Martin Street Pizza & Alibi Get Sold

One Slice at a Time

June, 01, 2009 , by David

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The Downtowner is reporting that Alibi and Martin Street Pizza and the former ‘Raleigh Music Hall’ or ‘Martin Street Music Hall’ have been sold to a guy named ‘Yuri.’  At one point this location was pitched as a new King’s location, but that deal didn’t happen.

In the meantime Martin Street Pizza went from good to pretty crappy following the release of their chef and the wholesale downgrade of their product within a week of opening.  Our readers and several of the former staff helped us piece that together in the Martin Street Meltdown

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  • Jason!
    06/01 08:29 PM

    Where does that leave the bar on the second floor?  Has the whole building been sold?

  • Jason!
    06/01 08:30 PM

    Ahh, never mind.  Reading for content problem on my part.

  • Brocktoon
    06/02 01:38 AM

    Can you provide a list of any restaurants that Don Bender still owns?  After reading the comments in the previous articles, I would like to boycott his businesses.  Does he own 5 Star?  Thanks.

  • Don Bender
    06/02 08:54 PM

    As is normal with NewRaleigh.com, the facts are never correct and they provide a forum for some of the most low life people on earth.  Prior to “letting my manager go”, the pizza was nothing close to pizza.  However, the South does not have the expertise to judge Italian food.  Come by and try it, you may find that our menu is simple but good.  Unfortunately “Wolfgang Puck” is no longer there but his “pinhead” friends are apparently still on the loose.  They can hide behind your forum, but they will never have any class or dignity.

  • March
    06/03 12:57 AM

    Ahhh Bender…

    #1 - and most importantly - you’re a total douchebag. I must thank you, however, for that knee-slapper about New Raleigh’ers not having “any class or dignity” - and this coming from such a meatheaded prick. My chocolate milk came out of my nose when I read that part. Seriously.

    #2 - of significant importance as well - as we like to say here in the South, “you’re as dumb as a box of rocks”. “The South does not have the expertise to judge Italian food”? Really? I think it’s more like people not being wild about paying inflated prices for thoroughly crappy food in a surly and offensive environment - and I would venture a guess the same pretty much goes across the country, with the exception of whatever dump you slithered your way out of before you came down here. But by all means, if you think it’s all us hicks’ fault for not “getting” your overwhelmingly unimpressive food, then by all means don’t let our City’s proverbial door hit you in your ample, dimpled ass.

    #3 - While I normally feel for anyone who fails to make a go of a business they have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into, this is one case that calls for a jiggity-jig and a good riddance to bad rubbish. Now get off our downtown’s lawn and don’t come back now, ya hear?

  • Don Bender
    06/03 03:53 AM

    It is interesting to note how even your responses to my comment is classless and has alot of ignorant statements.  It is easy to sit behind an internet device and write junk.  Perhaps you should get to know me before making comments without founding.  I have not necessarily sold the business at 14 West Martin Street, but if it occurs, Raleigh will gain a very gracious and progressive businessman.  By the way, we will hold our ground with anyone as a pizzeria.  This comes from customers who truly knows pizza (i.e. immigrants to the South).

  • Don Bender
    06/03 04:20 AM

    I truly get a laugh out of the stupidity of this web site, as it is very clear that “it still has no class or originality”  The deal is not necessarily complete, but as is normal with society rumors abound.  But I assure that if the deal goes through, downtown Raleigh will get a “first class” businessman who will bring even more originality to the area.
    As for the response you have written to my earlier comment, it shows that your intelligence quotient is quite low.  To judge that which you know nothing of is ignorance to the greatest degree.  To call someone names behind an internet device is cowardly and again very classless.  You should get to know me, you may find out that in essence I am a nice fellow who just doesn’t have time for “pinhead” and spin doctors such as yourself.  Have fun rebutting this comment and then we can continue debate the matter further.

  • boylanhghts
    06/03 08:39 AM

    I’ll have to agree with Mr. Bender.  He’s been nothing but hospitable every time we’ve been there.  The pizza the other day was excellent.  David you need to chill a bit on this one.

  • DPK
    06/03 08:43 AM

    Mr. Bender:

    As I’m sure you’re aware by now, people on here and most Raleigh websites aren’t that happy with what happened to Martin Street Pizza.  Personally I am one of those people.  I went there within the first week that it opened with a friend and loved it.  The food justified the price, it was great.  I returned about a week later to find the food completely different and it felt “cheap”.  It wasn’t broke so why’d you have to “fix it”.

