Giordano’s Deep Dish Pizza: Debunking Common Myths and Comparisons
The world of deep dish pizza in Chicago is rich with tradition and flavor, with many places boasting their unique claims of being the thickest or most delicious. One often-overlooked player in this dynamic scene is Giordano’s, a brand with a somewhat misunderstood reputation. Let's delve into the truth behind the claim that Giordano’s is the thickest deep dish pizza in Chicago.
The Myth About Giordano’s Being the Thickest
The rumor that circulated widely suggested that Giordano’s might be the thickest deep dish pizza in Chicago. However, upon closer inspection, this claim becomes more about marketing and perception than actual thickness. It's essential to debunk this myth and explore the reality of what Giordano’s offers.
Understanding Giordano’s Pizza Technique
Beyond the surface myths, it's crucial to understand the actual pizza-making process that Giordano’s employs. Unlike the classic deep dish style that one might associate with traditional Chicago pizza, Giordano’s has a unique approach. They do not use a fully deep-pan technique but rather a hybrid method.
The Stuffing Pan Technique
At Giordano’s, the process begins with a pan they call a "stuffing pan." A layer of dough is placed on the bottom of the pan, and then another layer of dough is added on top of this, creating a stuffed look. After the layers, the pizza is filled with a combination of ingredients, and a final layer of sauce is applied. Each component of the pizza is baked separately, ensuring that the crust around the edge becomes crisp while the rest of the pizza remains soft and delicious.
Giordano's versus True Deep Dish Pizza
When comparing Giordano’s to traditional deep dish pizza places like Lombardi’s, Uno’s, or Gino's East, the differences become more clear. Traditional deep dish pizzas have a full and deep layer of dough that surrounds the toppings and sauce, creating a thick, robust experience. Giordano’s stuffed crust technique, while still a delicious style, involves two layers of dough baked separately, which results in a more delicate and varied texture compared to a fully pan-baked deep dish.
Giordano’s and the Deep Dish Myth
The confusion around Giordano’s being the thickest deep dish pizza likely stems from the visual appearance. The stuffed crust technique gives the impression of a thick and abundant crust, which can confuse those who don’t understand the true nature of the “stuffed” term. While it’s true that the crust is indeed thick and stuffed with cheese on the edges, it is not distinctive for being the thickest in Chicago.
Conclusion: The Spirit of Chicago Pizza
The spirit of Chicago pizza is one of innovation and tradition, and Giordano’s has certainly contributed to that tradition with its unique approach. It’s a matter of taste and preference. Whether one enjoys the full-thickness experience of a traditional deep dish or the unique stuffed crust of Giordano’s, each pizza offers a rich and satisfying taste of Chicago cuisine.
In conclusion, while Giordano’s stuffed crust pizza is a masterful creation, it does not necessarily claim the title of the thickest deep dish pizza in Chicago. By understanding the true nature of the stuffed crust technique, we can appreciate the unique flavor and texture it brings to the table. Whether you visit Giordano’s or any other iconic Chicago pizza spot, remember that each slice is a testament to the rich pizza culture of the Windy City.