31 Days of Pizza: Day 4, Pizza Month 2010 - Hungry Howie's (Valrico, FL)

DAY 4: OCTOBER 4th, 2010

LOCATION: Hungry Howie's (Valrico, FL)

ORDER: 4 slices of pepperoni with butter-parm flavored crust

GUEST: Kitzi Taylor

REVIEW:
My sentimental favorite. Dig into the past of any pizza lover and you will find "the pizzeria that started it all." For me, it was Hungry Howie's. Sure I had my fair share (and then some) of Chuck E. Cheese, Showbiz, and Pizza Hut, but the local pizzeria my family ordered from on "pizza night" was Hungry Howie's. Despite being an obvious choice due to its proximity and price, just the sight of the yellow boxes prompted more-than-Pavlovian response from all of us. Wednesdays, or "Wacky Wednesdays" as advertised, were my favorite since a large pizza with one topping cost only $3.95.
Everyday specials are the norm at Hungry Howie's. We ordered a large pepperoni pizza (with flavored crust) for $5.55. Coincidentally, it was ready in five minutes. As I proceeded to shovel slice after slice into my mouth, I was taken back to the days when copious amounts of tomato sauce registered as "perfect pizza." This made me happy. And really, the fact that a slice of pizza can conjure up such a powerful feeling reminds me why I love it so much. Sure, nowadays, I crave fresh mozzarella, imported grated cheese, slightly charred crust, and San Marzano calibur tomatoes but this love affair began at Hungry Howie's - a place whose mission is simple: make pizza tasty and affordable. I should know, seeing as I had the privilege of working at this very location during summer break from college.

Furthermore, Hungry Howie's will take potential shortcomings and transform them into an asset. For instance, offering flavored crusts for no additional charge is the perfect way to enhance an inexpensive dough. Also, this carryout and delivery location also sports three booths and a restroom to accommodate the occasional walk-in clientele. This pizza franchise is more than a cute logo, it's good pizza.

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