    In any case Mr. Bender, I hope as a business man you realize that you can not market 100% to “immigrants to the South” in downtown Raleigh.  You will be destined to fail.  The South operates at a different wavelength than other parts of the US.  Businessmen that come here thinking they can throw something up without doing real research on our market usually fail horribly.  Look at what happened in the Warehouse District w/ the original trifecta of businesses at The Depot.

     

    Any good businessman would adapt their business to the market and what it demands.  If a lot of people are telling you, “hey, I loved what you did before but hate it now”, then maybe you should rethink things.

  • alkj
    06/03 09:35 AM

    I LOVE MY INTERNET DEVICE!  It guides me through these innanets webbings. 

    As someone who lived in the North and knows what northerners think of their pizza (and its really not any better than what is offered here) Martin St. Pizza sucks.  I went once, horrible service and I should have spent $1 on a Mr P’s Pizza than whatever I did there.

  • Mac
    06/03 11:14 AM

    I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop.  The only surprise is that it didn’t happen sooner.  Let’s hope good pizza returns to downtown once again; perhaps a Phoenix will rise from these ashes.

  • Pisano
    06/03 01:13 PM

    Don, classless and ignorant is coming on here and insulting the tastes of the people in the area you are serving. It’s funny that you say “the South does not have the expertise to judge Italian food”, when you are from West Virginia, a place that considers Pizza Hut gourmet.

    I understand you wanting to defend your business, but a hot headed, haughty response such as yours will do nothing but turn off prospective customers. The best way to dismiss the naysayers and critics is to invite people down to judge for themselves. If the food, service and atmosphere is good then people will come back.

    I have yet to try your place, but based on your reactions here I am not sure I would want to. I have a feeling if I said how I heard about it I might get assaulted smile

  • Don Bender
    06/03 06:36 PM

    The comments are interesting, and the constructive comments are well taken. However, DPK, AlJK and Mac seem to have their head in the sand.  While criticism is well taken, it is not acceptable to make assessments based upon no facts.  Dan Taylor was there for several weeks after the opening on June 23, 2008.  It was not a week.  Dan Taylor is a gracious person and is still a friend.  We parted in a gentlemanly manner and communicate regularly.
      The negative comments above are totally unfounded.  Pisano, come in some time, I am not the aggressive person you seem to indicate in your final sentence.  It is quite the opposite, I am very friendly and try to satisfy my customers everyway possible.  Martin Street Pizza has a very high repeat business, as our food is good and affordable.  Pisano, come by and try it and do not reveal yourself until after having eaten there.  Then you may make any comment you wish, even if it is negative.  I will then try to do everything possible to satisfy you in the future. 
        I would very much like to invite anyone who wishes to come by and determine for themselves if the comments made are truly valid.  However, I do not feel personal attacks are called for and should not be behind an internet device.

  • Don Bender
    06/03 06:48 PM

    Pisano:
        I would like to respond to your comments on 6/2/09.  Attacking West Virginia is certainly low class, as it was a great venue to grow up, especially during my youth which was several years ago.  If you check who the outgoing President of the American Medical Association is you would find it is Dr. Nancy Wilson who was my classmate in high school and still a dear friend.  It was a privilege to grow up in West Virginia, and no,  Pizza Hut is not gourmet food to us, it is deer meat.  Come by Martin Street Pizza and I will spontaneously provide some gracious hospitality to you and give you your money’s worth.  I may even show you the magnitude of class in a West Virginia “hillbilly” by giving you a free lunch.  That way you have nothing to lose.  By the way, I am deeply proud of my heritage, as you should be.

  • Don Bender
    06/03 07:00 PM

    DPK:
        I have not spent much time on the websites, but you need to know the facts as to “what happened”, as you put it.  It may be surprising to know there a lot of reasons for my changing managers.  If you are not happy, so be it.  However, you do not write the checks for the expenses of running the business.  My letting Dan Taylor was done in a very businesslike manner and he understood my reasoning. However, the “pinheads” do not want to understand.  If you would like to prove yourself wrong, come by some time.  I am not really a vicious person and you may be surprised in the spontaneity of my appreciation for all customers who frequent my business.  By the way, the current staff who has been there for a while is a “well oiled machine.”  They provide great service to our customers and are very conscientious about our quality of food.  THEY DESERVE ALL THE CREDIT.

