Clicking in to the Slice inbox tonight, we've got a field report from Nick "Beef Aficionado" Solares:
The curious tale of Artichoke continues. I walked by today around 12:30 p.m., shutter was up, there was a guy inside, but they were closed—no pizza anywhere in sight. Walked back at 5:30 p.m. and one of those cute little paper-plate signs was posted saying that they would open "for dinner." Walked by again at 9 p.m. and the shutter was down completely. Here's a photo (from my pocketpc/phone, hence the poor quality).
Dear Nick,
Thanks for the report. I just don't know what's up with this place. They have plenty of pizzamen in the store. But they really do seem to need some kind of logistical help. Sadly, this report falls into the realm of "not really news."
I was lucky enough to hear about this place (maybe on slice!) in its opening few weeks. I dropped by, got an artichoke slice without any problems, and loved every bite. After many, many unsuccessful trips back to the ‘choke, last week I was finally able to get another artichoke slice, and was totally disappointed.
The second time around, the crust seemed too tough, and though the topping was wonderfully savory at first, the slice seemed to lack any real punchy flavors after the first few bites. The kooky thing was that both slices on both visits really were exactly the same…
On my first visit, the novelty of that kooky, gooey artichoke slice, coupled with the warm vibe of the place made getting a slice a total treat! On my second visit, the considerable stress that had been involved in even purchasing a slice in the first place made it easier for me to focus more on its shortcomings. The second time, I couldn’t honestly say that it was worth the fuss.
Although I’d have to try the other non-artichoke dip slices to really make this argument, in a lot of ways, I think that the artichoke guys could have a slice that works on the same level as a Mr. Sofftee cone. Sure, the Hagen Dasz ice cream bar that you get at the grocery store might be better ice cream, but sometimes you prefer a Mr. Sofftee cone because the overall experience if more fun! If only the Artichoke guys could make getting a slice a bit more fun…
apparently they have a very good publicist who knows how to work online media. judging by the mixed reviews that is the most reasonable explanation for their success.
I couldn't agree more. Gimmicky & Capricious, the pizza is decent, the ingredients are good but overall its not good enough to validate waiting in line for.
Other than Vinny Vincenz's Sicilian Slice what other slice joints are better in the neighborhood?
@NYC Food Guy - Holy Shet, you gotta be f'ing kidding me, you should auction off your deceptive moniker for charity cuz if there is any FOOD that should be known in NYC, it's pizza. Una Pizza Napoletana is two blocks away from the choke on 12th street between 1av and 2av. It is undoubtedly one of the city's best pizzerias, and I know I'm not alone in saying that. Your ignorance is too great to sustain your title sometimes. And Luzzo's, a very respectable Neapolitan alternative is just down the street on 1av. Come on man, that shet is lame.
I will say, though, that I agree with you and Barbara Hanson (who writes like a saucy little sass! Barbara, please call me for a personal drive-by...) regarding the Choke's gimmicky and, really, erratic way of running a pizzeria. It has been as maddening as, say, your lack of knowledge of the city's best pizzerias! (Shame on you NYCFG, shame shame!)
Everyone needs to step it up a notch around here! And yes, you've been Bubbled (but not you, Barbara, you tangy little tart).
And Dan Z, get outta here, man - you've never had a slice from Artichoke (or have you? Weren't you here recently?). Nevertheless, I like the references to some of the Midwest's top chain restaurants, which you probably know all too well, you Napierville-residing co-ed softball stud!
As usual your reading comprehension skills are blocked by your immense ego.
And I quote:
"Which SLICE JOINTS are better in the neighborhood?"
Slice Joints DJ, not pie joints like Una and Luzzo's, which of course I know about. LiL Frankie's, btw, disappointed big time a few weeks back. You call yourself an expert but you don't even know the name of the man who put Serious Eats together. Is it Ed or Fred, Bubbles? I'll let you tell me....
