On the series premiere of Emily in Paris on Netflix, the characters discuss Chicago pizza. One describes it as “quiche made of cement,” to which another responds, “Oh, no, you must have gone to Lou Malnati’s.” That little exchange reignited long-running pizza debates.

Lou Malnati’s

It was an odd choice for humor though. Lou Malnati’s has been a legendary pizza place since 1971. In my recent informal poll of WNBA players during the season in the Bubble, Malnati’s was the pizza they missed most.

My friend in Connecticut immediately sent me the clip as part of his usual barrage against Chicago’s deep dish pizza. A fan of New York-style pizza, Chris is completely closed-minded to Chicago-style pizza.

I understand his passion for New York-style pizza, but I disagree with excluding all other types. I love the thin, large slices of New York pizza, but I also love deep-dish pizza and other styles. My Italian maternal grandmother made awesome Sicilian-style pizza, featuring a thick crust and cheese under the sauce to prevent the crust from getting soggy.

I appear to be the exception, though, as the debate raged over Chicago talk radio. Most folks have their favorite and do not stray. I like variety in my pizza. In fact, even at Lou Malnati’s, where the deep dish is legendary, I love the thin crust pizza, too.

There is even great debate among lovers of deep-dish pizza pizza. Popular favorites include Pizzeria Uno, Pequod’s, Giordano’s, Gino’s East and several others, including lesser-known places like Burt’s Place and the Art of Pizza. Obviously, it all comes down to taste, but the debates are fun to have.

Lou Malnati’s issued a press release defending their pizza. “While the writers of Emily in Paris may not be fans of deep dish pizza or Lou Malnati’s in particular, generations of Chicagoans would strongly disagree.” The marketing team at Malnati’s also made it clear they appreciate the debate. “Malnati’s is always the first to participate in good-natured banter with pizza lovers from New York to California.” Turning the attempted humor into a real positive, Malnati’s started offering discount coupons to ship their pizzas nationwide.

As a dedicated reporter, I feel it is my duty to do due diligence on this matter. Along those lines, I will continue eating as much pizza from as many places as possible. I cannot promise any conclusion, other than I love pizza.

— John Wroblewski, online writer