Pete's New Haven Pizza

What: Pete's New Haven
Where: 1400 14th St NW Washington, DC

When: November 12, 2013

I think that we put off writing this post because the pizza was not our favorite.  It was not memorable and as a result it seemed hard to write a blog about food that was just 'eh.'  

Pete's New Haven style pizza has several locations.  We decided to go to the one in Columbia Heights.  I have been to the one in Friendship Heights several times and it is always packed. Every time I have been to the Friendship Heights location I have enjoyed the pizza and atmosphere.  I was shocked when I did not have the same experience at the Columbia Heights location.

Before we talk about how the pizza was I think that it is important to talk about what New Haven pizza is. "What makes New Haven style pizza distinct is its thin, oblong crust, characteristic charring, chewy texture, and limited use of melting cheeses. It tends to be drier and thicker than, but closely related to, traditional New York style pizza. Both styles in turn are close descendants of the original Neapolitan style."  (www.wikipedia.com October 2014) I am from CT and I am sad to say that I have never had a New Haven style pizza until now, in DC.  

The four of us made it despite the cold DC weather.  At Pete's New Haven you go up to the counter and place your order (both food and drinks).  They give you numbers and then they will then bring your food to your table.  It is a cross between a sit down and fast food restaurant.

Margherita Pizza

Metro North

        Courtney unsure of Pete's New Haven Pizza.  

Crust Comments: 
Courtney: "Good texture and sturdiness, but no real flavor. The crust was cooked to a good golden color but it got harder as it cooled down."

Jenn: "Soooo...whatever."

Catherine: "The crust was okay. It was neither bad nor amazing. I felt ambivalent about it and therefore, do not have much more to say about it."

Sauce Comments: 
Courtney: "The red sauce on the Margherita pizza had no flavor. Our second pizza was a white pizza was much more flavorful, but I don't know how much was from the sauce."

Jenn: "Not that interesting to me."

Catherine: "The sauce tasted like canned tomato sauce to me. There wasnt much flavor and provided more of a smooth texture under the cheese."

Toppings Comments: 
Courtney: "The cheese on the margherita pizza was disappointing. I like large pieces of fresh mozerella, this pizza had grated mozzarella sprinkled across the entire pizza. The basil was chopped up, which got better coverage, but just so-so flavor. The specialty pizza, Metro North, had pulled pork, pancetta, caramelized onion, and thyme. The pancetta was flavorful and delicious. The caramelized onions were perfectly cooked and delicious. The pork seemed dry and unnecessary."

Jenn: "Pretty standard, unimpressive."

Catherine: "The Metro North toppings were pancetta, pulled pork, thyme and carmalized onions. Every topping surprisingly went well together although at first glance seemed like a weird mixture. The pancetta was amazing and I made a note to add pancetta to my topping repetroie. I liked that the pulled pork was crisp however, it lacked flavor and was dry."

Pizza: 
Margherita Pizza
Courtney: one slice
Jenn: one slice
Catherine: one slice

Metro North
Courtney: quarter pie
Jenn: one slice
Catherine: quarter pie


Overall Thoughts: 
Courtney: "Pizza came fast and employees were quick to help and friendly. Making extra conversation when dropping off food and walking by."

Jenn: "It was fine for what it was, I guess."

Catherine: "Great staff and the food came quick."

All and all Pete's is not the best pizza place in town but if you need to grab a quick slice it will do...just don't get the margherita.