Re-Attempt #4 - Tomaso's Pizza World

The Venue

3234 Center Point Road NE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 364-4313

Venue

Cedar Rapids based online community group Hoopla awarded Tomaso's the best pizza place over the last five year (2008 it received 2nd).  After trying their unique Detroit crust, it is easy to see why, since the caramelized cheese is a great finisher off each piece.  The staff consists of mainly high school/college kids, which in a sense is refreshing to see someone putting our kids to work these days.  The pizzas are prepare in an open kitchen, so you can see exactly what the preparers are doing when creating the pizza.  I noticed that after each pizza is cooked, the pizza gets taken out of the pan (or cast iron pan for the Detroit/Chicago style crusts), and then entered back into the oven for another 3-5 minutes.  This provides some durability to the crust which although it is crispy, it is also bready!   Some locations have been known to serve a more consistent pizza - Marion, and Center Point Road (in Cedar Rapids) are the ones which I would recommend.  The Hiawatha one is a bit spotty, although the restaurant is much nicer inside.  Each patron gets his/her own drink and plate/silverware, which is nice since you don't have to wait for a waitress.  Although you can find pizza specials from their mailing list, there is no nightly deal from my knowledge.  Their menu is posted online, you can find it here:  http://www.tomasospizzeria.com/#!locations/cfin.

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  Yes

Crust Thickness:  Thin/Regular/Bready Thick

Out of the Oven!

Our group consisted of 4 participants; so we ordered 2 pizzas.  We ordered them in the large 16" size.  Overall, with tip it came up to about $11 per person, with few leftovers.  They offered seven specialty pizzas that vary in their toppings-but nothing too out of the ordinary (I'm not sure how Great Garden really tastes different from the Veggie Combo).  The pizzas that we ordered were basic, but favorites: 

Pepperoni - (Large, Detroit Deep Dish Crust (no lip, instead caramelized cheese on the edge) [16”], $21.24)

Italian Sausage - (Large, Chicago Style (Same as Detroit except with a lip) Crust [16”], $21.24)

The Verdict

This pizza was awesome, with the only drawback being the price and lack of delicious sauce.  I had to ask for a side of extra sauce, since I like my pizza a bit more saucy.  They serve the sauce on top of the pie, usually in a swirl fashion.  I sometimes wish they were more generous with the toppings, but being a single topping pizza, they hit it just right.  One of the best parts of Tomaso's is that the cheese blends in beautifully with the bready crust, making each bite a tasty treat.  The pieces were cut into triangular-shaped slices.  Although the participant size was small, the vibe was pretty positive on the pizza itself.  One participant even commented that this "pizza is still crispy when it's cold".  The Pepperoni-Detroit Crust was the winner with 3-1 votes.  If you are in the mood for a good pizza, try the Detroit Pepperoni!

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            9.25

Cheese            9.50

Sauce               8.75

Topping           9.63

Crust                9.75

Venue              6.50

Large (16"), Italian Sausage, Chicago Style Crust ($21.24)

Large (16"), Italian Sausage, Detroit Style Crust ($21.24)

Attempt #29 - Union Station

Outside Venue

The Venue

1730 16th Ave SW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

(319) 364-2779

Quite a few locals tend to suggest Union Station because of their consistent, widely offered pizza on the South West side of Cedar Rapids. In fact, they have a Union Station Pizza (carry out only) place right next to the bar.  Their wait staff was extremely friendly, and helpful.  They had high chairs and booster seats for the little ones, a basketball hoop with a few arcade games, and a few pool tables.  The bar/restaurant itself is a bit dated; however, you get the cozy sense while you're there. Pizza specials are on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays which entail that a two-topping, 14" thin crust pizza is just $9.  You can find them online at:  http://www.unionstationcr.com/

Menu

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thin/Regular

Our group consisted of 6 participants; so we ordered 3 pizzas.  All three consisted of specialty pizzas.  We ordered them in the larger 14" size (with 10" was the smaller size available).  Overall, with tip it came up to $7.75 a person, with leftovers.  They offered six specialty pizzas that vary in their toppings-but nothing too out of the ordinary.  The pizzas were: 

Taco - Beef, Italian Sausage, Covered with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Black Olives and Fresh Grated Cheese (Large, Thin Crust [14”], $13.50)