  • Imagine Raleigh
    06/03 10:03 PM

    Mr Bender,

    I did business with your son’s bar upstairs a few years ago and was never paid and the rental item was never returned. I went by one day to get paid and arrange the pick up of the gear but the Manager of the bar, your son, stated he did not have any money and he did not know where the rental gear was.


    (It was on the stage in plain site and showed signs of being used.)


    I walked out knowing I would never be paid and as long as the bar held on to the rental item, then they were still renting the item. Someone at your enterprise owes me 10,000.00 for a fifty dollar a day item. You have to return what you rent.


    I’ve never spoken of this on an Internet device but I did learn the lesson to not deal with your enterprise.

    I spoke to the landlord of the building but he stated he knew nothing of the bar upstairs but now I realize I may have had a conversation with you.  If it was you and I think it was you, then you tricked me and your son refused to pay me for an item he authorized renting. He basically stole from me.


    I wrote the whole thing off and now I have written about it with my Internet device. I applaud NewRaleigh.com for telling the truth about you and letting others comment on you.

  • Don Bender
    06/04 01:20 AM

    To: Imagine Raleigh
        Your complaint has nothing to do with Martin Street Pizza or any venue related at 14 West Martin Street.  What did you rent to my son or his associates.  You also assume NewRaleigh.com knows the facts, which they do not.  The only provide an internet scandal sheet for people who hides behind funny names.  My name is foremost in all of my responses. 
        People such as yourself make accusations which has nothing to do with me personally.  For the record, I lost much more than you did.  I had no legal or business ties to the original business at 14 West Martin Street.  And, I am certain that you are not owed anything by me. 
        Please put your name out there to be recognized, or are you cowardly like the rest of the comments.  Perhaps I am foolish to engage in a war of words with “pinheads” like yourself.  Be brave and come to see me, I am not vicious in any way but would be glad to assist you if possible. 
      Someone commented earlier about my birth state of West Virginia.  At least we stand up and are counted.  We not hide behind “devices” as you and others do.  You should seek your whatever, but maybe you are incapable to doing that. 
                        Don Bender

  • Don Bender
    06/04 01:30 AM

    Jason:
        On 6/1/09, you inquired if the second floor had been sold.  The answer is nothing is sold yet.  A Downtowner writer thought she knew more than she did.  But her youth deceived her and made her look like a fool.  She even called me “controversial” and neither knows me nor spoken with me.  Apparently she was listening to the local “pinhead” population which does not come close to including the majority of the downtown people.  You may notice that her connotation of my being controversial has been removed thanks to the editor of her publication. 
        However, if you are interested in utilizing the second floor for any special event, I would be glad to speak with you.  Thanks for just inquiring and not making any disparaging remarks.

  • Don Bender
    06/04 01:56 AM

    To: Brocktoon
        I am trying to answer all the questions posed by the “pinhead” and you are no exception.  The only other establishment I am involved in is Five Star Chinese Restaurant, and that establishment speaks for itself.
        You may not have the ability to appreciate Five Star.  So, I am sure we will not miss you or your money. 
        Buyt for the record, Five Star was one of the best creations in downtown Raleigh, or the general area.  Chris Bender, my son, had the foresight before you were probably out of grammar school to create a unique restaurant.  The balance, including Glenwood South and the downtown restaurants, followed his lead.  Otherwise, Raleigh would still be in the “dark ages.”  Contrary to what you may believe, downtown Raleigh was not created by Mayor Meeker, or his predecessor.  It all began at 511 West Hargett when a 23 year-old young man with exceptional foresight created Wicked Smile with a small group of talented young men who used to work through the night to renovated an old warehouse building into a class restaurant that received much attention.
        Prior to Wicked Smile, only Humble Pie and 42nd Street Oyster Bar were the lone venues in downtown, excepting the private clubs.  That showed many what could be done, but it certainly was not the Raleigh city government.  It was a creative young man who was way ahead of the curve, at levels you could not dream of Brocktoon.  And I am very proud of my son and his creative ability. 
        Wicked Smile evolved into Five Star which again was ahead of the others, including New York City.  And proudly we say that some of the finest people in the world frequents Five Star where a very diverse group of people enjoy the unique design created by Chris Bender, good food and great entertainment at the most affordable cost. 
        Thank you Brocktoon for precipitating my
    taking the initiative to paying tribut to my son who has done more for Raleigh and its entertainment than the balance of the population.  “He showed everyone the way.”  This cannot be disputed.
        Our family is competitive and are winners in the long run.  This may be the West Virginia heritage along with of their Chinese heritage from my wife.  You should be so lucky Brocktoon, and thank you for arousing my competitive spirit.

