Video Log: Day 1, Pizza Hut

DAY 1: OCTOBER 1st
Pizza Hut (full review)

(click here for video)

Day 4, Pizza Month 2010 - Hungry Howie's (Valrico, FL)

DAY 4: OCTOBER 4th, 2010

LOCATION: Hungry Howie's (Valrico, FL)

ORDER: 4 slices of pepperoni with butter-parm flavored crust

GUEST: Kitzi Taylor

REVIEW:
My sentimental favorite. Dig into the past of any pizza lover and you will find "the pizzeria that started it all." For me, it was Hungry Howie's. Sure I had my fair share (and then some) of Chuck E. Cheese, Showbiz, and Pizza Hut, but the local pizzeria my family ordered from on "pizza night" was Hungry Howie's. Despite being an obvious choice due to its proximity and price, just the sight of the yellow boxes prompted more-than-Pavlovian response from all of us. Wednesdays, or "Wacky Wednesdays" as advertised, were my favorite since a large pizza with one topping cost only $3.95.
Everyday specials are the norm at Hungry Howie's. We ordered a large pepperoni pizza (with flavored crust) for $5.55. Coincidentally, it was ready in five minutes. As I proceeded to shovel slice after slice into my mouth, I was taken back to the days when copious amounts of tomato sauce registered as "perfect pizza." This made me happy. And really, the fact that a slice of pizza can conjure up such a powerful feeling reminds me why I love it so much. Sure, nowadays, I crave fresh mozzarella, imported grated cheese, slightly charred crust, and San Marzano calibur tomatoes but this love affair began at Hungry Howie's - a place whose mission is simple: make pizza tasty and affordable. I should know, seeing as I had the privilege of working at this very location during summer break from college.

Furthermore, Hungry Howie's will take potential shortcomings and transform them into an asset. For instance, offering flavored crusts for no additional charge is the perfect way to enhance an inexpensive dough. Also, this carryout and delivery location also sports three booths and a restroom to accommodate the occasional walk-in clientele. This pizza franchise is more than a cute logo, it's good pizza.

VIDEO CLIP:

RATING:
4.31 out of 5

• VALUE:
  5/5


• AMBIENCE:
  3/3


• TASTE:
  7.5/10


• SERVICE:
  N/A 0/0

15.5/18 = .861 x 5 = 4.31

MISCELLANEOUS:
1. Me back when I delivered pizza for Hungry Howie's back in 1997

Day 3, Pizza Month 2010 - Papa John's (Valrico, FL)

DAY 3: OCTOBER 3rd, 2010

LOCATION: Papa John's (Valrico, FL)

ORDER: 2 slices of a large baby portobello mushroom, Italian sausage, and Roma tomatoes pizza

GUEST: Kitzi Taylor

REVIEW:

Sugar and spice and everything Football! There is a circle of triangles that will spiral nicely with your elliptical spheroid. The Papa's in the House Free Topping Football special consists of a large pizza with up to three toppings for $10. Add that to your Sunday playbook! Definitely opt for the toppings. Papa John's sports fresh gourmet toppings like baby portobello mushrooms, spicy Italian sausage, and thinly sliced Roma tomatoes to name a few. This deal likely only lasts during football season so rush in and put some pizza in your end zone (stomach) and see what I mean. Since the cheese and crust are average and overly-doughy, respectively, make sure you get some toppings! I know from my days working for Papa John's (I was a "dough-slapper") that the sauce has a bit of sugar which may encourage over-eating and possibly cover up a slightly more acidic tomato sauce so beware.

Considering the quality of toppings, I put Papa John's slightly ahead in the pizza battle for "best franchise". But, in the pizza war for "best pizza," none of the big franchises even come close.

VIDEO CLIP:

RATING:
3.61 out of 5

• VALUE:
  4/5


• AMBIENCE:
  2.5/3


• TASTE:
  6.5/10


• SERVICE:
  N/A 0/0

13/18 = .722 x 5 = 3.61

MISCELLANEOUS:
1. There was the second pizza meal in three days my mom and I ate in her truck. Nice ambience.
2. Have you seen that commercial where Papa John Shnatter throws the football like...a mile? Man, he's got a cannon.

3. Here I am back when I used to work for this exact Papa John's (I helped open it).