DAY 30: OCTOBER 30th, 2008 - Viva Herbal Pizzeria

DAY 30: OCTOBER 30th, 2008

LOCATION: Viva Herbal Pizzeria (2nd Ave. and 12th St., NYC)

ORDER: 1 slice of Vegan Picante

GUEST(S): Heidi Handelsman

PIZZA REVIEW:
If it looks like pizza...it might be Viva Pizza. Viva Herbal Pizzeria is an exclusively vegetarian pizza joint that strives to offer even Vegans a pizza alternative. I found it more of an alternative to pizza but it tasted good. It is flat, round, edible and baked in a pizza oven but it tastes more like a Sloppy Joe than a pizza. The soy meatball, peppers, onions and tomato sauce when combined with an unbelievably strong whole wheat crust tasted like a Sloppy Joe and I hadn't eaten one in a long time. I suppose Viva Herbal Pizzeria has a better ring to it than Viva Herbal Sloppy Joe.

My pizza guest swears by the Zen pizza. It's much more green than my slice and has spelt crust and is loaded with "antioxidants." Ever have a slice of pizza with green tea herbed miso-tofu? or shiitake AND maitake mushrooms? I had a bite but it was not my cup of [green] tea [herbed miso-tofu]. If you are a vegan this pizza joint might be the only pizza option you have so Viva la Viva Herbal Pizzeria!

MISC.:
1. After pizza, Heidi Handelsman took me on a tour of East Village coffee places both past and present.

2. Viva is not only Vegetarian, but Kosher!

VIDEO CLIP:

Video edited by Louie Pearlman
Nominated for "Best in Show" at 2008 Sliceys

NOTE: This video is a part of the 2008 Pizza Video competition. 10 editors were given footage for 10 different "pizza days" and plenty of creative license. This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, Sean Taylor, or the pizza establishment.

RATING:
3/5

• VALUE:
  4.5/5


• AMBIENCE:
  2/3


• TASTE:
  4.5/10


• SERVICE: N/A 0/0

10/18 = .611 x 5 = 3