Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Costco's Big Slice

Pepperoni slice at Costco food court

One of the best parts of shopping at Costco is dining at their ultra-affordable food court afterwards. For as long as I can remember, $1.50 still gets you a quarter-pound 100% beef hot dog and a 20 ounce soda (with free refills.) Giant slices of pizza (cheese, combo and pepperoni) are also available... for just under two bucks. That's what I ordered today at 10:45 in the morning. Who eats pizza at 10:45 AM? Evidently, this guy.

The first time I had this giant slice of pizza, I remember asking, "How can this be?" You won't find a more generous-sized slice anywhere for $1.99; but is it any good, or is it just great marketing? The answer is a little of both.

If you're hungry, one slice is more than enough to fill you up (although that rarely stops folks from buying two, three and more.) I skipped my breakfast shake this morning; but halfway through this monster, I was already stuffed. Thick crust and gooey cheese may be some people's idea of good pizza... but not mine. One bite, and you immediately feel unhealthy (and with good reason.) Each slice delivers over 700 calories, 15 grams of saturated fat and an incredible 1,637 mg of sodium.

This pizza is incredibly greasy (see above) and messy (take lots of napkins) but tasty to a degree. Not enough to justify the nutritional consequences, but I can understand why some people would like it. Too bad I'm not one of them.

Atmosphere: F (Who wants to sit and watch dozens of fat people chowing down on hot dogs and pizza before 11:00 AM?)
Service: B+ (You won't find faster, more efficient cashiers anywhere.)
Crust: C- (Way too thick for my liking.)
Toppings: D (The amounts of cheese, sauce and toppings is overwhelming. No mas!)
Taste: C (As bad as it is for you, it's tasty on some level. Then, common sense takes over and tells you to stop.)
Overall: D+ (Costco is all about excess, so it's only fitting that the food court feeds into that with oversized portions. Believe it or not, their giant hot dog is actually healthier (552 cal, 12 grams saturated fat.) Do yourself a favor and eat when you get home.