It has been a record-breaking year for the NFL, topped by the New England Patriots' undefeated 16-0 season and the Green Bay Packers' Brett Favre setting NFL career records in touchdowns, passing yards and, of course, interceptions. The playoffs were filled with electrifying plays but ended with an upset of the Packers.
Two colossal teams, the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, are left standing and will face off Feb. 3 at Super Bowl XLII. Even though we will not know until then which team will reign supreme, why not put their hometown foods to the test?
New England clam chowder and New York thin crust pizza go head-to-head in four different categories: Nutrition, Fan Favorites, Playbook Secrets and Super Bowl Party Snackmeter.
Let the showdown begin.
Nutrition
It is difficult comparing two foods as different as night and day, but one thing to look out for is nutritional value. Truth be told, neither option is really all that healthy.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website, one cup of New England clam chowder contains an estimated 165 calories. The New York Times claims a thin crust slice of pizza from Ray's of Greenwich Village amounts to 613 calories.
Even though Ray's is the least healthy of all New York pizza, the numbers can vary according to the restaurant or brand, so it is important to look at other factors.
Of course, there are ways to make both dishes healthier. A typical bowl of clam chowder contains a milk base, potatoes, onion, sometimes bacon or salt pork and, of course, clams.
For starters, you can toss out the bacon or pork. Adding other vegetables, such as corn, carrots or celery also adds to the nutritional value. New York pizza is characterized by its fluffy crust and wide thin slices topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Less cheese and veggie toppings can make the pizza healthier.
Both dishes can be made healthier, on a purely number-based race, clam chowder edges out pizza.
- Advantage: clam chowder
Fan Favorite
Now that we know which food is healthier, it is time to assess the popularity. Just because a bowl of clam chowder is more nutritious than a greasy slice of pizza doesn't mean it's a hit across the board. Let's face it, not everyone is as health-conscious as Food Network's Jamie Oliver.
In this popularity contest, clam chowder has a slim chance of winning. The chief ingredient of clam chowder ironically causes its main downfall. A creamy bowl of soup may warm people up, but a taste for clams must be acquired.
New York pizza, in its barest form, is hardly questionable to the average Joe as far as taste goes. Plus, think of the number of places around the country that specialize in pizza alone. You don't see half as many chowder houses outside of the east coast. With chains like Famous Ray's backing it up, New York-style pizza has a more everyday appeal than clam chowder.
- Advantage: New York pizza
Playbook Secrets
Okay, so it's a tied game. That means it is time to assess the versatility. Although these signature dishes have a basic form, there is always room for creativity in these recipe books.
As mentioned previously, there is room for more vegetables in New England clam chowder. New York thin crust pizza can be topped with as many vegetables or meat as one desires.
You can also experiment with the cream base of clam chowder, trying lighter or thicker milk. Even though you cannot lose with New York's traditional pizza, you can experiment with a wheat-based flour instead or add some different cheeses to the mix. There are so many plays you can make with both dishes that you can't go wrong.
- Advantage: tie
Superbowl Party Snack-meter
Wow, it is still a tied game. This last category decides it all, and there is no better way to put these hometown favorites to the test than at a Super Bowl party.
No Super Bowl is complete without snacks, so which food ranks higher on the snackmeter? Is it the rich, hearty clam chowder? Or is New York's thin crust pizza?
One way to add a twist to your Super Bowl party is by having your very own showdown, pitting the creamy New England clam chowder against the tomato-based Manhattan clam chowder. But let's be real now, how many Super Bowl parties serve up soups? It's all about the junk food at these functions.
New York pizza fits in well among the chips, soda and booze. Plus, you can get just as creative by throwing a New York-style dessert pizza into the mix. Replace the tomato sauce and mozzarella with whipped cream and fresh fruit slices, such as peaches, strawberries and blueberries. Or you can top the thin dough crust with apple pie filling, or make a candy pizza with chunks of candy bar toppings.
- Advantage: New York pizza
And the winner is...
So there you have it, folks. New York pizza claims a 2-1 victory over New England clam chowder. However, it was a damn close fight, and both foods are worthy of praise. New York may have edged out New England in the ever-important food competition, but we will have to wait and see how their football teams fair on Super Bowl Sunday.