Fire Eater - Meatballs, Mushrooms, Onion, Red & Green Peppers, and Mozzarella Cheese (Large, Thin Crust [10”], $12.00)

Large (14"), Fire Eater, Thin ($12.00)

Combo - Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Ham, Black Olives, Mushrooms, Green Peppers and Onions (Large, Regular Crust [14”], $15.00)

The Verdict

Large (14"), Taco, Thin ($13.50)

The thin crust pizzas were cut into small rectangle shapes, but the regular Combo pizza was cut into the familiar pie shaped triangles we've all grown to love.   Each pizza had a distinct sauce...the Combo had a Smokey flavor, the Fire Eater had a strong  spicy bang to it, and the Taco was a bit on the sweet side.  Each pizza was good; however, I think that the regular crust was much better than the thin.  I noticed that the Taco and even the Fire Eater (both thin crust) were soggy in the middle.  The Fire Eater was the spiciest pizza we've had to date...I've done the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazing Hot Wings Challenge and the Nuclear Wings Challenge (at Beef 'O' Brady's [current time record holder]), and I almost felt that the heat was a little much for enjoyment; unless you are like me and love spicy food.  Each pizza scored evenly with two votes each, so there was no clear winner in this month's pizza review.

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            7.17

Cheese            7.67

Large (14"), Combo, Regular ($15.00)

Sauce               7.67

Topping           7.83

Crust                7.17

Venue              5.50

Taco Slice

Combo Slice

Attempt #28 - Zio Johno's Spaghetti House

The Venue

Pizza Menu (Marion, IA Location Only)

755 7th Ave, Marion, IA ‎

(319) 373-2400

Zio Johno's is a locals favorite affordable Italian dining experience (as far as Cedar Rapids, Iowa gets).  The Tuesday special at the Marion location means that all pizzas are 50% off.  The dining room is very clean, with a fancy appeal.  Outdoor seating is available as well.   This is a perfect place for the family, as they offer high chairs for the little ones.  Since the pizzas were cheap, and small we decided to "live it up" in Marion, Iowa for this attempt.  You will see what we mean below...  By the way, Their website has the menu on it, although the prices are not accurate for the Marion, Iowa location.  Take a look at:  http://ziojohnosonline.com/site/userfiles/uploads/Zio-Johno-Menu.pdf

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Regular

Pizza Assortment!

Our group consisted of 11 participants; so we ordered 10 pizzas.  All six gourmet pizzas, two small "common" pizzas, and two additional repeated gourmet pizzas.  Since we decided to order so many, we got them all in smallest sizes available, 10" for the gourmet, and 12" for the common pizzas.  Overall, with tip it came up to $7.14 a person, with leftovers.  The pizzas were: 

Supreme - Ham, Pepperoni, Beef, Onions, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Black Olives (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $12.99)

Meatball Madness - Meatballs, Mushrooms, Onion, Red & Green Peppers, and Mozzarella Cheese (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $11.99)

Chicken Alfredo -Seasoned Chicken, and our signature Alfredo Sauce (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $9.99)

Chicken & Pesto - Pesto Sauce,  Grilled Chicken Breast, Bacon, Roma Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Red Peppers (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $9.99)

Chicken & Artichoke - Grilled Chicken, Artichoke, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Black Olives, Mushrooms over a base of Alfredo Sauce (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $9.99)

Angelo - Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Grilled Onions, Capicola, Black Olives, Roasted Red Peppers, Zesty Homepage Pizza Sauce (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $9.99)

2x Amore - Mortadella, Capicola, Italian Sausage, Salami, Red Onions over our Original Olive Oil, Fresh Garlic Base (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $9.99)

2x Meditation - Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Black & Green Olives, Red Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Green Peppers (Small, Regular Crust [10”], $9.99)

The Verdict

The pizzas were cut into small rectangle shapes by our request (normally they are in triangular pie shapes).  The dough was just right for average, not too thick nor was it cracker thin.  Sadly, they only provided one option for the crust.  The dough had a slightly sweet taste to it.  If you have ever had anything else at Zio Johno's, you'll quickly notice that their breads are all sweat, since they add sugar into the dough.  Surprisingly, it worked well on the pizza.  I felt that it was less apparent on the pies that had a tomato based sauce than the ones which had a creamy Alfredo sauce.  The most popular pick of the bunch was the Angelo, with a solid four votes, followed by the Amore with three.  The sauce was a little on the light side; but overall we were surprised as how delicious and cheap these pizzas were.  The pizza toppings were inventive, creative, and ornate.  So, if you are in Marion, and want a cheap personal gourmet pizza, head over to Zio Johno's on Tuesdays!

