Project Pie

[Signage of the MGM Grand Location; Las Vegas, NV]

I like pizza. Let’s get that out of the way. And, I’ve grown up eating all different kinds of pizza: Shakey’s, Pizza Hut, Straw Hat, Numero Uno, Domino’s …

Plus, new places: Sbarro, Villa Pizza, Grimaldi’s, and recently – Project Pie.

I can’t say I don’t have a favorite. I do. I haven’t had Shakey’s in 30 years. I left California in August 1985, and despite repeated returns – no Shakey’s. Maybe I should for nostalgia …

There are also no Straw Hat or Numero Uno locations where I am, so those are some I also haven’t had in 30+ years. 

Anyway …

I used to eat Pizza Hut and Domino’s quite a bit. But, lately, Pizza Hut has gone from the medium Pan to a personal one. It’s no longer a top favorite.

Domino’s … it’s a hit or miss. Depends on how I’m feeling to be honest. I love their Spinach and Feta Artisan (sans onions); and a Brooklyn with light sauce, double cheese (or mushrooms and beef) … that can hit the spot. 

Sbarro and Villa Pizza are two that I like, I enjoy – and if I get a good offer, I’ll go to. If not, I usually stay away. For some reason they’re both too spicy. And, since they’re usually pre-made, the quality is a bit iffy. I’m not saying they’re “bad”, but adding additional toppings or cheeses then re-heating them (even at the location) … it does something to the quality and taste.

Grimaldi’s – oh boy! I love it. Pricey, but I love it (base price, plus toppings). I love the old world (tiny) pepperoni. And, they use a coal fired oven. They only have one crust, so that makes it a plus. It’s not too thin and not too thick.

Then, the newest … Project Pie.

My mother and I discovered this on December 13, 2014. How do I know the EXACT date? We were Christmas shopping at the Coca-Cola store and parked in the MGM Grand’s parking garage. Heading in, we passed Project Pie and thought “that looks interesting”.

On the way back to the car … we decided to stop in. It was an “oh, why not try this and see what it’s about” kind of deal.

 .

[Photo collage of first visit. Was a picture of the day for Project: 365]

Am I glad we did! 

We got a pizza ($12+tax) and two Coca-Colas ($7 + tax) [FYI: drinks are only one size, but free refills, so … that equals out]. 

Now, let me warn you here: they are pricier than some of the other chains. You can order from one of the list or “BYO” (build your own). Out first pie? Pepperoni and extra cheese.

After having half of the pizza, we topped off the drinks and headed home. Whew! Was that a good pizza. I decided to follow them on Twitter and Facebook and I expressed my appreciation and admiration. They’re awesome people, just so you know.

My mom and I warmed up the leftovers later that evening, and this is where you know how good the pizza really is, well … in my opinion, how well does it re-heat?

I did the oven, my mom did the microwave. She likes her pizza a bit softer due to dental issues. Me? I like “as close as it can be to original”. Both ways worked for this pie! So, I definitely prefer microwave (faster the better).

The tip? DON’T NUKE IT. Depending on wattage (mine’s an 1100 watt), it takes only a few seconds on about 70% power. Yummy! For a ¼ slice I did 30 seconds on 70%. Warm, not hot or cold, structural integrity was close to original. Taste? Pretty good.

Now, this pizza isn’t very big. I’d say roughly 10”, but the good thing? The BYO is still only $12. Unlike some places that charge “per topping”, Project Pie wins here with that.

The crust is what I would call medium crispy, the bottom is soft (not soggy).

The reason I don’t go very often is finances (which I hope will soon improve) and the location. I don’t like the strip (Las Vegas Boulevard South), and parking isn’t too easy or accessible. But, the pizza is great.

I’ve gone back when I had a few promotions for a free pizza. One time I got a cheese (naked), and another time was a beef (meatball crumble), mushroom, and extra cheese.

With it being “Earth Day”, they had a great promotion: 50% of their proceeds to Earth related charities. How could I say no? And, I was feeling very hungry after doing a few things in the morning. So … I hit them up for lunch. 

[Earth Day 2015 promotion]

[My beautiful, charitable, and tasty lunch. Half of it came home with me though. This is a #2 (pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatball crumble), no garlic, extra cheese.]

Like the time with my mom, half of the pizza came home. Really, I think ¾ of it should have come home. One slice (it’s cut into ¼ slices) was more than enough. I got a bit greedy though. Had the original fill of the drink, got a refill, and left.

For a snack (some 4 hours later) I had another ¼ of the pizza and finished off the refill. I’m fine until dinner … much, much later on this evening. 

They also offer gluten-free, veggies, meats … almost everything to make the “perfect pie”. And the desserts? Pizza, of course! There’s a Nutella and Banana pie I’d like to try … some day.

I honestly wish there was a location a bit closer to me, but I’m happy there is one :)

Now, I need to go hide that last ¼ in the refrigerator. 

And, no ... I am not being paid for this. Though that would be nice. Get paid for eating and blogging :)