Dining in DC: We, the Pizza

The way I figure it, if it's good enough for the president of the United States, it's good enough for the Prices. That's why, when we're in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and want pizza, we head for We, the Pizza on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Now let me explain something about my pizza preferences. I know there are people who are concerned about the sauce, about the crust, about the cheese. But when it comes to pizza, I like variety. And that is where We, the Pizza shines. There are 12 varieties of pies. Then there are 5 more types in the special Pizza on Tour category where pies capture the flavors of different regions of the United States and Mexico. All are available by the pie or the slice, which allows for some creative taste combinations.

Let's deal with the tour category first. Here is the current list:

• Mortadella Pico de Gallo from Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Honey Ham and Pineapple from Maui, Hawaii
• Cajun Chicken  and Andouille from New Orleans, Louisiana 
• Regal Pepper Farm from St. Augustine, Florida
• China Poblano Spicy Mexican Pie from Puebla, Mexico.

I have tried and enjoyed all but the Regal Pepper. Pressed to pick a favorite, I would have to go with the Honey Ham and Pineapple (roasted fresh pineapple, Virginia ham, ginger, honey, lemongrass, mozz, and a  hint of tomato sauce.

From the 12-pie regular list my 3 favorites are Coletti's Notorious BBQ (slow roasted pulled pork w/BBQ sauce, cheddar, and crispy onion), Buffalo Chicken Pie (spicy boneless chicken wings, creamy blue cheese, mozz, and Miguel's hot sauce) and Forrest Shroomin' Pie (wild forest mushrooms, truffles, mozz, and fresh thyme). The next time we visit I'm going to sample the For the Greeks in Us (tomato sauce, feta cheese, mozz, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, fresh oregno, sprinkled toasted sesame seeds, and Spike's Kefalonian olive oil).

As you can see, I really do crave variety. But my wife is completely different. For her, pizza is basic. The most daring she gets is extra cheese. But fortunately for me, she gives a big thumbs up to the Simple Cheese Pie here.

We, the Pizza is under the direction of chef Spike Mendelsohn. Mendelsohn first came to prominence when he participated in Bravo’s Top Chef in 2008, then Top Chef All Stars two years later. His other Capitol Hill establishment, the hamburger and shake Good Stuff Eatery is located right next to his pizza shop.

Now what about that presidential thing we mentioned? We the Pizza is on the list of the 44 places in the DC area Barack Obama has dined since taking office in 2008.

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What others say:

• Urban Spoon
• The Washington Post
• Yelp

The Prices Do DC Rating

**** 4 out of 5 pies