  • Don Bender
    06/04 02:14 AM

    To: Dave Millsaps (New Raleigh)

        Finally I come to you Mr. Millsaps.  You should get to know me and understand that I am principled despite your comments regarding Martin Street Pizza and Dan Taylor.  You should not allow your personal feelings affect New Raleigh. 
        You should get both sides of the story, or even more importantly first hand knowledge, not second hand facts.  You do not know the real facts, and that is for certain.  You are welcome at Martin Street Pizza anytime you wish to come as my guest.  I perhaps can tell you some of my many stories about growing up in West Virginia, going to West Virginia University and being in business for 42 years.
    You may enjoy them and understand I am a simple person who does not put up with nonsense.
        Before criticizing anyone, or providing a means for others to do so, you should walk in their shoes for a few miles.  Perhaps you would have a different perspective.  Believe me when I say that I can take the criticism because I know who I am.  YOU KNOW NOTHING BUT SECOND HAND KNOWLEDGE FROM “Pinheads.” 
        I would like to suggest that you direct your energies toward the problems of those who are trying to survive in the downtown as businessowners.  It would be much more beneficial to society and, more importantly, your soul. 
        Best wishes in the future. And please come by, it would be pleasure to meet you.

  • DPK
    06/04 09:51 AM

    You know, calling members of the local population “pinheads” is not really helping your cause for being taken seriously.  If anything it makes you look foolish and further incites people to disregard your arguments.


    I am not trying to launch a personal attack on you.  I’d just encourage you to very carefully choose your words on here because people do form opinions on first impressions via the internet.  This is “the south” and we do operate to the beat of quite a unique drum.


    With that said, I’d be willing to try MSP again as you recommended earlier.  Always willing to give someone a second chance I suppose.

  • APM
    06/04 09:58 AM

    I had pizza at Martin Street Pizza two times when they first opened, it was amazing.  Then I went two other times and it was awful.  I’ve heard similar stories over and over again about the deteriorating quality of the food.  I moved to Raleigh from NYC so I believe I’m “qualified” to make a judgement as to what is good pizza and what is not.  Or maybe I’m just a “pinhead” with my head in the sand.

  • cj
    06/04 10:16 AM

    pushing the whole Bender issue to the side for a moment, the pizza really is not as bad as it is being described these days… I too admit that the food was much better/different during the first couple of weeks (I think I went four times the first two weeks) and that all of a sudden it really it suffered; however lately its been kinda good… can’t really complain about that.  It good pizza, nothing more, nothing less.

    On another note I kinda feel like I’m listening to former Mayor Fetzer defend himself swearing he’s not gay.  The thing is that this has only become a long drawn out discussion because Mr. Bender decided to respond, then respond, then respond.  If he hadn’t responded in the first place the discussion probably would have died out and no one would really give a flip.  There are much more important things for us all to worry about.

  • Pisano
    06/04 10:39 AM

    Don,

    The whole reason I pointed out you were from West Virginia was due to your comments bashing the folks from the South as being incapable of knowing quality Italian Cuisine. As someone who is from Appalachia you should know better than most that making assumptions about the people of a region. 

    BTW, I am quite familiar with West Virginia having attended college and then living there for a time after. You are correct it is a beautiful state, full of some great people.

    No need to treat me to a lunch, next time I am downtown I will check the place out and see for myself and give you my honest feedback after. I was just joking about being assualted since the conversations here tend to get so heated.

    Again you seem very passionate about your place which is always good. As you probably know there are always going to be critics and haters of any business, whether justified or not. As difficult as it may be, I still would advise you to avoid slugging it out with the comment trolls and take the high road.

  • gd
    06/04 11:12 AM

    This thread settled it.  I will no longer be going to FiveStar either.  I didn’t go for the food as I never was really a fan. I also watched a waitstaff member push a good friend of mine and Don did nothing about this (several years ago). Now I see you calling fellow citizens “pinheads”.  Way to go.  I’ll be sure to point this out to people I know who support your business(es), but hopefully no longer will.

  • DJ Madcow
    06/04 02:05 PM

    Whew!

