The idea represents an idealized and supreme vacation spot for pizza fanatics. It embodies a spot, both actual or imagined, the place the standard, selection, and total expertise of consuming pizza attain their absolute pinnacle. For instance, a restaurant constantly serving distinctive pies with numerous toppings and a welcoming ambiance could be thought-about a neighborhood instantiation of this excellent.
The importance of reaching such a state lies in its potential to foster neighborhood, culinary innovation, and easy enjoyment. Traditionally, the pursuit of perfecting pizza has pushed cooks to experiment with elements, strategies, and presentation. This quest elevates the eating expertise and contributes to the evolution of pizza tradition.
Consequently, additional dialogue will handle particular examples of pizzerias striving to embody this excellent, discover the important thing elements contributing to an distinctive pizza expertise, and look at the influence of technological developments on the pursuit of culinary excellence on this discipline.
1. Distinctive Ingredient High quality
Distinctive ingredient high quality types a foundational pillar within the pursuit of an final pizza expertise. It’s a basic side figuring out the general style, texture, and dietary worth of the ultimate product and is thus indispensable to reaching the perfect state.
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Sourcing and Provenance
The origin and dealing with of elements considerably affect their high quality. Utilizing regionally sourced, seasonal produce ensures freshness and reduces environmental influence. Importing particular regional elements, akin to San Marzano tomatoes from Italy or particular cheeses from artisanal dairies, contributes distinctive taste profiles essential to replicating genuine regional types. Clear sourcing practices, the place the origin and journey of elements are clearly communicated, improve shopper belief and appreciation.
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Freshness and Preservation
The situation of elements upon arrival and through storage instantly impacts the pizza’s remaining high quality. Using recent herbs and greens moderately than dried counterparts maximizes aroma and taste. Correct storage strategies, akin to sustaining optimum temperature and humidity ranges for cheese and meats, forestall spoilage and protect inherent qualities. Minimizing the time between harvesting/manufacturing and utilization is paramount to maximizing freshness.
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Authenticity and Selection
Deciding on genuine elements that adhere to conventional manufacturing strategies typically yields superior taste and texture. Choosing buffalo mozzarella as an alternative of standard mozzarella, or utilizing aged prosciutto as an alternative of normal ham, elevates the style profile. Providing a various number of high-quality elements permits for higher creativity and personalization, enabling the creation of complicated and satisfying pizzas.
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Influence on Dietary Worth
Excessive-quality elements instantly correlate with improved dietary worth. Using complete wheat flour will increase fiber content material. Using lean meats reduces saturated fats. Incorporating quite a lot of greens gives important nutritional vitamins and minerals. These elements contribute to a extra healthful and balanced pizza, interesting to health-conscious customers and enhancing the general eating expertise.
The dedication to distinctive elements just isn’t merely a culinary choice; it represents a dedication to crafting a pizza that transcends the abnormal. The cautious choice, correct dealing with, and strategic utilization of those elements instantly contribute to elevating the pizza expertise in direction of the idealized idea, making a product that’s each scrumptious and memorable. This basis establishes a sturdy base upon which additional culinary innovation and excellence will be constructed.
2. Masterful Dough Preparation
Masterful dough preparation stands as a pivotal factor within the pursuit of “pizza valhalla.” It’s the basis upon which all different elements and strategies are constructed, instantly influencing the feel, taste, and total structural integrity of the ultimate product. The proficiency on this space separates abnormal pizza from a unprecedented culinary expertise.
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Flour Choice and Hydration
The kind of flour utilized considerably impacts the dough’s gluten improvement and remaining texture. Utilizing high-protein flour ends in a chewier crust, whereas lower-protein flour yields a extra tender outcome. Correct hydration ranges are essential for reaching the specified consistency. Inadequate hydration produces a dry, crumbly crust, whereas extreme hydration results in a sticky, unmanageable dough. Masterful dough preparation entails deciding on the suitable flour and reaching the optimum hydration ratio for the meant pizza fashion.
