Fast Food Discussion: Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell

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From @kyphysics:

I haven't been back to Taco Bell since seeing a giant rat in the drive-thru lane.

Response from @gmax137:

What was he driving?

Check to see if it was a Catillack!

 

[kyphysics]

What was he driving?

She casually walked across the drive-thru lane unafraid of my car. That's when I knew this was a different breed of rat. It was huge, unafraid, and seemed like it could be a tough fight. Home Depot is across the street from this Taco Bell and they've told me these rats are not afraid of cats that come by the garden. The cats don't even try to attack the giant rats.

 

[collinsmark]

[...] Also worth to learn about other types of Pizza restaurants who can give or make custom pizzas, such as Pieology, who can give so many many different toppings like jalapenos, other chilis, cilantro, spicy sausages, and sauces other than tomato sauce.

I have a few negatives with Pieology Pizzeria. I'll list them below in no particular order.

• Pieology's main selling/marketing push is the "Craft Your Own Pizza" menu item. With this, you put as many toppings as you like on your pizza all for one flat price. The problem is that if you order $n$ toppings, they'll only put on a quantity of $\frac{1}{n}$ for each topping, compared a single topping order. So in the end, no matter how many toppings you want, the result is consistently dissapointing.
• It's California style pizza, meaning a thin crust, not much cheese or sauce, and cooked quickly under a flame who's temperature is in the same ballpark as the surface of the sun. The end result is a relatively unsubstantial pizza where the toppings are singed on the outside, and barely cooked on the inside. I even live in California -- I have for decades now -- and I still haven't figured out why anybody would opt for this.
• In all their marketing and store decor, website decore, etc., there's not one mention of $\pi$. 'Talk about a missed opportunity.

 

[symbolipoint]

I have a few negatives with Pieology Pizzeria. I'll list them below in no particular order.

• Pieology's main selling/marketing push is the "Craft Your Own Pizza" menu item. With this, you put as many toppings as you like on your pizza all for one flat price. The problem is that if you order $n$ toppings, they'll only put on a quantity of $\frac{1}{n}$ for each topping, compared a single topping order. So in the end, no matter how many toppings you want, the result is consistently dissapointing.
• It's California style pizza, meaning a thin crust, not much cheese or sauce, and cooked quickly under a flame who's temperature is in the same ballpark as the surface of the sun. The end result is a relatively unsubstantial pizza where the toppings are singed on the outside, and barely cooked on the inside. I even live in California -- I have for decades now -- and I still haven't figured out why anybody would opt for this.
• In all their marketing and store decor, website decore, etc., there's not one mention of $\pi$. 'Talk about a missed opportunity.

Still one of my favorites. Some people do not like Mozzarella cheese and do not like tomato pizza sauce. So many of the other available toppings then present improvements for people like me. The complaint of the preparers giving small amounts of most toppings can be managed, but requires the repeated request of asking for more of...

 

[kyphysics]

• It's California style pizza, meaning a thin crust, not much cheese or sauce, and cooked quickly under a flame who's temperature is in the same ballpark as the surface of the sun. The end result is a relatively unsubstantial pizza where the toppings are singed on the outside, and barely cooked on the inside. I even live in California -- I have for decades now -- and I still haven't figured out why anybody would opt for this.

A fresh tasting tangy sauce is so important to me on pizzas, as is enough cheese (should get decent "cheese pull"). I haven't been to this business, but don't think I'd like it from the description above.

I am in love with Jet's Pizza (Detroit deep dish franchise known for the crust, but also super fresh ingredients - from the sauce to the fresh dough). You can taste the quality ingredients. A bit pricey (usually about $5 more per pizza vs. other franchise national brands like Pizza Hut, Domino's, etc.), but worth it for the quality to me.

I find when eating low quality food, I'm still hungry afterwards and blow my money buying more food. Why not just buy higher quality and filling food from the start? . . .It's why I'm willing to pay up for a Five Guys burger finally.

