There are connections meant to be, there are matchups that make you think everything will work out in the end, and then there’s what Daniel Amit is doing this summer. With Papa John’s, of course. Why, exactly what did you think we were talking about here?
In a world that decided to go for thin pizza, and even thinner pizza, the collaboration between the two popular brands brought things back to the way they used to be. Or, thickness to the oven. So, it added indulgence, boosted cheesiness, pimped up the dough, and just when everyone thought that was it, it doubled everything. Minimalism, it turns out, is a game only those who don’t want to enjoy play.
The summer edition of Papa John’s and Daniel Amit promises “unusual combinations and original culinary thinking,” according to the company, as well as “something different and explosive,” according to the influencer herself.
The bad news is that these statements didn’t hold up to reality. It’s doubtful they could have held up at all. The good news is that it really doesn’t matter. Really. Not at all, absolutely not.
That is to say, there really aren’t any unusual combinations here, nor does original culinary thinking wrap around the effort, not to mention “something different.” But there is lots of fun, a very tasty carb-filled delight, and an excellent collection in its own right. If you align your expectations and don’t get carried away by the frenzy of words, there’s no reason not to be satisfied.
The series includes two versions of “Mini Dogs” (NIS 34.90–NIS 36.90) — small sausages wrapped in seasoned dough, with or without mozzarella — and three variations of the “Cheesy Sausage” pizza (NIS 96.90), which, as the name suggests, combines mozzarella and sausage slices, onion jam, and another Italian cheese blend, separated at the base by three different sauces (red pizza sauce, garlic sauce, and barbecue sauce). There is also a Bianca Tuna pizza (NIS 94.90) with garlic sauce, black olives, tuna chunks, and mozzarella cheese. In the kosher branches of the chain, a version of the dishes adapted with vegan sausages is also served.
As is usual for Papa John’s, the dough provides a very high starting point for any edition. There’s nothing to be done; it’s just that good. Here, it wraps tasty sausages in a “Messiah in a box” format (or “Pigs in a Blanket,” whatever bizarre imagery and branding you choose). The cheesy version of the dish adds a bit more playfulness, and the rest is completed — again, as usual — by Papa John’s famous crusts themselves. Don’t ask what’s inside, so we don’t start calculating calories; just keep sending them.
The pizzas themselves hit you with a focused, multi-layered sensory attack. Again, it starts with dough that is thick enough and delicious beyond reason, continuing with a looooot of cheese, present and slightly smoked sausage slices, sweet onion jam (maybe even a touch too sweet), and a sauce that knows how to work with everyone and bring everyone together for the same task.
The Bianca, by the way, wisely doesn’t overdo the tuna or let it dominate the entire tray. Here and there, together with the olives, and a creamy cheesy sauce that knows how to welcome new stars into the show — and it works.
It’s not “different,” not “explosive,” not “original,” but it certainly packs the last moments of summer vacation, and of summer in general, nicely into a box. That’s how it is; some romances are meant to be. Daniel Amit and Papa John’s, for example. Why, exactly what did you think we were talking about?