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Fermentation Course of
Fermentation is the important thing to growing complicated flavors and a lightweight, ethereal texture. Gradual fermentation, typically involving chilly fermentation strategies, permits enzymes to interrupt down complicated carbohydrates into easier sugars, enhancing the dough’s digestibility and taste profile. Controlling the fermentation temperature and length is crucial for stopping over-proofing or under-proofing. Skilled pizza makers perceive the nuances of fermentation and manipulate the method to realize desired traits.
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Kneading Strategies
Kneading develops gluten, which gives the dough with its construction and elasticity. Over-kneading ends in a troublesome, dense crust, whereas under-kneading results in a weak, fragile crust. Mastering kneading strategies, whether or not by hand or utilizing a machine, entails understanding the correct quantity of drive and length required to develop the gluten community with out overworking the dough. Strategies akin to stretch and fold can be utilized to develop power in a dough with out extreme kneading.
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Dough Dealing with and Shaping
The way in which dough is dealt with and formed previous to baking considerably impacts the ultimate product. Light dealing with preserves the air pockets created throughout fermentation, leading to a lighter crust. Correct shaping strategies guarantee even thickness and stop skinny spots that may burn simply. Stretching the dough by hand, moderately than utilizing a rolling pin, preserves the ethereal texture and prevents gluten compression. Expert pizza makers use strategies that each respect and improve the integrity of the dough.
In abstract, masterful dough preparation encompasses a complete understanding of flour choice, hydration, fermentation, kneading, and dealing with. The exact management and cautious execution of those components are instrumental in crafting a pizza that transcends the commonplace, elevating it in direction of the idealized idea of “pizza valhalla” a testomony to the transformative energy of method and experience.
3. Good baking method
Good baking method just isn’t merely a step within the pizza-making course of however moderately a crucial determinant in realizing the culinary aspiration embodied by “pizza valhalla.” It’s the end result of all previous preparations, reworking uncooked elements right into a cohesive and distinctive remaining product. Mastery on this space separates a passable pizza from one which transcends expectations, reaching a harmonious stability of texture, taste, and visible enchantment.
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Oven Temperature Management
Exact temperature regulation is paramount for reaching optimum crust traits. Inadequate warmth ends in a pale, doughy crust, whereas extreme warmth results in burning and charring. Totally different pizza types necessitate various temperature ranges; Neapolitan pizza requires extraordinarily excessive temperatures (800-900F) for a fast bake, whereas New York-style pizza advantages from a barely decrease temperature (600-700F) for an extended bake. Efficient temperature management ensures even cooking and the event of fascinating textures and flavors. Conventional wood-fired ovens, with their inherent temperature fluctuations, demand a excessive stage of ability and expertise to handle successfully.
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Baking Time Optimization
The length of baking instantly impacts the crust’s texture and moisture content material. Overbaking ends in a dry, brittle crust, whereas underbaking results in a soggy, unappetizing base. Optimum baking time relies on the oven temperature, dough thickness, and topping composition. Observing visible cues, such because the browning of the crust and the melting of the cheese, is essential for figuring out when the pizza is completely baked. Expert pizza makers develop a eager sense for judging doneness based mostly on expertise and visible evaluation.
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Crust Placement and Rotation
Correct placement throughout the oven and strategic rotation throughout baking guarantee even cooking and stop sizzling spots. Uneven warmth distribution can lead to one aspect of the pizza being extra cooked than the opposite. Rotating the pizza periodically permits all areas to be uncovered to the identical warmth depth, selling uniform browning and texture improvement. The method is especially essential in wood-fired ovens, the place warmth distribution is usually uneven.
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Thermal Equilibrium
Attaining thermal equilibrium throughout the pizza, the place the crust, toppings, and cheese are all heated to their optimum temperatures concurrently, is crucial for a harmonious remaining product. Making certain that the crust is crisp whereas the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated by requires cautious coordination of temperature, baking time, and oven atmosphere. This stability contributes to a cohesive and satisfying consuming expertise, elevating the pizza past its particular person elements.
