I were able to taste four different versions of this special pizza. I must tell you, while they did not remain hot during the 46 minute ride to Northbrook, they were  amazingly warm, and with a few minutes in the oven, almost as if they were just out of the oven back at ZaZas.

This is not the same NY pizza that I ate when I lived there, but a far better thin pizza. The crust is ligher, airier and has the perfect crispiness, making the edges a sheer delight. It was almost like a special bread when we got to the end. My understanding is that this along with allowing the home made dough to ferment for 48 hours makes for a better dough. Each 16″ ( they have only one size) pizza is hand tossed and prepared when ordered, so you are getting what you want, as fresh as possible and as tasty as I have had in a long while.

They have some seating so you could dine-in. They are a pizzeria, but offer starters such as cheese curds and garlic twists and they have a few salads available as well, but it is the pizza that will blow you away.

They are available to see on the website www.zazas-pizzeria.com. There are some that you may never have heard of, but they are worth trying. Vodka Pie, Truffle mushroom pie ( I do not eat mushrooms, but this changed my mind- it was terrific). They have a bacon Jam pie and white pie ( garlic, olive oil, whipped ricotta, mozzarelli basil, and a sesame see crust that is to die for!. You cal also build your own with a great many choices and they have some sweet treats as well We enjoyed the Thicc Ass Chocolate Chip cookie- wow!

ZaZas Pizzeria is located at 3037 N. Clark Street ( near Halsted and just South of Belmont). They are closed on MONDAY-

Hours:

Tuesday  4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Wed.-Sat. noon to 10 p.m.

Sundays  noon- 9 p.m.

Phone 773-661-6389 to place an order. Menu is available at www.zazas-pizzeria.com

street parking is available ( metered) and if picking up, they do have an area for doing so with flashing lights.

This is not the typical slice of New Yor, but much better and far easier to eat. My thanks to Paul for finding this spot. I know we will be back!