The Great New York Pizza Census: A Slice of Uncertainty (But A Whole Lotta Pie!)
Ah, New York City. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. And, let's not forget, the Pizza Capital of the World (well, at least according to a very biased group of New Yorkers, myself included). But just how many pizzerias are we talking about here? Enough to feed a chorus line on Broadway after opening night? Enough to build a wall, and Mexico will probably pay for it (with pepperoni, extra cheese, of course)?
The answer, my friends, is shrouded in mystery, dusted with parmesan, and folded mysteriously like a New York slice.
Pinpointing Pizza Perfection: Mission Impossible
There have been attempts, valiant efforts, to quantify the sheer number of pizza joints gracing the five boroughs. News outlets have thrown around numbers like confetti at a celebratory pizza toss, with estimates ranging from a staggering 2,000 to a more conservative 1,600.
But here's the thing, folks: defining a "pizza place" itself is a slippery slope, greasier than a well-loved slice. Are we talking a fancy, white-tablecloth joint with a $50 truffle pie? Or is it a corner bodega with a perpetually reheating display case that somehow manages to dispense the most delicious slices this side of Naples?
The Plot Thickens (Like a Perfect Marinara)
So, what's a curious pizza enthusiast to do? Well, fear not, fellow fanatics! We can delve into the realm of educated guesses (and maybe a sprinkle of wishful thinking). Let's 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.
That's enough pizza to:
- Build a pizza-powered space shuttle (we're still working on the details).
- Create a personal pizza blanket for every person in Rhode Island (because, let's face it, they probably need some pizza love too).
- Fuel a dance party so epic, it would make Studio 54 jealous (disco ball sold separately).
Frequently Asked Slice-Seeking Questions:
- How to find the best pizza in NYC? This, my friend, is a lifelong quest. But a good place to start is asking a local (just be prepared for some serious debate).
- How to fold a New York slice? The proper fold is an art form. Imagine holding a floppy disc (remember those?) in half. That slight downward curve is the New York way.
- How to eat pizza while walking down the street? This requires a certain level of pizza-ninja skill. Proceed with caution and a healthy dose of napkins.
- How to convince my friends deep dish is better? Don't even try. It's a battle you can't win.
- How much pizza is too much pizza? There's no such thing.