The interaction of oven temperature, baking time, crust placement, and thermal equilibrium represents the essence of good baking method. These components, when meticulously managed and assuredly executed, rework a easy dough right into a culinary masterpiece. Attaining this stage of mastery is an important step in direction of realizing the beliefs of “pizza valhalla,” demonstrating that baking is an artwork type requiring precision, instinct, and unwavering dedication to high quality.
4. Balanced taste profiles
The achievement of balanced taste profiles constitutes an indispensable part within the pursuit of a “pizza valhalla” expertise. These profiles symbolize a harmonious integration of numerous tastes, stopping any single factor from overwhelming the general sensory expertise. A fastidiously thought-about stability transforms a easy assemblage of elements into a fancy and satisfying culinary creation. The absence of such stability inevitably detracts from the pizza’s potential, hindering its ascension to idealized standing. Examples of such concord may embrace the even handed pairing of salty prosciutto with candy fig jam and tangy goat cheese or the complementary interaction between spicy Calabrian chili oil and the creamy richness of recent mozzarella. The sensible significance of understanding this stability lies within the capacity to create pizzas that provide a multifaceted and constantly pleasurable style sensation.
Additional exploration reveals the significance of contemplating texture alongside taste. A pizza that includes creamy burrata advantages from the textural distinction supplied by a crisp, skinny crust and the slight char of blistered greens. Equally, a sturdy, meat-heavy pizza advantages from the inclusion of acidic elements, akin to pickled onions or a vibrant tomato sauce, to chop by the richness and stop palate fatigue. Attaining this stage of sensory integration requires a deep understanding of ingredient traits and their interactions through the baking course of. Eating places aiming for culinary excellence dedicate important sources to experimentation and refinement, regularly adjusting recipes to realize optimum equilibrium.
In conclusion, balanced taste profiles are usually not merely a fascinating attribute however a basic requirement for reaching the elevated standing signified by “pizza valhalla.” The deliberate consideration of taste and texture ensures a multi-dimensional culinary expertise that transcends the abnormal. Although difficult to realize constantly, the pursuit of this equilibrium stays a driving drive for innovation and refinement throughout the pizza-making trade, contributing to the ever-evolving panorama of pizza artistry.
5. Artistic topping combos
The idea of artistic topping combos represents a crucial avenue towards reaching the idealized state encapsulated by “pizza valhalla.” It strikes past standard pairings, exploring novel taste and texture combos to raise the pizza expertise to new heights. This pursuit of innovation, nevertheless, have to be tempered with a dedication to stability and high quality, guaranteeing that creativity enhances moderately than detracts from the general gustatory consequence.
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Taste Profile Harmonization
Profitable artistic toppings require a deep understanding of taste interactions. Mixtures should think about the interaction of candy, bitter, salty, bitter, and umami components. For instance, pairing the sweetness of roasted figs with the saltiness of prosciutto and the tang of balsamic glaze creates a fancy and balanced taste profile. Conversely, haphazard combos can lead to overwhelming or clashing tastes. The pursuit of “pizza valhalla” necessitates deliberate and knowledgeable taste selections.
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Textural Distinction and Complementarity
Texture performs a big position within the total pizza expertise. Efficient artistic toppings make the most of a variety of textures, such because the creamy smoothness of burrata, the crispness of fried sage, and the chewy resilience of a slow-fermented crust. This textural variety provides depth and curiosity to every chew. Nevertheless, an overabundance of comparable textures can result in a monotonous expertise. Subsequently, the considerate incorporation of numerous textures is essential for elevating the pizza to a better culinary airplane.
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Seasonal and Regional Ingredient Utilization
Artistic toppings typically profit from incorporating seasonal and regionally particular elements. Using regionally sourced produce at its peak freshness enhances taste and helps native agriculture. Moreover, exploring regional culinary traditions can encourage distinctive and genuine topping combos. For instance, a pizza that includes Calabrian chili peppers, nduja sausage, and Pecorino Calabrese cheese affords a style of Southern Italy. This method not solely enhances taste but additionally connects the pizza to a particular place and time.