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            8.32

Cheese            7.86

Sauce               7.73

Topping           9.18

Crust                8.50

Venue              8.82

Small (10"), Chicken & Artichoke, Regular ($9.99)

Small (10"), Mediterranean, Regular ($9.99)

Small (10"), Amore, Regular ($9.99)

Small (10"), Chicken & Pesto, Regular ($9.99)

Small (10"), Angelo, Regular ($9.99)

 

Small (10"), Supreme, Regular ($12.99)

Small (10"), Chicken Alfredo, Regular ($9.99)

Small (10"), Meatball Madness, Regular ($11.99)

Re-Attempt #2 - Sip 'N Stir

Menu

The Venue

1119 1st Ave SE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

(319) 365-9067

We originally attempted Sip 'N Stir  Pizza 29 months ago.  Since our last (unrated) visit, they have not changed much, a slightly better table layout, a little bit higher prices [inflation], and a dead crowd on a Monday Night.  This is perfect for our pizza ordering extravaganza!  The waitress was very nice and helpful, and the flat (regular) crust pizzas were quick to prepare, and serve.  Their website has the menu on it, although the prices are not accurate.  Take a look at:  http://www.sipnstir.net/uploads/Pizza_Menu_White_GD.pdf

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No, but they have a deep dish crust

Crust Thickness:  Two Thick and Three Flat (Regular)

Medium (13"), Super Taco, Flat ($15.50)

Our group consisted of 9 participants; so we ordered five medium, 13", specialty pizzas.  The Chicken Kicker and Asian Chicken were served in deep crust, whereas the Dudley Special, Special, Meat Deluxe, and the Super Taco were served in the flat (regular) crust.  On Monday's the deal is buy 1 Regular price pizza, and get the second pizza of equal/lesser value half off.

Meat Deluxe - Sausage, Pepperoni, Beef, & Canadian Bacon (Medium, Flat [Regular] Crust [13”], $17.00)

Super Taco - Refried Beans, Chicken, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Onions, Topped w/Lettuce, Taco Chips, Tomato, Black Olive, Cheddar, Taco Sauce & Sour Cream (Medium, Flat [Regular] Crust [13”], $18.75)

Dudley’s Special - BBQ Sauce, Chicken, Pineapple, & Onion (Medium, Flat [Regular] Crust [13”], $15.50)

Chicken Kicker - Ranch Dressing Sauce, Seasoned Chicken, Bacon, & Onion (Medium, Deep Crust [13”], $18.75)

Medium (13"),  Dudley’s Special, Flat (15.50)

Asian Chicken - Fajita Chicken, Provolone, Teriyaki Chipotle, Sip Cole Slaw (Medium, Deep Crust [13”], $18.75)

The Verdict

From my memory, the pizza was much better than the original attempt we made back in 02/27/2011; however, we ordered specialty pizzas this time instead of the $7 medium two-topping pies like we did the first time.  This surely had a big impact. 

The Super Taco was the crowds favorite, receiving 7 out of 9c votes; whereas the 2 last votes went toward to the Meat Deluxe.  The deep crust was not a big hit, some commented on the blandness of the dough.  The flat crust was cooked thin, with a nice snap when taking a bite on the bottom layer.  I would almost call it a cracker crust.  Many attribute the Super Taco's success due to the carefully layered "sauce" of refried beans instead of normal sauce.  The Asian chicken was the most bizarre pizza on the menu, since it had cole saw on top of it.  The meat deluxe contained a predictable nice variety of meats, but a little light on the sauce.  The specials do provide a nice discount when ordering multiple pizza's which helps out on the wallet.  So, if you are on 1st Ave. and you are looking for a good taco pizza, try the Super Taco; or for a good meaty pizza, then try the Meat Deluxe pizza at Sip 'n Stir.

Medium (13"), Chicken Kicker, Deep ($18.75)

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            7.50

Cheese            6.44

Sauce               6.56

Topping           7.67

Crust                7.33

Venue              6.78

Medium (13"), Asian Chicken, Deep ($18.75)

Medium (13"), Meat Deluxe, Flat ($17.00)