Pizza, Pizza

First fried chicken, now.... PIZZA!  Pizza is one of God's greatest gifts to earth.  Good for all occasions, and a dish that never gets old.  With a general base of garlic bread, cheese, and sauce it can't miss.  I have always said, if you meet someone that doesn't like pizza, don't trust them.  Personally, I grew up on east coast pizza (Philly, NYC, Jersey), or as they call it "tomato pie".  A thinner crust that is made to consume large quantities.  Upon moving to Chicago, I learned of a new style... DEEP DISH.  Extremely thick and smothered in cheese, 1 slice becomes a meal.   I have grown to love it, but sometimes I miss the nostalgic Za that raised me.  Over the past few weekends, I got a little taste of home.  Get ready for a double review.

We were exploring Fulton Market and stumbled upon Bonci (pronounced bahn-chi) pizza.  Which was crazy because so many people had been telling us to try it, but we never really looked into it.  I must say it is the most unique pizza place I have been to.  All of their dough is shipped from Italy, and branded by them.  Every topping is fresh and seasonal.  The style was thin, rectangular crust.  And the charge of your order is based on weight of your selection.  By selection, I actually mean you choose how big of a slice you want.  They literally take scissors and cut your desired amount.  This was great because Annie and I already ate, but were looking for a small serving to feed our pizza stomach.  The selection of toppings was awesome ranging from calamari to fresh greens to an assortment of meats.  We got a small sliver of the cacio de pepe and one with potatoes.  I really enjoyed the cacio de pepe, but felt the other was a little dry.  I would not say it was my favorite pizza, but would definitely go back to try some of the other toppings (and have a bigger appetite!).

The second place arrived on a rainy day.  We were having a lazy Sunday watching movies and relaxing with the pup when I decided I wanted pizza delivered.  After going through our usual favorites Annie recommended a new place she heard about through a client.  It is called Bebu (pronounced bay-bu).  The selection of toppings was the best I've ever seen, and took us a solid half hour to decide what we wanted.  They will do whichever you desire, and can do it half and half.  Which was great for us because we have such differing styles in taste.  I chose the Bebu meatball which was also topped with giardiniera, ricotta, and parmesan.  Annie ordered the Ray's, but with delivery they warn on the possibility of substituting something else.  We ended up with what I think is the Taleggio which had panna, honey, and chive.  Honestly, it was all delicious.  The thin crust style was exactly what I remember growing up, and the flavors were amazing.  It is officially my new favorite pizza place in Chicago, and I can't wait to order form them again.  Move over Lou Malnati, there's a new pizza king in town.



Bonci:
161 N Sangamon St (Fulton Market)
Chicago, IL 60607
Also a location in Rome, Italy :)

Rating: 3/5

Bebu: 
1521 N Fremont (Lincoln Park)
Chicago, IL 60642

Rating: 5/5


Top 5 Pizza (in Chicago):
1. Bebu
2. Lou Malnati's
3. Coalfire
4. Pizanos
5. Piquod's