AVALANCHE: A monumental glacier of spicy pepperoni and neat little bubbles.

by Chas J. Hartman and Tiffany Royal
THE POST

Avalanche Pizza took over the location recently vacated by Little Caesars Pizza at 329 E. State Street. Rumors flew wildly during the grand opening about some landmark pizza deals; all the rumors were true.

Pizza in Athens may be a moot point, which raises the question: Why open up another restaurant? But at the same time, quality pizza coupled with great deals is somewhat of a rarity. So one could say that Avalanche faces stiff competition, but still helps to satisfy a hunger for value pizza.

At first glance, the prices might seem a little steep. Small 10-inch pizzas with six pieces and just cheese run $7.99. Large 14-inch pizzas with 10 pieces and just cheese run $13.99. Additional toppings cost an average of 70 cents.

But the deals should help Avalanche attract customers and make up for the rather large prices. If you pick up one pizza, then you can get two free pizzas. As far as delivery goes, if you buy one pizza, then you get one free pizza.

Most students were pleasantly surprised to hear about Avalanche and its amazing deals. Of course, most students thought the deal only lasted for the grand opening.

"I received a flier about the deals, but assumed it was a limited-time only kind of thing," said junior Jesse Mast. "It seemed phenomenal, but at the time I didn't have much money. When I called Avalanche, they said the deal lasts 'forever,' and that made me very happy."

A simple taste-testing demonstration took place to determine whether all these deals held any water, taste or value-wise. Two small pizzas (cheese and pepperoni) sat before the expectant testers, along with tasty beverages. The crust, at first glance, had a thick consistency, a prized quality rare in most pizza joints. The flour from the baking process still lightly covered the crust, adding a homemade feel to the thick bread.

The first bite of the cheese pie had a tangy taste, with an outburst of tomato paste and spices — almost a refreshing new taste for pizza. The cheese doesn't slide off the bread after the first bite, which means you can eat it without making a sloppy fool of yourself.

The pepperoni pizza carried similarly high qualities, with a surprising extra kick from the pepperoni, much spicier than usual. The extra-thick crust at the end of the piece proved quite enjoyable, settling the stomach like coffee after a gourmet dinner. The air bubbles on the circumference of the crust harken back to a childhood spent popping and eating the slight aberrations. The only suggestion is to add some dipping sauce for that last bite of bread.

The elements in this pie are very fulfilling, as every ingredient is abundant. Even after three small pieces, the taste-testers had contentedly consumed their fill.

Overall, these pizzas make an excellent day-old breakfast/lunch/4 a.m. meal, either cold or hot (your preference). Avalanche is great if you're just hanging out with someone and both of you are hungry. Also, if you're throwing a rather large party but nobody has money, then it's time for Avalanche. Give 'em a call at 594-4664.