Next stop on the pizza tour was Two Boots on Avenue A. The 'boot' of Italy (pizza) and the 'boot' of Louisiana (creole) are the inspirations for these pizzerias...there are several Two Boots in the city, so technically it is a chain. I have already been to the one on 7th Ave and W 11th and to the one in Grand Central. I really like this pizza and my cousin has never had it so we decided to head down to Avenue A for some pie. This place is well known for its specialty pizza slices including "The Dude" (ground beef, cheddar, & mozzarella), and "The Newman" (sopressata & sweet italian sausage on a white pie). But given the rules of the pizza tour (no slices and cheese pies only) and the rules of Judaism (no meat and cheese together) we had to go for a large cheese. $16, 8 slices.
Although this pie looks like a typical NY pie, two traits set it apart...the crunchy cornmeal crust and the spicy creole tomato sauce. Compared to previous Two Boots visits, I found that the sauce is not as spicy as it used to be. Still solid though. The crust is always crispy, so the slices hold up very well and are never limp. No fancy coal oven here and no fresh imported mozzarella but an overall great pizza. Another bonus is the lack of grease. You won't find that orange oil leaking off your slices as with so many other joints. You will find very little ambiance at this place although the psychadelic portrait of 'The Dude' was quite impressive. No table service either but who really needs a server when it comes to pizza? Two Boots is always highly recommended and ranks well on the pizza tour.
