04/03/08 @ 02:10:50 pm by archivesadmin
By: Emily Rea
The last time I’d stepped foot inside a Pizza Hut, I was in junior high, and my basketball team was celebrating a victory over our rivaling academy—or something like that. In any case I know it was at least back when I could still stuff my face with stuffed-crust slices of sausage-and-pepperoni and not gain an ounce. Those were the days.
Consequently, our lunch bunch to Pizza Hut served as a bit of a trip down memory lane: to a place where friends’ birthday parties had been held, where game day was topped off on a sweet note—even if we did rack up another L—and what little cares we had were tossed to the wayside at the sight of that mozzarella-oozing buffet and tantalizing cinna-sticks. Little did I know the day of our lunch bunch, the encore staff was in for a much more mature meal than any of us were expecting.
It all began recognizably enough: the same pointy-topped building with the bright red sign, the same decor inside with booths along the windows, tables clustered in the space between and two buffets standing center court. Throngs of people bustled about inside with the same no-good-reason cheeriness one might expect from kids’ morning TV shows. But as soon as we were seated and opened those tall, glossy menus, nothing looked familiar.
“Bistro menu?” I asked, taking a second look at the words in front of me. “Wait a minute...”
“Yeah, they’ve added a lot of new items,” John told us. “It’s supposed to be really good. There’s a lot of different options.”
While “options” at Pizza Hut used to mean thin or thick crust, cheese-only or all-the-way, I was now seeing hot soups, toasted sandwiches and enticing entreés with names like “Bistro Chicken Alfredo Bake.” Hmmm—it appeared the Hut was all grown up!
“What can I get you folks to drink?” our super-friendly waitress piped up upon arrival, her bright smile beaming down on us like a beacon.
“Diet Pepsi,” Sue, Lani and I said simultaneously, in attempts to prepare for the feast ahead. Our bubbly waitress was off in a flash, leaving us to deliberate what we’d be having. I was still taking second looks at what we had to choose from—appetizers included Buffalo Wings (boneless, saucy or regular), and meals featured a Parmesan-crusted Supremo sandwich, Three-Cheese Penne Bake, Meaty Ziti Bake and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Then, of course, there was “America’s Favorite Pizza.”
“Let’s get a little bit of everything!” Lani suggested wide-eyed. We all agreed it wasn’t such a bad idea; family-style was often the rule at lunch bunches where decisions were hard to make.
“That sounds like a plan,” our waitress agreed, showing up with a full load of ice-cold drinks. “I know I’m getting that Bistro Chicken Alfredo Bake when I get off—it’s really that good!”
We all chuckled at her unbridled excitement, yet the anticipation levels among us inched higher by the second.
“OK, we’ll have some of that to share...” Sue began.
“And a big Roasted Turkey and Provolone toasted sandwich...” John continued.
“And a medium pizza all-the-way,” Lani added. “Is that going to be big enough, guys?”
Realizing our order could soon snowball out of control, I clarified, “Thin crust, please.”
“You got it,” our waitress said, smiling, and she passed out salad bowls before bopping back to the kitchen. The salad bar was actually quite fresh and enticing as Sue, Lani and I left John behind to get our greens. We came back with sundry varieties of cheese, egg, sunflower seeds, pineapple, tomatoes and cucumbers. No sooner than our bowls were empty and our beverages hit the halfway point, we were served piping hot soup and drink refills.
“I had to start you off with these,” our waitress confessed sheepishly. “They’re amazing!” We were presented with two bowls of Tomato Basil and two bowls of Broccoli Cheddar Soup, both of which far exceeded expectation. The Tomato Basil in particular was phenomenal: a rich, flavorful concoction neither too thick nor too watery, and more than comparable to those I’d had at any “fine dining” establishment. The expressions around our table slowly reflected my own: Toto, we’re not at Pizza Hut anymore.
Our service was impeccable and never wavered in its efficiency or amiability. Our entrées arrived with perfect timing, and although our bellies had already begun a slight protest, we all dove into the three platters between us.
“Oh, wow, that Bistro Bake is really good!” Lani exclaimed, the grilled chicken, penne pasta, creamy alfredo, cheese topping and Parmesan crumbs undoubtedly causing her taste buds to dance in delight.
“I still can’t believe this,” I agreed, taking another helping myself. It was the only dish of which we needed no to-go box, and the others called for one only because we were too full to consume any more. The pizza was a delightful surprise to those we left behind at the office, all who praised Pizza Hut’s thin-crust as the best there is.
All in all I was extremely pleasantly surprised by my re-acquaintance with Pizza Hut, an establishment I now feel as though I have literally grown up alongside. The same sincere, family-fun atmosphere exists within its walls, yet its tastes have matured into what truly gives it that one-stop appeal, providing something for everyone. If there is one thing I took away from playing sports as a kid, it’s that win or lose, what counts is how you play the game. And with such service, energy and top-quality food, Pizza Hut certifiably takes the gold!
Categories: Reviews
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