Attempt #33 - Sykora Bakery

The Venue

73 16th Avenue Southwest

Venue

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

(319) 364-5271

Oven

Large (16"), Hawaiian ($19.99)

Large (16"), Supreme ($19.99)

Since the great flood of 2008, the Sykora Bakery reopened, continuing their legacy of serving the Cedar Rapids, IA community with fresh baked goods for over 80 years!  Recently, after perfecting their pizza dough recipe, they decided to start selling pizza on Friday and Saturday evenings after 5pm, or you may be able to call a day in advance if you plan on ordering a pizza at another time.  The bakery itself is not very large, it has around 10 tables that seat roughly 20-26 people.  The pizza attempt marked an important departure of the Wissinks, one of the couples who have participated in well over two years (24 events) of pizza attempts with us.  Since time is limited, the owner of the bakery, John, sent his workers home, and worked himself so he could stay open on Thursday night from 5:30-7:30 for our attempt.  This kind act of hospitality alone earned the Sykora Bakery to have the #1 venue of the 33 places that we have tried so far.  Aside from the pizza, they sold bread loaves, cookies, pastries, ice cream, post cards, books, magnets, bottled water, pop, etc...  They had one high chair which was well used with three little ones, and had napkins, red pepper, and cheese on each table-ready to go for us! 

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thick

Large (16"), Pepperoni ($16.99)

Our group consisted of 13 (1 of which, was a watcher) participants; so we ordered 4 large pizzas.  They currently serve four specialty pizzas, so we ordered one of each except for the Veggie.  Each pizza only came with only one crust, Sykora's thick, delicious homemade bready crust. We ordered them in the large 16" size; they also have a 14" medium.  Each pizza costs roughly $20.  The pizzas were: 

Supreme - Pepperoni, sausage, beef, onions, mushrooms, with mozzarella cheese  ($19.99 for the 16" large)

Taco  - Seasoned ground beef, green peppers, refried beans, lettuce, onions,  topped with tortilla chips covered with mozzarella cheese  ($19.99 for the 16" large)

Hawaiian - Canadian bacon, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese ($19.99 for the 16" large)

Pepperoni - Pepperoni and mozzarella ($16.99 for the 16" large)

The Verdict

Large (16"), Taco ($19.99)

Large (16"), Hawaiian ($19.99)

Taco and Supreme Slice

The pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces.  The crust was on the thick and bready side (DELICIOUS!).  One drawback about the bakery is the price of a large pizza will set you back $20; however, if you factor in all of the bready goodness you are getting from it, it is almost as if you are getting two pizzas because the crust make the pie filling.  The sauce was prepared well, in house, one gallon at a time.  Since they are relatively new in the pizza business, they do not have the large scale demand to make a lot of sauce and have it keep, therefore they make them in smaller increments.  Their bready delicious crust is what sets this apart from the other places in town, as John pointed out to me.  The topping consistency was average, not as plentiful as some other venue's but not as scarce as others.  The favorite pizza of the group was the Hawaiian.  Half of the Hawaiian had sauerkraut whereas the other half did not.  I must admit that although I voted for the Supreme, the Hawaiian was the best Hawaiian pizza that I have ever had.   I would even consider ordering it standalone next time, as it fills up my wife, son, and myself quite well.   It may not be the first place to consider on getting a pizza, but when you are in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, give the Sykora Bakery a try along with your next batches of Kolaches.  If you call in advance, they may even make your pizza on an off day (Sunday-Thursday), like they did for myself!  I would defiantly give this place if you are like me, and enjoy a thick, bready crust!!!

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            8.73

Cheese            8.91

Sauce               8.09

Topping           8.91

Crust                9.09

Venue              9.55

Attempt #32 - Papa Juan's Stefanos

Venue Outside

The Venue

5505 Center Point Road NE,

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319) 393-0258

Within a small strip mall, there is a Mexican/Italian place that many of the local Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha restaurant know of.  Of our group of 10 participants, none of us have been this place.  It is very spacious, and has a relaxed feel to it.  A large bar is present right when you walk in, and on the left there is a dining area that looks as if you can even rent it out for a small party.  The Italian entree's is highly praised as being some of the best in town.  The owner apologized to us in advance, their oven only fits 2-3 pizzas at a time, so there was a small wait in between our 6 pizzas.  He also mentioned how he would have liked to purpose a 45 gallon mixer for the kitchen, so he can make homemade dough; however, there is not enough space so he has to settle with frozen crusts.  The large room on the left was very cool looks, with a giant tree roped with white lights, and presents surrounding it.  They had a large Santa display along with other fun teddy bears for the holidays up.  The restaurant had high chairs and plenty of space on a Thursday night, which is perfect for those who has kids.  You can find their menu online at:  http://www.papajuansstefano.com/papa-juans-stefanos-american-pizza-menu.htm