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Presentation and Visible Enchantment
The visible presentation of artistic toppings considerably impacts the general eating expertise. A well-arranged pizza with vibrant colours and thoughtfully positioned elements enhances anticipation and pleasure. Avoiding overcrowding and guaranteeing a balanced distribution of toppings contributes to each aesthetic enchantment and ease of consumption. The visible side, whereas typically ignored, is an important factor in reworking a easy pizza into a piece of culinary artwork, aligning it with the aspirational targets of “pizza valhalla.”
The efficient integration of those aspects into artistic topping combos instantly contributes to the pursuit of “pizza valhalla.” This requires a mix of culinary information, inventive imaginative and prescient, and a dedication to high quality elements. Whereas innovation is inspired, it should all the time serve the aim of enhancing the general taste and textural expertise, reworking the pizza from a mere meal right into a memorable culinary journey.
6. Ambiance and repair
The weather of ambiance and repair represent integral, typically underestimated, elements within the holistic expertise of reaching a state akin to “pizza valhalla.” These points prolong past the mere consumption of meals, influencing notion, satisfaction, and total memorability, thereby contributing considerably to a superior eating event.
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Bodily Setting and Design
The institution’s bodily atmosphere, encompassing elements akin to dcor, lighting, and spatial association, profoundly impacts the eating expertise. An atmosphere designed to foster consolation and leisure enhances appreciation for the culinary choices. Conversely, an uninviting or poorly maintained area can detract from even the very best high quality pizza. The deliberate curation of the bodily atmosphere is thus important in cultivating an environment conducive to reaching an elevated state of enjoyment.
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Attentive and Educated Employees
The demeanor and proficiency of the service employees play a crucial position in shaping buyer notion. Attentive service, characterised by promptness, courtesy, and real engagement, fosters a way of worth and respect. Moreover, a educated employees able to offering detailed details about the menu, elements, and preparation strategies enhances the eating expertise, reworking it from a transactional alternate into an academic and fascinating interplay. Inept or detached service, conversely, can considerably diminish buyer satisfaction, whatever the pizza’s inherent high quality.
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Total Ambiance and Vibe
The general ambiance, influenced by elements akin to music, noise ranges, and the interactions of different patrons, contributes considerably to the eating expertise. An environment that aligns with the institution’s meant identification enhances buyer enjoyment. For example, a vigorous and convivial ambiance could complement an informal pizzeria, whereas a extra subdued and refined ambiance could also be acceptable for a higher-end institution. The cautious administration of atmospheric components is essential in making a cohesive and immersive eating expertise.
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Effectivity and Easy Operation
The seamless execution of service operations, from order placement to meals supply and cost processing, contributes considerably to buyer satisfaction. Delays, errors, and inefficiencies can detract from the general expertise, creating frustration and diminishing the perceived worth of the meal. Streamlined processes, coupled with efficient communication and coordination amongst employees, are important in guaranteeing a clean and pleasant eating expertise, finally contributing to the attainment of a “pizza valhalla”-like excellent.
In conclusion, the synergistic interaction of ambiance and repair considerably influences the general eating expertise, contributing considerably to the notion of high quality and worth. These components, typically thought-about secondary to the meals itself, are actually crucial elements in reaching the elevated state of enjoyment related to “pizza valhalla.” A deliberate and conscientious method to cultivating a constructive ambiance and offering distinctive service is thus important for institutions searching for to ship a very memorable and satisfying culinary expertise.
7. Constant excessive requirements
The connection between constant excessive requirements and the idealized idea of “pizza valhalla” is essentially causal. The attainment of “pizza valhalla,” representing the top of pizza high quality and expertise, relies upon the unwavering upkeep of stringent requirements throughout all points of the pizza-making course of. Constant adherence to those requirements transforms a fleeting second of excellence right into a sustained actuality. Failure to uphold such consistency inevitably compromises the general high quality, stopping the belief of the specified excellent. Contemplate, for instance, a pizzeria famend for its distinctive elements and meticulous preparation. If, every now and then, lower-quality elements are substituted or preparation strategies are compromised, the general expertise degrades, transferring the pizza farther from the idealized state.
