I think this all started back in college when the "pizza wars" broke out in Oakland in the early 80s. At that point in time, I can vividly remember being able to order an extra-large plain cheese pizza with 2 36 oz Cokes (delivered) for $3.00! Money was really tight for me my senior year and I could stretch that feast to last me for 3 days. For the life of me, I can't remember what pizza place was offering that deal, but it wasn't Sorrentos. To this day, Sorrentos was the best pizza I have ever had in my life - they took it to a whole other level.
These days, money isn't quite as tight, but, like clockwork, every couple of weeks or so, I will inevitably break down and order a Large with Pepperoni from Anna Maria's in Hillsborough. The pizza there is solid, but I frequent that establishment mainly because:
- They are locally owned.
- They offer heaping sizes of toppings (my estimate is %50-75 more toppings than the corporate chains).
- I am located equidistant from North Durham and the city of Hillsborough and nobody delivers to my neighborhood and Anna Maria's is the closest available.
I am pretty sure they have gone through 3 or 4 different owners since 2000. The most colorful one was a Brooklyn-born guy (with a heavy accent) named John. Here was an exchange I had with John in 2005.
- Me: Hi - I'd like to order a Large with Pepperoni for pickup.
- John: What is your name and number.
- Me: Nedimyer - 620-____.
- John: Niedermayer! Are you any relation to Scott Niedermayer? I am a big Rangers fan and that guy always broke my balls in the playoffs when he was with the Devils.
- Me: No relation - different spelling and I am a Penguin's fan anyways.
- John: Penguins! Mario Lemieux was a freakin pussy! Your pizza will be ready in 15 minutes.
