April 17, 2008
Cheesy, Noodley Slice of Heaven
We know Chicago (thinks) it has the pizza scene covered, but we’re ecstatic to report that one of the most off-the-wall, innovative, unusually delicious New York style pizza joints is expanding to our fair city. Ian’s Pizza, native to Madison, WI and home of the most salacious slices in the Central Time Zone, plans to open a third location in Wrigleyville early this summer.
Ian’s has lots more to offer than your average slice of pepperoni - it’s your favorite meal in pie form. Menu choices include such yummy selections as Spicy Chicken Taco, BBQ Steak and Fries, and Spinach Mashed Potato. We’re excited to try Ian’s BBFAT, a.k.a. Black Bean Feta Avocado Tomato, which is a seasonal slice we’re hoping peaks soon. Ian’s best seller, with good reason, is the Mac n’ Cheese pizza. So good we hear it's become a Halloween costume.
In Madison the most popular time at Ian’s is 2:00 a.m., but we recommend checking it out while you’re still sober. You’ll want to remember every glorious bite.
Ian’s will be located 3463 N. Clark. They’re shooting for a June 1st opening.
Photo courtesy of John Kannenberg.
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These:
Spicy Chicken Taco, BBQ Steak and Fries, and Spinach Mashed Potato, Black Bean Feta Avocado Tomato
are not pizza. They maybe pizza shaped. But pizza they are not. NYC style, Chicago style, whichever you prefer, are both vastly superior to these fake pizza styles.
Ian's is the shit. Chicago needs to have a Dotty's as well.
@Thunderbelly
Ian's is NY style pizza. Eat some.
Vastly superior? Travel more.
Yum, only two blocks from my apt.
Hugh likes to eat two pieces of weird-flavored pizza and then feel sick. That's how good it is.
I would eat a steak and fries pizza. Probabaly even more so at 3 a.m.
shouldn't chicagoist warn us when we're about to read an advertorial?
i don't normally hold chicagoist to the standards to which the tribune should be held, but at least traditional media generally informs readers when they are looking at a paid ad. and they use different fonts.
This pizza looks both disgusting and delicious at the same time.
It makes me wanna throw-up and salivate simultaneously.
That being said, I'm all over it June 1st.
I will be there June 1. Ian's is the SHIT.
(Points to the above photo)
Fuck this shit...
I agree we do need a dotty's, but I'm not so sure about Ian's. As a Chicago native going to school in Madison, I can't wait to come home to some real pizza. I don't want any out of state "pizza" places folling me back. The only reason Ian's is so popular is the fact that most of the people in Madison have not had any real Chicago pizza (thin or thick).
Hugh, I travel plenty. IMO (which is all this discussion can be, opinions) pizza does not include the above mentioned types:
Spicy Chicken Taco, BBQ Steak and Fries, and Spinach Mashed Potato, Black Bean Feta Avocado Tomato
These are not pizza. Pizza shaped food items sure. Pizza no.
Marinara is crucial to pizza IMO. It has nothing to do with where I traveled. Beans, Chicken, Steak, Avocado, Potatoes are not pizza ingredients.
I am sure these are tasty, they just are not pizza as far as I am concerned.
Oh and as my name is Thunderbelly I will most certainly try Ian's. I just won't be having pizza.
I am sure these are tasty, they just are not pizza as far as I am concerned.
I concur. Though in addition to marinara-based pizza, I would also argue that olive oil-based (authentic Italian, Neapolitan-style) is acceptable as well. I've been to Italy twice, sampling pizzas from as far south as Amalfi to as far north as Venice, and I gurantee the master pizza-makers out there would rather fall on their own pizza cutters before using ingredients like potatotes or mac 'n cheese...
I concur. Though in addition to marinara-based pizza, I would also argue that olive oil-based (authentic Italian, Neapolitan-style) is acceptable as well. I've been to Italy twice, sampling pizzas from as far south as Amalfi to as far north as Venice, and I gurantee the master pizza-makers out there would rather fall on their own pizza cutters before using ingredients like potatotes or mac 'n cheese...
Actually, I lived in Italy for well over 6 months and had potato and rosemary pizza on multiple occasions. Now... mac 'n cheese... not so much. Also, in pizza places they use scissors rather than pizza cutters!
And pesto is also acceptable pizza sauce!
Umm. Lighten up. That thing looks awesome. I applaud anyone for trying to combine 2 of the world's great culinary inventions.
Dear Naysayers,
Please wait until after you try Ian's pizza to start drinking your haterade. Don't get me wrong, Lou Mal's deep dish w/ sausage and onions is still my number 1. But Ian's is godly in it's own special way. Mac and Cheese is tasty and a good way to break into Ian's, but Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla is an epic win. Add to that list Chicken Cordon Bleu and you're ready to eat.