The significance of constant excessive requirements is multifaceted. Firstly, it fosters buyer belief and loyalty. Patrons usually tend to return to an institution that constantly delivers a high-quality product. Secondly, it drives culinary innovation and refinement. A dedication to upholding stringent requirements necessitates steady monitoring and enchancment, resulting in the invention of recent strategies and taste combos. Thirdly, it cultivates a tradition of excellence throughout the group. Staff usually tend to take satisfaction of their work when they’re a part of an atmosphere that prioritizes high quality and consistency. Domino’s Pizza, regardless of not being typically related to “pizza valhalla,” demonstrates the facility of consistency in a special context. Their standardized processes guarantee a predictable, if not distinctive, expertise throughout all places. Nevertheless, this additionally illustrates the limitation; consistency alone doesn’t assure culinary excellence, as different points, akin to ingredient high quality and modern strategies, are additionally required for that.
In conclusion, constant excessive requirements are usually not merely a fascinating attribute however a prerequisite for reaching the idealized idea of “pizza valhalla.” The sustained upkeep of high quality throughout all points of the pizza-making course of is crucial for fostering buyer loyalty, driving culinary innovation, and cultivating a tradition of excellence. Whereas challenges inevitably come up in sustaining consistency, the unwavering pursuit of this objective stays paramount for any institution aspiring to achieve the top of pizza perfection. It is the bedrock upon which memorable, high-quality pizza experiences are constructed and sustained.
Often Requested Questions Relating to Pizza Valhalla
This part addresses frequent inquiries and clarifies misconceptions surrounding the idea of “pizza valhalla” as a perfect of pizza excellence. The solutions supplied goal to supply a complete understanding of its varied aspects.
Query 1: What exactly defines “pizza valhalla”?
“Pizza valhalla” represents an idealized state of pizza expertise, characterised by distinctive high quality in all points, from elements and preparation to ambiance and repair. It’s a conceptual benchmark for evaluating pizza excellence, not a particular location or model.
Query 2: Is “pizza valhalla” attainable in actuality, or is it merely a theoretical idea?
Whereas the pure, unadulterated excellent could also be tough to constantly obtain, many pizzerias attempt in direction of it by prioritizing high quality, innovation, and buyer expertise. These institutions symbolize real-world approximations of the idealized state.
Query 3: Does reaching “pizza valhalla” require adherence to particular pizza types or regional traditions?
No. “Pizza valhalla” just isn’t restricted to any specific fashion or custom. The main target is on the excellence of execution, whatever the chosen method. Whether or not Neapolitan, New York-style, or a singular creation, the secret’s the standard of elements, the ability of preparation, and the general expertise.
Query 4: How does value issue into the pursuit of “pizza valhalla”?
Whereas distinctive elements and meticulous preparation typically incur larger prices, reaching “pizza valhalla” just isn’t solely depending on exorbitant costs. Worth, outlined as the connection between worth and high quality, is a crucial consideration. A reasonably priced pizza crafted with care and high quality elements will be nearer to the perfect than an overpriced pizza missing in substance.
Query 5: Can technological developments contribute to or detract from the pursuit of “pizza valhalla”?
Expertise generally is a double-edged sword. Whereas improvements like precision ovens and optimized supply methods can improve effectivity and consistency, over-reliance on automation on the expense of human ability and a spotlight to element can detract from the general high quality. Expertise ought to serve to boost, not substitute, the core rules of pizza excellence.
Query 6: How can customers establish institutions striving for “pizza valhalla”?
Shoppers ought to search for institutions that prioritize high-quality elements, exhibit a dedication to skillful preparation, provide a constructive and welcoming ambiance, and supply attentive and educated service. Opinions, testimonials, and private expertise can present priceless insights, however finally, the judgment rests on particular person style and preferences.
