Day 8, 2026: Pizza Pod (Hell's Kitchen, NYC)

exterior   


the "Pizza Pod"

DAY 8: OCTOBER 8th, 2026 

LOCATION: Pizza Pod (405 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036)

GUEST(S): Jimi Rossi, Katie Barry, Eva Margraf

ORDER: 2 slices of Margherita (San Marzano, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil), 1 slice of Mushroom & Truffle (Wild mushrooms, truffle oil, mozzarella, parmesan), 1 slice of Guava Pepperoni (red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, guava), 1 slice of Creamy Artichoke & Garlic (creamy artichoke, roasted garlic, parmesan)

REVIEW: 

Backseat chef. 

Initially powering the Pizza Pod off his Smart car battery, Alvelo has come a long, impressive way. He’s now running two ovens out of a brick-and-mortar outpost nestled inside a Hell’s Kitchen cafe. His pies are so good that it wouldn’t surprise me if Pizza Pods start popping up all across the city—and honestly, that would be a dream come true for anyone lucky enough to score one of his traditional or creative concoctions.

Clearly a dedicated student of the craft, Alvelo has completely mastered his dough. His 72-hour fermentation process yields a sturdy, crisp crust that’s easily digestible while staying wonderfully airy and chewy on the inside. It’s the perfect, structural foundation for his top-tier ingredients.

Take the Mushroom & Truffle pie, which pairs wild mushrooms with rich truffle oil, mozzarella, parmesan, and a secret white sauce that tastes like the best alfredo you’ve ever had—only better. Meanwhile, his more classic offerings are executed with enough precision to impress a Naples pizzaiolo.

My advice? Bring a buddy, grab one traditional pie and one creative option, and share. These personal pies are surprisingly filling and wallet-friendly—sharing space with an espresso bar and running a solo operation keeps overhead low, and Alvelo passes those savings directly on to us. Go now before the word gets out and the lines wrap around the block. I’ll definitely be back soon—and not just because it’s a stone’s throw from my front door!

PHOTOS:

Day 8

slice of Margherita

Margherita pie

Guava Pepperoni pie

Mushroom & Truffle pie

underside

interior

menu

Brad Alvelo

VIDEO:

click to view

MISCELLANEOUS:

Sean Taylor, Eva Margraf, Jimi Rossi, Katie Barry

1. Eva Margraf lives in France, a stone's throw from Germany is a place called Strasbourg. She met Katie Barry years ago at an AirBnb and they have been globe-trotting friends ever since. 

Sean Taylor, Eva Margraf, Katie Barry, Jimi Rossi

2. Katie Barry and Jimi Rossi are on my bowling team. After pizza, Jimi bowled a turkey! Katie and I did not. 

3. Katie Barry and I both have fond memories of New Orleans...and less fond memories of our trips back. 

4. I got to meet Brad Alvelo, the creator and pizza chef of Pizza Pod. Turns out, his current storefront is about 1 block from my apartment so I hope this is the beginning of beautiful friendship.

RATING:

 4.44/5

• VALUE:
   4.5/5


• AMBIENCE:
   2/3


• TASTE:
   9.5/10


• SERVICE: N/A

16/18 = .888 x 5 = 4.44

Day 7, 2026: Sama 'Za (Hell's Kitchen, NYC)

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DAY 7: OCTOBER 7th, 2026 

LOCATION: Sama 'Za (370 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019)

GUEST(S): Robin Rothman, Shawn Wickens, Chris Simpson

ORDER: 1 slice of Straight Outtta Calabria (tomato sauce, n'duja, stracciatella, lemon), 1 slice of Broc You Like a Hurricane (tomato sauce, lamb sausage, broccoli rabe, scamorza), 1 slice of V.C.R (vodka sauce, cheese, pepperoni), 1 slice of Bulgogi Nights (Kimcheez, peppers, onions, beef, provolone)

REVIEW: 

Not the same ol' 'za!

Despite playing on the name of their restaurant group’s former venture "Same, Same", Sama 'Za is churning out some of the most creative pizzas in Hell's Kitchen. Situated conveniently near Times Square in the heart of the theater district, it makes for an ideal pre- or post-show spot to gather with friends for a drink or a pie.

The cool retro pizza parlor vibes, classic playlist, friendly staff, and signature throwback fountain drink cocktails are great touches—but make no mistake, you come here for the pizza! The menu is loaded with unique, pun-filled pies featuring fun ingredients like n'duja, sweet corn, and broccoli rabe, alongside an ever-changing rotation of seasonal specials.

I recommend trusting your gut on these individual-sized specialty pies and ordering whatever your appetite dictates. You might opt for the seasonal, Korean-inspired Bulgogi Nights pie with "Kimcheez," beef, peppers, and provolone. Or better yet, go with my personal favorite: the Straight Outta Calabria. The savory tomato sauce, melted stracciatella, lemon zest, spicy n'duja, and salty outer crust strike every single taste bud in just the right way. I can't wait for my next visit to Sama 'Za!

PHOTOS:

dining area

bar and Specials Menu board

Pizza offerings

Bulgogi Nights pie

Broc You Like a Hurricane pie

V.C.R. pie

Straight Outta Calabria pie

Day 7

underside

slice of Bulgogi Nights

slice of Straight Outta Calabria

VIDEO:

click to view

MISCELLANEOUS:

Chris Simpson, Robin Rothman, Shawn Wickens, Sean Taylor

1. Shawn Wickens and I used to be on the same improv comedy called Junior Varsity. Now we both perform our own shows in fringe festivals across the world. I brought my pizza-themed show (Life of Pie) to Edinburgh, Scotland and Shawn has brought his time travel show (Time Machine Blueprints) to both the New Zealand Fringe and the Adelaide Fringe (in Australia).

2. Chris Simpson and Robin Rothman used to be on the same musical improv comedy called Secret, Secret. Now Chris performs on a Musical Improv Team called Mona Lisa at the Magnet Theater every Thursday night.

Gelato & Robin

3. Robin Rothman and I tried to walk home without getting gelato at Gelatoville but failed. It's so good - particularly after pizza!  

RATING:

 4.17/5

• VALUE:
   3.5/5


• AMBIENCE:
   3/3


• TASTE:
   8/10


• SERVICE:
   3/3

17.5/21 = .833 x 5 = 4.17