  • ProudRaleigh
    06/04 02:46 PM

    Pisano & GD- I completely agree with you both. Mr. Don Bender, you seem to have serious delusions of grandure. You did not singlehandely cure cancer, solve the problem of the budget deficit or even make a single signifigant contribution to the culture of Raleigh. The claim that you and your brood brought Raleigh out of the ‘Dark Ages’ is the most ridiculous claim I have ever heard. You own a couple of sub-par resturants- whoop de doo! You need to look at the real contributors of culture in Raleigh the artists, the musicans, the academics, the architects but MOST of all the residents of Raleigh who make this city what it is. We, the residents of Raleigh are more than qualified to judge your pizza and elitist attitude. That judgement will be levied through our wallets. Maybe if you spent more time managing your resturants instead of posting incindeary comments on blogs which you yourself claim to be above, your business would be better off. You sir are the true “internet device”

  • Don Bender
    06/04 08:11 PM

    Rather than write a response to each of the latest respondents, I will condense them into one:

    GD - Sorry you feel that way about Five Star, but I am sure it will survive, as it has for many years.  All people in downtown Raleigh is not “pinheads” but you epitomize the word.

    DJ Madcow - Otis you should be more supportive and understanding.  But your response does not surprise me, it is always easier to stradle the fence. 

    Proud Raleigh - I do not have delusions of grandeur but unlike you I have been there and done that.  As for “my brood”, I did not say that I had done anything other than try to bring a simple, good pizza shop to Raleigh.  What have you done in life? Please post your resume and then let the public decide.  You use the word PROUD very loosely. 

    Pisano- Attending college in WV apparently did not do much for you, as you really do not comprehend my statements, but twist them to suit your own agenda.  I did not bash anybody in the South, but only stated a fact.  If I were to want an opinion on pit cooked barbecue, I would not go to a Brooklyn, NY native for an opinion.  I made the invitation to you, do whatever you wish.  Where did you attend college in WV and did you get a degree? Just curious.  Salem Takeo University maybe?

    APM - If you were from NYC, you wouldn’t hide behind some “pinhead” name.  As for your ability to judge pizza, that is only your opinion.  Just because you are from NY doesn’t make you an expert on pizza.  Maybe you could judge bagels if you lived in the upper Eastside.  So basically, I think your statement is a huge prevarication.

    DPK- I am not calling all people “pinhead”, but just those who frequent this site and make personal remarks and hide behind some “pinhead” name.  Please come by the pizza shop and we will attempt to satisfy you.  I am usually around, so let me know your thoughts.  It would be a pleasure hosting you.

    GENERAL STATEMENT:  On many occassions I man the cash register, as it often get very busy if you can believe that since “Wolfgang Puck” is no longer employed there.  It is rare that we have complaints, but when it occurs I try to right the wrong and hold the principle that the customer is always right. Today was unique, as apparently a few of the customers frequent this website for entertainment.  Fortunately, the comments were very favorable. 
        Martin Street Pizza is not “the mother of all pizza” but it is pretty good.  The best ingredients available are utilized in making the pizza and it is very affordable.  That comes from the numerous repeat customers MSP has become accustomed to hosting each day.  Unfortunately the comments have gotten very personal toward me and members of my family.  And more importantly, these comments were not made with any personal knowledge of what occured early on.  To give you a true picture, it would take too much time and space on this website.  But believe me, each decision was based upon good business principle and the P & L of the operation. 
      In conclusion, I have come to downtown Raleigh and experienced it and may do so for some time to come.  I have tried to give the public a good product at an affordable price.  “I only wanted a simple pizza, pasta and sandwich restaurant.”  Nothing more, or less.  Hopefully myself, or my successor, will accomplish that.  I have kept the operation very simple in the last few months for my own personal reasons.  However, I would challenge all of the above “experts” as to their negative statements.  They should contemplate utilizing the “Golden Rule” in their everyday life on this earth.
        Come by, have a slice of pizza, and if you are truly honest and not satisfied, it will be on me.  Otherwise, I would appreciate your being more civil and to those who qualify as “pinhead”, please crawl back under your rock.  Good night and God Bless all of you and our wonderful country!!!!!

  • Micah
    06/04 08:26 PM

    OH MY FREAKIN’ GOD, DON BENDER!  STOP STOP STOP RESPONDING!!!  You might see your business go up if you can shut that mouth down.  If you really believe in your businesses, they will prosper without your having to constantly defend them.  An empty wagon makes the most noise!

  • March
    06/04 10:12 PM

    If I ever see the word “pinhead” again, it will be too soon. That word needs to be cut out of someone’s vocabulary with a melon baller.

  • wow
    06/05 12:25 AM

    Jeezy frikkin peezy! Have another drink and keep pecking away; this is getting to be quite entertaining in that “rubbernecking past a night club with yellow tape around it because something awful just happened” sort of way.