In essence, “pizza valhalla” serves as a tenet for each pizza makers and customers, encouraging a pursuit of excellence in all points of the pizza expertise. It is about striving for the very best mixture of flavors, textures, ambiance, and repair.
The next part will discover the affect of technological developments on the pizza trade and their potential influence on the pursuit of culinary perfection.
Pizza Valhalla
The next ideas present actionable steerage for pizzerias aiming to raise their craft in direction of the idealized commonplace represented by “pizza valhalla.” These suggestions concentrate on optimizing varied points of the pizza-making course of.
Tip 1: Prioritize Ingredient Sourcing with Transparency
Set up direct relationships with suppliers to make sure constant entry to high-quality elements. Clearly talk the origin and traits of key elements, akin to flour, tomatoes, and cheese, to clients, constructing belief and enhancing perceived worth. Conduct blind style assessments usually to make sure ingredient high quality stays optimum.
Tip 2: Spend money on Employees Coaching and Steady Training
Present complete coaching to all staff on pizza-making strategies, ingredient information, and customer support protocols. Encourage ongoing skilled improvement by workshops, seminars, and trade certifications. Implement a mentorship program pairing skilled employees with newer staff to foster ability switch.
Tip 3: Implement Rigorous High quality Management Measures
Set up standardized recipes and preparation procedures to make sure consistency throughout all pizzas. Implement a high quality management guidelines that features visible inspection, style testing, and temperature monitoring. Frequently assess buyer suggestions and handle any recognized points promptly and successfully.
Tip 4: Optimize Dough Fermentation for Enhanced Taste and Texture
Experiment with totally different fermentation strategies, akin to chilly fermentation, to develop complicated flavors and enhance dough digestibility. Rigorously management fermentation time and temperature to realize desired traits. Doc and constantly replicate profitable fermentation processes to take care of high quality.
Tip 5: Keep Oven Calibration and Temperature Consistency
Frequently calibrate oven temperature to make sure correct and constant baking. Monitor temperature fluctuations and alter baking occasions accordingly. Implement a rotation schedule for pizzas throughout the oven to advertise even cooking.
Tip 6: Curate a Considerate and Balanced Menu
Supply quite a lot of pizza types and topping combos that cater to numerous tastes. Be certain that every pizza incorporates a balanced taste profile, contemplating the interaction of candy, bitter, salty, and savory components. Frequently consider and replace the menu based mostly on buyer suggestions and seasonal ingredient availability.
Tip 7: Foster a Welcoming and Environment friendly Service Setting
Practice employees to supply attentive and educated service, addressing buyer inquiries and resolving any points promptly. Optimize order-taking and supply processes to attenuate wait occasions. Keep a clear and welcoming eating atmosphere that enhances the general buyer expertise.
The following pointers, when carried out diligently, contribute to a sustained pursuit of culinary excellence, fostering buyer loyalty and elevating the pizzeria’s fame. The constant software of those rules is crucial for approaching the idealized state of “pizza valhalla.”
The concluding part will summarize the core ideas and provide a remaining perspective on the enduring pursuit of pizza perfection.
Conclusion
The previous dialogue has comprehensively explored “pizza valhalla” as a benchmark of pizza perfection. The constituent components of this excellent, together with ingredient high quality, dough preparation, baking method, taste stability, topping creativity, ambiance, service, and constant requirements, have been examined intimately. These elements symbolize interdependent elements, every contributing considerably to the general culinary expertise.
The relentless pursuit of “pizza valhalla” serves as a catalyst for innovation and enchancment throughout the pizza trade. Whereas the entire realization of this excellent could stay an ongoing endeavor, the aspiration itself drives institutions to raise their craft, enhancing the eating expertise for customers. Continued dedication to high quality and innovation will undoubtedly form the way forward for pizza, pushing its boundaries and solidifying its place as a world culinary staple. Additional inquiry and evaluation must be sought to raise pizza to a type of artwork.