The exception that I find is the value Costco pizza. That 16-inch $9.99 pizza is just pretty darn good (ingredient quality is solidly decent).

Who here has tried Jet's Pizza and/or Costco pizza and doesn't like it?

 

[kyphysics]

The complaint of the preparers giving small amounts of most toppings can be managed, but requires the repeated request of asking for more of...

Sounds like Subway with their super thin sliced toppings that you have to fight tooth and nail to get a little extra of. It was one of the top reasons I stopped going there years ago (I eat Jimmy John's and Jersey Mike's now, instead).

 

[symbolipoint]

Who here has tried Jet's Pizza and/or Costco pizza and doesn't like it?

I have not tried those, but based on the description, just my own consumer experience and intuition tells me ' I would not like it '.

 

[collinsmark]

Who here has tried Jet's Pizza and/or Costco pizza and doesn't like it?

I have not tried those, but based on the description, just my own consumer experience and intuition tells me ' I would not like it '.

I haven't tried Jets or Costco pizza either. There is a Costco in town but I'm not a member*, so I haven't eaten there.

That said, there is former colleague of mine that swore by Costco pizza. He would drive for miles sometimes at lunch just to have the Costco pizza.

*(For those unfamiliar with Costco, it's like a huge warehouse food supply store where you can buy items in bulk for not much more than the wholesale price. I guess it's great for large families that eat a lot of food. Rather than buy a small jar of mayonnaise, Costco might sell a vat of mayonnaise, or maybe six jars of mayonnaise all packaged together. But in order to shop there in the first place, you must first become a member, and get a special card. If you don't have the card, they won't sell to you. This might be a USA only thing, I don't know.

They also have a cafeteria which sells various cafeteria food items, including the pizza discussed here. It definitely has its fans.)

 

[symbolipoint]

*(For those unfamiliar with Costco, it's like a huge warehouse food supply store where you can buy items in bulk for not much more than the wholesale price. I guess it's great for large families that eat a lot of food. Rather than buy a small jar of mayonnaise, Costco might sell a vat of mayonnaise, or maybe six jars of mayonnaise all packaged together. But in order to shop there in the first place, you must first become a member, and get a special card. If you don't have the card, they won't sell to you. This might be a USA only thing, I don't know.

They also have a cafeteria which sells various cafeteria food items, including the pizza discussed here. It definitely has its fans.)

Some Costco stores are in countries outside of USA; Mexico has some but not sure about other countries.

A compromise type of store between big-box type and grocery & variety type is, (not sure what it is called) something like Iris Smart & Final. They do not have customer - cafeteria service like at Costco.

 

[gmax137]

Costco ... I guess it's great for large families that eat a lot of food.

My wife and I buy the Costco rotisserie chicken, it is $5. We have hot chicken for dinner, then cut up the rest to make chicken salad or pot pies.

This might be a USA only thing, I don't know.

I've been to Costco in Mexico. The funny thing there was, the Don Julio tequila was priced higher than in my local US Costco. Go figure.

Jersey Mike's

plus one on Jersey Mikes!

 

[kyphysics]

That said, there is former colleague of mine that swore by Costco pizza. He would drive for miles sometimes at lunch just to have the Costco pizza.

Pizza's a food that I find hard to mess up to the point I wouldn't eat it. As long as the ingredients are fresh/quality and the prep is good (not left under heat lamp at 7-11 for 2-3 days straight), then I think it's a simple tasty food. . . .Yet, you'd be surprised how often it can go wrong. Some places skimp on quality ingredients and you get a watered down cheap cheese and gross tomato paste, etc.

What's great about Costco's pizza is the 16-incher is only $9.99, yet they somehow put in pretty good quality ingredients. That's what I was talking about earlier. It's just surprisingly darn good. Good cheese. Good dough. Good sauce. . . .Heck, I'm probably going to drive and buy one this week! They last a long time too, b/c the slices are humungous.

 

[kyphysics]

This was lunch. I purposely pulled out a slice and took an angled picture to give a sense of crust thickness.