  • Pisano
    06/05 01:30 AM

    Don,
    Despite your insinuations, I am educated enough to understand what you were saying. Your Original statement was “the South does not have the expertise to judge Italian food” this is not a Fact, rather it is YOUR OPINION. I disagreed with your opinion, and pointed out if your statement were true, then you would be as clueless about Italian food as the people you serve. There was no agenda on my part, just a differing opinion, simple as that.

    To satisfy your curiosity, I did in fact graduate from University (not Salem Teikyo)and have a very successful career with a well respected scientific research company. As for further details, If we ever meet, I will be glad to discuss barhopping on High St., the old Grant Ave Block party and meeting Bobby Bowden at a cabin in Webster County.

  • Imagine Raleigh
    06/05 12:01 PM

    Mr Bender,

    I have never eaten pizza at your place nor do I drink at any bar Owned by you or perhaps not owned by you which is located in your building.  I consider you the Landlord because you told me you were the landlord on the afternoon I met you face to face.


    When I explained to you I came to settle a debt with the Martin Street Music Hall and needed to know when they showed up to open the bar. You choose to be dishonest and you tricked me by saying you knew nothing about the guys upstairs.


    The truth is your son Chris was upstairs opening his bar above your Pizza place which is above your bar downstairs. When asked a simple, general question, you told a lie rather than give an honest response.


    Without giving you my name or resume or any specific information concerning the issue. I use this outlet to let you know you may still have stolen property in your building and I feel the theft was arranged by your son.


    The Bender Enterprise I dealt with never returned the rental gear, nor did they accept a fair purchase price of seventy five dollars which would have settled the issue. They choose to do nothing and now nothing totals out around 10,000 dollars. You have to return what you rent!!!!


    A Bender Enterprise screwed a small local company because your kind believes when the world does not give what you think you are owed, your kind just takes it. 


    I may be a Pinhead (Sorry guys) but I have never darkened your doorway with the idea I would eat and drink and then leave without paying my bill. Even though I believe a Bender Enterprise stole from me, I have never stolen from you or your son.


    I was working downtown a few weeks ago and was sent with a pocket full of cash to get a crew meal for six other guys. They asked me to get some quick food at the Pizza place they had seen on Martin Street. I said NO!!!! I went to Vic’s at the City Market.


    I couldn’t care less what your pizza taste like because after dealing with a Bender Enterprise, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth.

  • LoLs
    06/05 03:06 PM

    @Bender It was a privilege to grow up in West Virginia, and no,  Pizza Hut is not gourmet food to us, it is deer meat.

    I guess the deer meat I had at French Laundry wasn’t gourmet either. 

    Also the comment about being ahead of NYC shows how clueless you are.  Your pizza isn’t bad, but if I’m eating pizza I go to Lily’s, Moonlight, or Mellow Mushroom.  I consider it a delicacy so I try not to waste it on mediocre food.

  • JT
    06/05 03:19 PM

    You miss the mark entirely.  Most of the Raleigh crowd considers themselves informed consumers of food and dining, and talking down to them whether or not you are correct is a horrible way to go about it.  You are just going to rightfully piss people off and they will go to Gravy for Italian food. smile

  • AberZombie
    06/05 04:35 PM

    make it stop!  grin

  • Karl
    06/05 05:14 PM

    Don,

    Here’s the thing. I defended Martin Street pizza to reader’s of this blog.
    But, to assume pizza cannot be judged by anyone from the south in 2009….
    You have shown your cards sir.

    I have thrown pies a number of years in the south, eaten pizza all over the world and have had my share of so-so / sub-par pizza all over the world.

    And Don. In the south, New York, Rome or Raleigh - your pie was just ok at best. Nothing wrong with that.

    I’ll eat O.K. pizza. It’s PIZZA.

    But to assume that North Carolinians (many transplants) are just now in 2009 figuring out your menu, well, you said it all.

    Dumb ass.

  • sally
    06/07 01:27 PM

    I’m so confused. On the one hand,

    “the South does not have the expertise to judge Italian food.”

    But on the other hand,

    “As for your ability to judge pizza, that is only your opinion.  Just because you are from NY doesn’t make you an expert on pizza.”

  • wow
    06/07 11:47 PM

    Great points Sally, Karl, JT, Imagine, and everyone else. Also, I wonder if we as southerners or transplants are at all good judges of chinese style food…

  • Rockerboy
    06/08 01:57 AM

    Hey, did any you guys hear?

    The internet is forever.

    -Esse quam videri.

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