Alright, alright, maybe I was itching to pull the trigger on that last comment, but its no secret that I love going toe-to-toe with you, NYCFG! And it is true, my reading comp skills have never been lower....but I digress....I do agree with you on Lil Frankie's 100%.
As far as strong EV slice joints go, I'd put a plain, fresh slice from Five Roses and Stromboli right up there. They aren't made with ingredients as strong as Artichoke's, but at least there open when you expect them to be.
Okay, NYCFG, I apologize (as much my immense ego will let me, anyway), you're right and I'm wrong. Quite possibly a first on Slice......ahhh, there goes that ego again!!
@DJ - I have been to Artichoke - was there Friday, July 11 to be exact. I went to 11 of NYC's finest pizzerias in five days and Artichoke was unquestionably the worst of the bunch. And Bubbles, while I suspect you are not the type of guy to let facts get in the way of an argument, I feel obligated to point out that there are 5 TGIFridays on your favorite little island, while there is only 1 in Chicago. We do have 3 Bennigan's while NYC apparently has none. I haven't visited either chain in years, and one bite of a signature slice at Artichoke was sufficient to remind me why.
Ah, Dan, but you're missing the point, as people from Chicago are so wont to do. It isn't about how many Friday's or Bennigan's there are in Manhattan or Chicago - it is about how we choose to utilize them. Here, we use them as public bathrooms whereas, in Chicagoland, they are your neighborhood meeting places, where people gather with friends to enjoy that all too important communal dining experience, much like you do with your fun 'party pizzas' at Vito & Nick's.
So let's hear it - what did you think of the other 10 pie joints?
Oh Bubblicious, how did you get so clever? Was it your Westchester upbringing or the four years you spent at the remedial institution in upstate New York? I don't want to clutter up this site, but feel free to read them and condescend here.
I strongly disagree with many of the comments here. It's unfair to compare them to sit-down pizza places where you get pies. Compare them to other places where you walk up to a counter and ask for a slice. In that category, I think Artichoke is top notch.
For the record, the artichoke slice is a sloppy, creamy mess (not necessarily a criticism), but their Sicilian slice is absolutely glorious.
The line, at its worst, is like 15 minutes, and totally worth it.
When you attack the name, I pull out all the stops. No apology necessary, don't want to see you getting soft in your old age. I just moved into the EV and Five Roses is on the radar, any place that looks that dingy has to be good. What do you recommend there? Just a slice? I'll check it out and report back.
@z911empire
And I quote: "Sloppy, creamy mess (not necessarily a criticism)"
Wow. Just wow. I'm going to let you digest your comment. It seems your love for Artichoke borders on something a little different from most of their other fans.
NYCFG, just a plain slice, but there stuff can get pretty stale so if doesn't look fresh, just order a plain in order to give them a fair shake. Certainly not up to par with Vinny's, UPN, or Luzzo's, but a decent alternative for the neighborhood. Stromboli is more of an after-bar, Gigantor slice, although it has always been pretty good when I've been there late night. Also, in ABC City, a place called Gnocco Cafe serves up a decent Margherita - give it a try - I think 10th between A&B or 1&A. peace
I tried Five Roses once and the crust was terrible. Never went back. We were sad that we'd wasted stomach space, and made a bee line to Vinny Vincenz instead.
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The curious tale of Artichoke continues. I walked by today around 12:30 p.m., shutter was up, there was a guy inside, but they were closed—no pizza anywhere in sight. Walked back at 5:30 p.m. and one of those cute little paper-plate signs was posted saying that they would open "for dinner." Walked by again at 9 p.m. and the shutter was down completely. Here's a photo (from my pocketpc/phone, hence the poor quality).
18 Comments:
I was lucky enough to hear about this place (maybe on slice!) in its opening few weeks. I dropped by, got an artichoke slice without any problems, and loved every bite. After many, many unsuccessful trips back to the ‘choke, last week I was finally able to get another artichoke slice, and was totally disappointed.
The second time around, the crust seemed too tough, and though the topping was wonderfully savory at first, the slice seemed to lack any real punchy flavors after the first few bites. The kooky thing was that both slices on both visits really were exactly the same…
On my first visit, the novelty of that kooky, gooey artichoke slice, coupled with the warm vibe of the place made getting a slice a total treat! On my second visit, the considerable stress that had been involved in even purchasing a slice in the first place made it easier for me to focus more on its shortcomings. The second time, I couldn’t honestly say that it was worth the fuss.
Although I’d have to try the other non-artichoke dip slices to really make this argument, in a lot of ways, I think that the artichoke guys could have a slice that works on the same level as a Mr. Sofftee cone. Sure, the Hagen Dasz ice cream bar that you get at the grocery store might be better ice cream, but sometimes you prefer a Mr. Sofftee cone because the overall experience if more fun! If only the Artichoke guys could make getting a slice a bit more fun…
JudgeFudge at 10:25AM on 07/23/08
Artichoke is gimmicky and capricious; no wonder it's the darling of hipsters, even though there is better pizza within a block. Sigh.
Barbara Hanson at 11:31AM on 07/23/08
apparently they have a very good publicist who knows how to work online media. judging by the mixed reviews that is the most reasonable explanation for their success.
sloppy at 12:04PM on 07/23/08
Perhaps TGI Friday's stopped selling them artichoke dip and they can't make any more pizza until they work out a deal with Bennigan's.
Daniel Zemans at 2:16PM on 07/23/08
@Barbara Hanson
I couldn't agree more. Gimmicky & Capricious, the pizza is decent, the ingredients are good but overall its not good enough to validate waiting in line for.
Other than Vinny Vincenz's Sicilian Slice what other slice joints are better in the neighborhood?
NYC Food Guy at 5:38PM on 07/23/08
@NYC Food Guy - Holy Shet, you gotta be f'ing kidding me, you should auction off your deceptive moniker for charity cuz if there is any FOOD that should be known in NYC, it's pizza. Una Pizza Napoletana is two blocks away from the choke on 12th street between 1av and 2av. It is undoubtedly one of the city's best pizzerias, and I know I'm not alone in saying that. Your ignorance is too great to sustain your title sometimes. And Luzzo's, a very respectable Neapolitan alternative is just down the street on 1av. Come on man, that shet is lame.
I will say, though, that I agree with you and Barbara Hanson (who writes like a saucy little sass! Barbara, please call me for a personal drive-by...) regarding the Choke's gimmicky and, really, erratic way of running a pizzeria. It has been as maddening as, say, your lack of knowledge of the city's best pizzerias! (Shame on you NYCFG, shame shame!)
Everyone needs to step it up a notch around here! And yes, you've been Bubbled (but not you, Barbara, you tangy little tart).
And Dan Z, get outta here, man - you've never had a slice from Artichoke (or have you? Weren't you here recently?). Nevertheless, I like the references to some of the Midwest's top chain restaurants, which you probably know all too well, you Napierville-residing co-ed softball stud!
DJ Bubbles at 7:14PM on 07/23/08
@DJ Bubbles,
As usual your reading comprehension skills are blocked by your immense ego.
And I quote:
"Which SLICE JOINTS are better in the neighborhood?"
Slice Joints DJ, not pie joints like Una and Luzzo's, which of course I know about. LiL Frankie's, btw, disappointed big time a few weeks back. You call yourself an expert but you don't even know the name of the man who put Serious Eats together. Is it Ed or Fred, Bubbles? I'll let you tell me....
NYC Food Guy at 8:28PM on 07/23/08
Fred (or is it Ted?), and that's my final answer!
Alright, alright, maybe I was itching to pull the trigger on that last comment, but its no secret that I love going toe-to-toe with you, NYCFG! And it is true, my reading comp skills have never been lower....but I digress....I do agree with you on Lil Frankie's 100%.
As far as strong EV slice joints go, I'd put a plain, fresh slice from Five Roses and Stromboli right up there. They aren't made with ingredients as strong as Artichoke's, but at least there open when you expect them to be.
Okay, NYCFG, I apologize (as much my immense ego will let me, anyway), you're right and I'm wrong. Quite possibly a first on Slice......ahhh, there goes that ego again!!
DJ Bubbles at 9:47PM on 07/23/08
@DJ - I have been to Artichoke - was there Friday, July 11 to be exact. I went to 11 of NYC's finest pizzerias in five days and Artichoke was unquestionably the worst of the bunch. And Bubbles, while I suspect you are not the type of guy to let facts get in the way of an argument, I feel obligated to point out that there are 5 TGIFridays on your favorite little island, while there is only 1 in Chicago. We do have 3 Bennigan's while NYC apparently has none. I haven't visited either chain in years, and one bite of a signature slice at Artichoke was sufficient to remind me why.
Daniel Zemans at 1:56AM on 07/24/08
Ah, Dan, but you're missing the point, as people from Chicago are so wont to do. It isn't about how many Friday's or Bennigan's there are in Manhattan or Chicago - it is about how we choose to utilize them. Here, we use them as public bathrooms whereas, in Chicagoland, they are your neighborhood meeting places, where people gather with friends to enjoy that all too important communal dining experience, much like you do with your fun 'party pizzas' at Vito & Nick's.
So let's hear it - what did you think of the other 10 pie joints?
DJ Bubbles at 10:42AM on 07/24/08
Oh Bubblicious, how did you get so clever? Was it your Westchester upbringing or the four years you spent at the remedial institution in upstate New York? I don't want to clutter up this site, but feel free to read them and condescend here.
Daniel Zemans at 10:52AM on 07/24/08
I strongly disagree with many of the comments here. It's unfair to compare them to sit-down pizza places where you get pies. Compare them to other places where you walk up to a counter and ask for a slice. In that category, I think Artichoke is top notch.
For the record, the artichoke slice is a sloppy, creamy mess (not necessarily a criticism), but their Sicilian slice is absolutely glorious.
The line, at its worst, is like 15 minutes, and totally worth it.
z911empire at 11:01AM on 07/24/08
Dan, come on, man, we're just joshin' around!
Good article, btw, I really enjoyed it.
DJ Bubbles at 11:22AM on 07/24/08
@Bubbles
When you attack the name, I pull out all the stops. No apology necessary, don't want to see you getting soft in your old age. I just moved into the EV and Five Roses is on the radar, any place that looks that dingy has to be good. What do you recommend there? Just a slice? I'll check it out and report back.
@z911empire
And I quote: "Sloppy, creamy mess (not necessarily a criticism)"
Wow. Just wow. I'm going to let you digest your comment. It seems your love for Artichoke borders on something a little different from most of their other fans.
NYC Food Guy at 5:35PM on 07/24/08
NYCFG, just a plain slice, but there stuff can get pretty stale so if doesn't look fresh, just order a plain in order to give them a fair shake. Certainly not up to par with Vinny's, UPN, or Luzzo's, but a decent alternative for the neighborhood. Stromboli is more of an after-bar, Gigantor slice, although it has always been pretty good when I've been there late night. Also, in ABC City, a place called Gnocco Cafe serves up a decent Margherita - give it a try - I think 10th between A&B or 1&A. peace
DJ Bubbles at 10:32PM on 07/24/08
Don't worry bubbs, no offense taken at all. Not from you anyhow. I was offended at the slice I got from Artichoke.
Daniel Zemans at 11:43AM on 07/25/08
DJBubbles: "Saucy little sass?" "Tangy little tart?" You just kick-started my weekend! Cheers.
Barbara Hanson at 2:12PM on 07/25/08
I tried Five Roses once and the crust was terrible. Never went back. We were sad that we'd wasted stomach space, and made a bee line to Vinny Vincenz instead.
kathrynyu at 1:21PM on 07/28/08