For $10.99, the Costco 16-incher is just a value champion. Good quality ingredients. Lots of cheese. Not thin crust, but on the thinner side. It's a chewy style dough. Tangy tasty sauce and flavorful, plentiful pepperonis.

Not all pizzas taste good as leftovers. This one still does, because there's enough sauce and cheese that it doesn't dry out.

Enough for 3 meals or more. Hard to beat.

 

[kyphysics]

I saw this Jersey Mike's vs. Wawa Italian hoagie review on YouTube and decided I'd try the Wawa Italian. Not sure why my camera didn't save/record the picture of the unwrapped hoagie, but I did snap a profile view of the Wawa classic $6 sub deal (all subs are this price).

Size: both were the same
Price: Wawa was $6 vs. JM's at $9.50 (before tip***)
Taste: JM's slightly was better in the small details. The meat was more flavorful and seemed fresher. The condiments and veggies were pretty much the same to me, except JM's gave more (this is presumably easily fixed by asking for more at Wawa and/or could just be a function of the preparer). The bun at Wawa's was hard (granted, I asked for it to be toasted, but you could tell it was still harder than normal) as if it'd be sitting around for days, whereas JM's roll was fresh and soft.

Verdict: The price/value difference would make me buy Wawa's Italian more regularly than Jersey Mike's. If I had infinite money, of course I'd take the JM's over Wawa. But the difference wasn't that big between them. I plan on buying more Wawa subs THIS week! . . .In the age of inflation/shrinkflation/tip-flation, the Wawa $6 classic sub is a super bargain.

***JM's payment kiosk had 10% as the lowest tip option and I felt the pressure to tip (with the worker looking at my selection and a customer next to me).

 

[kyphysics]

 

[kyphysics]

The end is near for humanity. This monstrosity from KFC is pathetic. Chicken pizza = chizza. Use fried chicken as the base/bread.

 

[docnet]

I really enjoy a good old fashioned American cheeseburger from a diner or a restaurant. Is anything more yum than a Cheeseburger????

 

[symbolipoint]

I really enjoy a good old fashioned American cheeseburger from a diner or a restaurant. Is anything more yum than a Cheeseburger????

Yes plenty of things at restaurant (including diners) are more appealing than a cheeseburger. Depending on preference of each individual, smoked ribs, pan-fried fish (especially salmon), certain noodle things from Italian restaurants and some from "Chinese" restaurants.

 

[docnet]

Yes plenty of things at restaurant (including diners) are more appealing than a cheeseburger. Depending on preference of each individual, smoked ribs, pan-fried fish (especially salmon), certain noodle things from Italian restaurants and some from "Chinese" restaurants.

True, food preference is subjective. But it's difficult to not like smoked ribs.
Eggs Benedicts with bacon and BLT are some of my diner favorites.

 

[Vanadium 50]

I even live in California -- I have for decades now -- and I still haven't figured out why anybody would opt for this.

My favorite pizza place in Hawaii does not sell a "Hawaiian pizza". Well, they do, but a) its off menu, and b) they call it a "Mainland pizza".

 

[Andystraus44]

My favorite pizza place in Hawaii does not sell a "Hawaiian pizza". Well, they do, but a) its off menu, and b) they call it a "Mainland pizza".

There is a

 

[Andystraus44]

My favorite pizza place in Hawaii does not sell a "Hawaiian pizza". Well, they do, but a) its off menu, and b) they call it a "Mainland pizza".

It's funny how some places play around with the names and concepts of their menu items. Speaking of favorite spots, my favorite fast food chain, Sonic Drive-In, also doesn't sell pizza, but they more than make up for it with their extensive variety of fast food options. From juicy burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches to their delicious tater tots and onion rings, there's something for everyone.

