When Steve and I had just started dating, we went out for pizza in New York. I grabbed a slice, moved it over to my plate, and reached for my knife and fork. But before I could even cut into it, I heard a loud “Nooo!” from across the table. Rule number one: You do not eat a slice of pizza with a knife and fork in New York. You use your hands. Always.
It took me a while to get the technique down, but I’ve mastered it now. And yes, there’s a proper way to do it. New York slices are big, thin, and often a little floppy in the middle. If you just grab one and lift it flat, you risk losing half the cheese on the way to your mouth.
Here’s the move: Gently fold the slice lengthwise by pressing down right at the crust. Just enough to form a soft V-shape. This helps hold everything in place, makes it easier to bite into, and keeps your hands relatively clean. That way, you can eat your slice while standing on the sidewalk or walking down the street, like a real New Yorker.
My guide to pizza in New York City
My guide to food and restaurants in New York City
