Growing up in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, pizza has always held a special place in my heart. So, when I heard about the Pizza Hut Big New Yorker – a pizza claiming to embody the essence of my beloved hometown – I was both curious and skeptical. Back in the day, while I indulged in slices from local gems like Lenny’s, Luigi’s, and Nino’s, the rest of America was getting their first taste of pizza from chains like Pizza Hut. However, none of those chains could compare to the authentic, mouthwatering pizzas I had grown up with.
Fast forward to the late ’90s, when Pizza Hut introduced their “Big New Yorker.” At the time, I never had the chance to try this so-called “authentic” pizza. I had learned that few things labeled as “New York-style” could truly capture the essence of the pizzas I grew up loving. But now, as a respected pizza connoisseur with countless pies under my belt, I am ready to embark on a journey to taste the fabled Big New Yorker.
Unveiling the Big New Yorker
According to the Pizza Hut website, the Big New Yorker is a 16-inch pizza, cut into six oversized, foldable slices. It boasts a crispy thin crust, topped with a sweet marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan oregano seasoning. For those who desire extra toppings, options like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or onions are available for an additional fee.
The Verdict on the Big New Yorker
Let’s get one thing straight – the Big New Yorker does not attempt to replicate the iconic taste of a true New York-style pizza. And that’s perfectly fine. Pizza Hut has its own distinct identity, and that shines through in the Big New Yorker. It’s a Pizza Hut pizza, just bigger.
A regular large pizza from Pizza Hut measures 14 inches and is sliced into 12 pieces. In contrast, the Big New Yorker stretches to a whopping 16 inches, cut into only six slices. Each slice can be folded, emulating the authentic New York way of devouring pizza. It’s an indulgence that allows us to convince ourselves that we’re only consuming one slice, even if the reality may be different. Pizza Hut understands our little self-deceptions, and for that, we can’t help but appreciate them.
However, when it comes to comparing its flavors with a genuine New York pizza, the Big New Yorker simply falls short. The sauce lacks the robust essence of tomato puree and garlic that defines New York pizzerias. Pizza Hut’s crust, baked in a conveyor-belt oven, fails to capture the magic of a crust baked directly on a pizza oven’s floor. And let’s not forget the Parmesan oregano seasoning that sets Pizza Hut apart from the traditional pizzerias, where shakers of garlic powder and red chili flakes steal the show.
The Value in a Big New Yorker
Now, why should you give the Big New Yorker a try? The answer lies in its incredible value. In my neighborhood, a large 14-inch cheese pizza from Pizza Hut costs $16.49, while the 16-inch Big New Yorker is priced at only $15.99. No complicated pizza math needed here, but let’s crunch the numbers anyway, just for the fun of it.
To calculate the cost per square inch, we divide the price of the pizza by its area. Using the formula πr² (for those of you who remember high school math), we discover that a large pizza has a radius of 7 inches. So, a large pizza costs approximately $0.11 per square inch. On the other hand, the 16-inch Big New Yorker, with a radius of 8 inches, comes down to approximately $0.08 per square inch. It’s evident that you’ll get more bang for your buck with the Big New Yorker.
The Final Verdict
So, is the Big New Yorker a good pizza? Well, it all depends on your definition of “good” pizza. If you’re expecting it to measure up to an authentic New York slice from a neighborhood pizzeria, then you may be disappointed. However, when judged on its own merits as a Pizza Hut creation, the Big New Yorker is undeniably enjoyable. If you can appreciate Pizza Hut’s unique style of pizza, then this extra-large version will surely delight your taste buds.
Ultimately, the Big New Yorker offers a special pizza experience of its own, separate from the classic New York-style slice. It may not be an exact replica, but it has its charm, and as a pizza enthusiast, there’s always room in my heart (and stomach) for a delicious slice, no matter where it comes from.
So, if you’re in the mood for a grand, foldable pizza adventure, head on over to Hook’d Up Bar and Grill and indulge in the delightful Big New Yorker. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed!