The Great NYC Pizza Census: A Slice of Investigative Journalism (with Cheese)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and where pizza is practically a food group. But just how much pizza are we talking about here? Fear not, fellow pizza enthusiasts, for I have embarked on a quest to answer the age-old question: exactly how many pizza places are there in NYC?
Mission Implausible: Counting Every Slice
Let's be honest, attempting to obtain an accurate count of NYC's pizza paradises is like trying to herd cats (though, arguably, easier than convincing a New Yorker that deep dish is real pizza). There's a hidden gem tucked away on every corner, a secret slice joint known only to the locals, and enough dollar pies to fuel a small army.
Department of Health to the Rescue (Maybe)
We could dive into the data from the NYC Department of Health. They do, after all, keep track of restaurants. But here's the catch: their search terms might not be all-encompassing. What about those funky fusion places with "artisanal flatbreads" that are basically gourmet pizza? Do they count? The plot thickens... or should I say, the sauce simmers?
Slice by Slice, We Crack the Code
Here's where things get interesting. We can employ some creative deduction. News outlets have thrown around numbers ranging from 1,600 to a staggering 2,000. Let's take a middle ground and say there are roughly 1,800 pizzerias in NYC. Now, if each pizzeria slings an average of, say, 50 pizzas a day (a conservative estimate, considering the sheer pizza consumption power of New Yorkers), that's a whopping 90,000 pizzas dished out daily.
The Verdict: We're Swimming in a Sea of Pizza (and We Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way)
So, while we may never have a definitive answer, one thing is clear: New York City has more pizza than you can shake a slice at. From the classic corner stores with greasy goodness to the upscale sit-down spots with gourmet toppings, there's a pizza experience for everyone in this pizza paradise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a personal investigation to conduct involving a large pepperoni pie and a very comfy couch.
