(chow)down - on Search for that Slice - 3 Guys from Italy

New Digs; JFK Boulevard

It's been years since I've had much reason to head to Journal Square. Once the heart of this growing city, the Square personifies what could have been. And while the revitalization is often spoken of and pictured in numerous artist renditions, the Square has ways to go. The last time I ate in the Square was at the delicious and terribly missed Canton. But everything deserves a second chance and with the Loews Theater continuously playing great flicks, I had to take my search for the perfect slice to this area. That's where 3 Guys from Italy comes in. I remember when 3 Guys was nestled on a dodgy ally above the bus terminal; the ally often littered with trash, dime bags and drunkards. With no tables or chairs offered it was the epitome of a joint to grab a slice and go. I had fond memories of the pizza but could easily write that off to a serious case of misguided teenage munchies. With this bit of history in mind and current calls from readers to give it a try, I could not avoid 3 Guys. (If on main page, click read more just below.)

(chow)down - on Search for that Slice - Helen's Pizza

a Downtown Staple; 183 Newark Avenue

After tallying the suggestions of pizza shops worth a visit I realized a downtown staple was not once mentioned. Helen's Pizza, a long survivor of Newark Avenue's non-99¢ store curse, has been family owned and operated since 1968. I have a long history with Helen's Pizza as they delivered the slices used in my grammar school's Wednesday lunch. I was also in the same class as the owner's daughter and she was, from what memory serves me, my first crush. I'm saying this not only as some weird need for full disclosure, but I also think it's important to show the staying power of this family business. I can't deny that I have fond memories of Helen's slices, but my palette has certainly matured since my days as a careless prepubescent. (if on main page, click "read more" just below.)

(chow)down - on Search for that Slice

Living most of my life in the NYC metro area has had a huge influence on my style, politics, interests, and palette. As a kid, a slice of pizza was sure to be the highlight of school lunch. While that might say more about my school's menu than it does pizza, the perfect combination of cheese, tomato sauce and dough cannot be denied. A slice is my idea of comfort if it's cooked to a crisp with a healthy dose of cheese. With that being said, I often look at the pizza options in JC with ambiguity. While I can read off a list of slices one must have while in Manhattan or Brooklyn, I struggle to find a slice in JC that I can stand behind 100%. After a few discussions with friends and reading over pizza threads on JC List, I thought it was time to put JC slices to the test. Over the coming weeks I will happily ingest as many slices as my wallet can afford, documenting each pizza shop and slice for all to read. A quick glimpse in the yellow pages provides the addresses of way over 100 spots to choose from. I do not have the time, energy, funds or abs to hit them all. That's where the folks of Chilltown come in. While I already have a few spots on my hit list, I am looking for suggestions in helping me find the best slice. If you think your local joint needs to be reviewed, leave a comment so I can check it out. I'm not doing this quest alone. As I prefer my slices plain, I am bringing a meat lover and a veggie lover along for the ride. So hit me up with suggestions, spread the word and check back for what will hopefully be a successful quest of ingestion.

(the)Skinny
All slices will be rated on the quality of cheese, sauce and dough. Any variation in slice i.e. meat, veggie, deep dish etc will be highlighted and rated separately. I doubt the best slice is in downtown, so be sure to tell me of other joints worth a visit.

If you're in Manhattan or Brooklyn and in need of a slice, here are 4 suggestions not to be missed.
1. Co. - 230 9th Ave. (at 24th Street) Chelsea
2. Ben's Pizza - 123 MacDougal Street
3. Grimaldi's - 19 Old Fulton Street Dumbo, Brooklyn
4. Otto Enoteca Pizzeria - 1 Fifth Ave. (at 8th Street)