Menu

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Average

Our group consisted of 10 (1 of which, was a watcher) participants; so we ordered 6 pizzas.  They currently serve five specialty pizzas, so we ordered one of each.  Each pizza only came with only one crust. We ordered them in the only size, a 12".  Each pizza cost roughly $13.  The pizzas were: 

Chicken Alfredo - Our homemade Alfredo sauce with red onions, diced tomatoes, green peppers, and sautéed chicken covered with mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

Taco - Seasoned beef with salsa, green peppers, red onions, cheddar cheese, and sautéed chicken covered with mozzarella cheese  ($12.99)

Drunken Chicken - Out homemade pizza sauce covered with chicken sautéed in Jack Daniel's bourbon and topped with red onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

Chicken Boom Boom - Our homemade Alfredo sauce combined with our new boom boom sauce gives pizza a kick in the feathers.  Some like it hot and this is it!  With chicken, bacon, pepper jack cheese, jalapeño and mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

BBQ Chicken - Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce with bacon, green peppers, red onions, cheddar cheese, and sautéed chicken covered with mozzarella cheese ($12.99)

Pepperoni - Pepperoni and mozzarella ($12.99)

The Verdict

Chicken Boom Boom ($12.99)

BBQ Chicken ($12.99)

The pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces.  The crust was average...it reminded some of Jack's self rising pizza crust.  It was good, but not $13 good.  The sauce was prepared well...one can easily taste the their Alfredo sauce was homemade by its freshness.  The topping consistency was plentiful, as it should be.  As typical Mexican restaurants go, they served chips and salsa as a appetizer.  The favorite pizza of the group was the spicy Chicken Boom Boom.  It is NOT as spicy as the Union Station's Hot Head (which is a good thing for most!), and it yet very cheesy and spicy with lots of flavor.  The BBQ Chicken came in as a close second favorite.  The sweetness of the BBQ sauce was terrific.  I had a hard time deciding!  The Drunken Chicken would be perfect for those who like to drink bourbons and other whiskeys.  The Taco was pretty good too, the pizza had lot of shredded cheddar cheese on it paired with Doritos, which was very tasty.  The pizza size is perfect for a family of four, considering that chips also come with the meal.  The wait staff was friendly, and helpful, and the owner was a terrifically nice guy.  Although most probably don't come to Papa Juan's for the pizza's, they are definitely worth a try, if you have the chance. 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            7.56

Cheese            8.00

Sauce               7.22

Topping           8.11

Crust                6.00

Venue              8.67

Drunken Chicken ($12.99)

Pepperoni ($12.99)

Chicken Alfredo ($12.99)

Taco ($12.99)

Attempt #31 - Maggie's Farm, Wood-Fired Pizza

Menu

Venue (Inside)

Venue (Outside)

The Venue

1100 3rd Street SE,

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

(319) 364-4606

This pizza is served only when the New BO Market is open (Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays).  They are named after a very smart dog named Maggie.  There is limited seating since the location is a trendy indoor market.  Since there are other vendors, seating can run a little tight at times...depending on the time of the day.  The booth is very clean, and technologically advanced.  When you pay via credit card you sign your name with your finger on a tablet, and you receive a tiny ticket with your order (eco friendly?).  If you want something to drink, waters are $1, and I believe they have bottled regional beer available.  You can find their menu online at:  https://www.facebook.com/MaggiesFarmWoodFiredPizza/app_117784394919914

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thin

Personal (10"), Chicken Bianca, Thin ($11.00)

Our group consisted of 8 participants; so we ordered 6 pizzas.  They currently serve eight different styles of toppings for their pizzas, of which we ordered six different ones.  Each pizza only came with only one crust, which is thin-perfect for making a pizza while taking only about 8 minutes of time!  We ordered them in the only size, a 'personal' sized 10".  Each pizza cost roughly $10.00.  The pizzas were: 

Pizza Margherita - Fresh basil, crushed tomatoes, garlic, mozzarella, parmigiano-reggiano ($10.00)

Blue Cheese & Onion - Caramelized onion, blue cheese ($10.00)

