POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—Pizza is a universally adored dish, and the Hudson Valley boasts numerous spots to indulge in it. While pizza can be adorned with a variety of toppings, pepperoni remains the most popular choice. Whether you prefer Chicago-style deep-dish or New York-style thin crust, pizza enthusiasts consistently gravitate towards pepperoni.
Mike & Joe’s Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Restaurant, located at 64 Creek Rd, has been under new management since last year. This family-run business has cultivated a loyal customer base by serving delicious pizza and authentic Italian cuisine. Known for their exceptional pizza, they have become a favorite among locals, including myself.
Alec Levinson, a Poughkeepsie resident, is one of those devoted customers. Known for his love of pizza and extravagant toppings, Levinson has been a regular at Mike & Joe’s for the past five years. His orders are legendary, featuring massive pizzas with toppings stacked high.
On Saturday, June 22, at noon, Levinson plans to break his own record at Mike & Joe’s. Last year, he set a record with a pizza featuring 213 toppings and weighing 33 pounds. This year, he aims to create a 355-topping, 52-pound pizza.
Pizza contests are held globally, celebrating various aspects of this beloved food. However, for Levinson, this endeavor is driven by his personal passion for pizza. Fun fact: If you were to order the pizza featured in the record attempt, topped with pepperoni, sausage, hot sausage, mushroom, bacon, and prosciutto, it would cost around $700.
We wish Alec Levinson the best of luck in his record-breaking attempt. See you at Mike & Joe’s on Saturday!