One of the standout features at Sonic is their incredible selection of beverages. With so many Sonic Drinks Flavors, you can create a nearly endless array of refreshing combinations. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cherry limeade or an adventurous slush, Sonic's drink menu is sure to quench your thirst and keep things exciting. It's always a treat to see what new flavors and combinations they come up with next

 

[JT Smith]

• It's California style pizza, meaning a thin crust, not much cheese or sauce, and cooked quickly under a flame who's temperature is in the same ballpark as the surface of the sun.

That's kind of funny but what you said also more or less describes a Neopolitan pizza. I tend to think of California style as one that includes non-traditional, often locally sourced, toppings. Broccoli. Barbecue chicken. Pesto. White pizza.

The thing is, pizza is so varied around the world that, outside of regulated pizza definitions like Neopolitan in Italy, you can pretty much get anything if you travel far enough. Cabbage. Eel. Goat Cheese. Spam.

The worst pizza is Chicago style. I don't think it's really even a pizza but they call it that because, well, pizza is so broadly interpreted.

 

[collinsmark]

The thing is, pizza is so varied around the world that, [...]

Agreed. I had pizza in South Korea on separate occasions -- different people, different places on each occasion -- and one common ingredient was corn. That's corn as in "maze." On pizza. Each time. (Although the sample size was only 2 or 3 times.) Maybe there were other commonalities, such as maybe cabbage or perhaps chicken, but the corn (maze) sticks in my mind.

Nobody specifically ordered the corn on the pizza. It just came that way as a default ingredient.

Of course, I didn't complain -- as a matter of fact it wasn't bad. A little different than what I was used to, but not bad. That, and it wasn't nearly as unusual as some of the other things I ate on these trips. Corn on pizza was the least of it.

 

[JT Smith]

Agreed. I had pizza in South Korea on separate occasions -- different people, different places on each occasion -- and one common ingredient was corn. That's corn as in "maze." On pizza. Each time. (Although the sample size was only 2 or 3 times.) Maybe there were other commonalities, such as maybe cabbage or perhaps chicken, but the corn (maze) sticks in my mind.

Nobody specifically ordered the corn on the pizza. It just came that way as a default ingredient.

I've seen corn and peas and diced carrots as optional toppings in Italy. It was a good pizza place, with an oven that baked the pizzas in about 90 seconds. Interesting that corn was a standard topping in South Korea.

Can you get kimchi on your pizza there?

 

[Kidd66777]

I don't eat at Waffle House myself (none nearby), but I know that Waffle House will operate on just the bare essentials in order to stay open at nearly all costs. As such, they probably avoid reliance on automated cash registers and things that might break down. For example, if the power goes out, or a store's computer system is damaged, they still need to be operating at full speed.

It's enough that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) based their disaster recovery index on Waffle House. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waffle_House_Index

I don't have a Waffle House nearby, so I don't eat there, but I admire how they always stay open. They stick to the basics and avoid relying on things that might break down. Even if the power goes out or their computers fail, they keep running smoothly. It's impressive!

 

[Sabastian]

The McDonalds menu in Japan is eclectic with all kinds of burgers, drinks and chicken! Here are some items you don't want to miss! Welcome to McDonald's in Japan! I tried the unique menu items the make McDonald's in Japan better than America. sides

 

[Hornbein]

Every now and then some fast food item pleases my palate and I'll buy it once a month or so. The denouement is always the same. I go into the store, buy my fave, take one bite and think "why did I ever like this. It's like plastic. I must have been out of my mind!", throw it in the trash, and leave never to return.

The food one may buy in convenience stores in Japan and Taiwan is quite good. Salads, sushi, noodles, rice balls, all fresh and tasty. The one near me even has top quality fruit. The only problem is that these days J convenience stores have mostly given up on counters to eat the stuff. More than once I've suffered the humiliation of chowing down while squatting on the sidewalk. Ouch.

Eight thousand convenience stores in Tokyo. They're everywhere. And everybody in metropolitan Tokyo is within easy bicycling distance of at least one supermarket and usually three. Contrast with northern Michigan. When I moved there there were only four grocery stores in the entire county.