Personal (10"), Blue Cheese & Onion, Thin ($10.00)

Pepperoni - Pepperoni, mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, parmigiano-reggiano ($11.00)

Prosciutto - Prosciutto, mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, parmigiano-reggiano ($10.00)

Chicken Bianca - Garlic, mozzarella, pecorino, parmigiano-reggiano, chicken (11.00)

Pesto - Pesto, tomato and mozzarella ($10.00)

The Verdict

Personal (10"), Pizza Margherita, Thin ($10.00)

Personal (10"), Pesto, Thin ($10.00)

The thin crust pizzas were cut into triangular-shaped pieces.  The crust was thin, since they have a wood-fired pizza oven, this is clearly the draw.  The turnaround time from order to dining was very fast, only 8 minutes!  As for the sauce it was a bit on the light side, however, the toppings were about right...not too many not too few.  The pizza was neither crisp nor bready, yet not soggy, so I think the crust is about right for their style of pie.  Since we have 6 pizzas for 8 participant adults, some of us felt a little hungry afterwards...then again that's what you get with thin crust sometimes.  It would be nice if they offered a thick style of crust.  The topping diversification was great...it reminded me a bit of Cibo Fusion's gourmet pizzas.  The Chicken Bianca came up as the undisputed favorite of the group.  Although the price may be a little high, you should be comforted to know that you are supporting a small, local business.  These pizzas are perfect for lunch, so if you are in the area stop by the New BO Market and try one out.  (My favorite was the Pesto, oddly enough!) .    

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            6.75

Cheese            6.50

Sauce               6.13

Topping           7.38

Crust                6.13

Venue              4.88

Personal (10"), Prosciutto, Thin ($10.00)

Personal (10"), Pepperoni, Thin ($11.00)

Attempt #30 - Hunt Brothers Pizza

Venue Inside

 

The Venue

502 E Avenue NW,

Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

(319) 364-4606

Venue Outside

Large (12"), Veggie, Thin ($9.99)

Large (12"), Pepperoni, Regular ($9.99)

This pizza is served currently within the Cennex gas station off of E Avenue, on the west side of Cedar Rapids.  Hunt Brothers has over 7,000 locations nationwide, and they are based out of Indiana.  This location is the first one in the area (to my knowledge).  Because of the location (within a gas station), there is no seating available, so for this attempt, we met at a nearby friends house to dig in.  You can find their menu online at:  http://www.huntbrotherspizza.com/menu

The Pizza

Chicago Style:  No

Crust Thickness:  Thin/Regular

Our group consisted of 11 participants; so we ordered 6 pizzas.  We ordered them in the only size, a large 12" size.  Each pizza cost $9.99, regardless of how many toppings were loaded on it.  They offered three specialty pizzas (Veggie, Loaded, and Lotsa Meat); nothing too out of the ordinary.  The pizzas were: 

Loaded - Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Beef, Bacon, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions, Black Olives, Banana Peppers and Jalapeno Peppers (Large, Regular Crust [12”], $9.99).

Lotsa Meat Pizza - Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Beef and Bacon (Large, Regular Crust [12”], $9.99).

Veggie - Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Onions, Black Olives, Banana Peppers and Jalapeno Peppers (Large, Thin & Regular Crust [12”], $9.99).

Pepperoni - (Large, Thin & Regular Crust [12”], $9.99).

The Verdict

The thin crust pizzas were cut into small rectangle shapes, since the dough was prepared in a large rectangle.  The regular crust pizzas were circular, and cut into triangle shapes.  The dough is frozen, but the toppings were fresh.  The worker (manager) even went out to get fresh tomatoes for our order on the Loaded (they normally don't have that available).   The pizza cooled quickly, but while it was hot it wasn't too bad.  The 'Loaded' was the favorite among the participants, although I enjoyed the regular crusted pepperoni.  Pepperoni came in second, and no other votes were cast for the Lotsa Meat nor the Veggie.  The sauce was light, but the rim of the regular pizza was nice and bready.  This wouldn't be a bad place to pick up a slice of pizza if you are in a hurry on that part of town, but I would not advise making a special trip out on it. 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.
Overall            5.44

Large (12"), Veggie, Regular ($9.99)

Large (12"), Lotsa Meat, Regular ($9.99)

Cheese            5.67

Large (12"), Pepperoni, Regular ($9.99)

Large (12"), Loaded, Regular ($9.99)

Sauce               5.11

Topping           5.89

Crust                6.33

Slices

Venue              0.00