Which is Geneseo's superior slice of pizza?
History has known its fair share of bitter feuds: cowboys and Indians, Montague’s and Capulet’s. But SUNY Geneseo’s own modernized clash of the Titans has left students divided and spawned from mere tomato sauce.
The question, notorious for sparking heated debates and hostility - especially around 2 a.m. on Friday evenings - begs to be answered. Which restaurant deserves the title of Geneseo’s most beloved pizza place? Mama Mia’s or Pizza Paul’s?
If Mama Mia’s attended high school, no doubt she would be the homecoming queen. Anyone who has seen the line out the door on weekends can’t deny her popularity. The crumb encrusted tables and cherry red booths are always clustered with patrons of all ages, coming to sample the thin-crusted, New York-style slices. There are even tales of alums traveling great distances for a taste.
And it seems the width of the crust is a large part of what divides student’s pizza place preferences.
”I like the thin crust of Mia’s better than the doughy slices at Pizza Paul’s,” said Sarah Bain-Lucey, a junior at SUNY Geneseo. “I think Mia’s is so popular because a lot of students are from Long Island and the pizza reminds them of home.”
Although Mia’s wins the overall popularity contest among students in a non-scientific way, “the Pizza Paul patron carries ten times more pride,” said Geneseo alum Jeff Phillips. “Pizza Paul’s is the green party of pizza places … it’s for the person who just wants to go against the norm and make a statement.”
While it offers a cozier atmosphere - red booths are swapped out for round tables and frilly curtains - Pizza Paul’s offers more than just a thicker piece of pizza and a rebellious alternative.
“We try to be innovative with our food,” says Teresa Chichester, manager and daughter of owner Paul Miller.
While both places offer pizza, wings and subs, Pizza Paul’s has gained popularity with students when they introduced the “subzone,” a half-sub, half-calzone last year. Other unconventional items on the menu include hamburger subs and “Paul’s cheese balls,” Teresa’s personal invention added to the menu just last month.
So which is the superior slice of pizza? The question remains unanswered and subjective to personal taste. However it is safe to conclude that both restaurants each have their passionate and loyal followers. Go walk down Main Street and ask anyone which they prefer. No doubt they will have an answer for you.
