Deep Dish Pizza

I love deep dish pizza, but it is not something you find on the west coast very often. When we owned our pizza restaurant I had a customer in and ask why we did not offer Chicago style pizza's, I made a joke and told him he was in Portland not Chicago.

I spent a few minutes talking with him and learned that he was from the mid-west and grew up on Chicago pizza. I told him that I had visited Chicago a number of times and had my first taste of this style of pizza at Gino's East.

Gino's is a landmark for Chicago pizza. It is not your "cookie cutter" restaurant that is the trademark of the national chains.

The decor is a little raunchy. Gino's is more reminiscent of a well-worn bar than a pizza shop. Writing on the walls, initials carved into tables, dark, and a little unsettling for first timers. However, the pizza is out of this world!

This customer believed that Chicago style pizza would be a bit hit in Portland, and that I was missing a great opportunity. Instead of dismissing what he said, I decided to conduct a survey of our weekly customers to find out if they would be interested in trying something new.

For a week I asked every customer if they would like to see deep dish pizza on the menu. Funny thing...most of the customers did not even know what I was talking about. Those that were familiar with this type of pizza said they preferred the thin, crispy crust and thought that a Chicago pizza would be too much food to have at lunch.

Who knows, it might have been a great success but our customers did not seem interested. There are certainly regional preferences when it comes to pizza, but ALL of them are delicious.

Deep dish pizza is a meal in itself. As the name implies it is made in a deep pan, and resembles a traditional pie more than a pizza. It has a thick crust and is filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients. If you have never tried this type of pizza I encourage you to do so. And...if you are ever in Chicago stop in Gino's East for an authentic Chicago style pizza, you will be glad you did!

We have included recipe articles below. We also have information on how to make a Calzone , and other stuffed pizza information. Like deep dish pizza's, stuffed pizza's are very hearty meals and another wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of pizza.

Articles

Deep Dish Pizza Dough

Deep Dish Pizza Recipe

Learn how to make a Calzone

Everything you need to get started on making Calzones

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