We're back in Pizzaland! A truly wondrous place (if only it were real)...
This time, we're checking out the pie from a purposely dank barcade near the purposely cool crossroads of Dundas/Ossington here in Toronto. Normally my inherent snark would imply that description as an insult, but this is a fine exception. Get Well is a cozy spot with craft beer, old arcade machines free to play, pinball (bring your coins for that, though), and a pizza slinging counter in the back. I mean, what else would you want out of life? It's the exact kind of place I wish would open up anywhere that's everywhere, or at least somewhere on Queen Street East in Leslieville or the Beaches. I'll be a regular if it takes me well under an hour to get there, no foolin'.
When first opening, the pizza element of the Get Well experience was handled by local chain North Of Brooklyn (a pie I've always griped is seriously overrated, but a revisit/re-evaluation soon is probably required). It had been a few years, before the Pandemic Times, since I'd been to Get Well and to my surprise, I realized NoB had vacated their kitchen for a new pizza offering... a house creation succinctly called: Get Well Pizza. Sure, there's probably no real need to be obtuse with your moniker when all of your customers are already inside an establishment most likely know the name of. Besides, the logo looks pretty damn sweet:
If you've never been before, Get Well is a rather dimly lit establishment (much like the old downtown Toronto coin arcades it is spiritually following). This provides an effective atmosphere for gaming, socializing and drinking no doubt... but for the specific purpose of capturing a picture of my slice? This retro ambiance was extremely difficult. It wasn't until after a fruitless few minutes of attempting tableside candlelight as illumination (and coming close to pouring hot wax on my crust) that my friend suggested I just take the photo on the same well-lit counter where you order the pizzas.
Speaking of those pizzas! Lets get into it, shall we. They offer 6-8 different kinds of slice: from your basic cheese or pepperoni staples, into more complex creations with leeks, potatos, unusual mushrooms or al pastor. Maniac me? I went even further off the map, going for their special slice with beef cheek, cilantro (I think) and a pair of different spicy peppers.
It's a bit pricey for a slice (most are between six and seven bucks, mine was eight) but to Get Well Pizza's credit they are of a generous size. And yowza, are they cheesy. The front portion of this slice was like eating a melty, gooey wave of cheese with thick peppers surfing throughout. This isn't a problem if A: the cheese is good and quality (it was) and B: there's plenty of tasty crust to pick off, bite and bring sanity to these gooey bites (there was).
The crust itself is on the lighter side, not heavily bready and with a solid crisp crunch to it. Closer to a soft buttery cracker than a doughy breadstick. As for the toppings... this was warned as a very spicy slice and indeed those peppers don't mess around. Nothing mouth scorching (for me anyway) but you definitely feel their presence quickly upon a bite where they're prominent, and their prominence is frequent. It's a good balance of sweet spice as well in these peppers that gives the overall flavour another layer... unlike cheaper joints (where hot peppers when cooked dry out and just exist as vengeful acidity), these have the giving texture and flavour complexity of a freshly chopped issue. Quite nicely done.
Perhaps my greatest complaint is the beef cheek in here. It's tasty when you get it, a fatty bit of layered flavourful beef bits, but mostly its terrific subtle taste is overpowered by the flamboyant peppers and the, um... buoyant cheese. Just not enough of a presence to justify being the headliner of this particular slice. Likewise the tomato sauce... well actually was there tomato sauce on here? I'm not even sure I remember anymore. It very easily could've been assimilated by the cheese without any notice.
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Overall!
I like to call particular pizzas "arcade-style", usually by a particular vibe they give off (often they're on the overtly oily or greasy side). Since this is a pizza joint based in the back of an actual-to-goodness arcade... I'd say this here is the epitome of an arcade-style slice. And... it's pretty good!
Very filling, good flavours and consistent texture throughout... no particular element that's severely lacking (beyond whatever genius the blob of cheese absorbed while in the oven). I give Get Well Pizza a firm 'B' grade, fitting for an enjoyable pie that isn't a must try, it won't change your world, but it will hit that personal sweet spot just right after a couple craft brews and failed Frogger runs (damn broken joystick). Come for the classic games, and you'll stay for the pizza.
