Parisian Pizza and l'invasion de New York
Welcome and bienvenue to the 10th arrondissement, Jay’s Pizza
2024 will be remembered as a monumental year for Paris. And not because of the Olympics. The games come and go, happening every two years across the world. No, 2024 will be remembered as the year Paris arrived on the world pizza scene. Gone are the days of wood-fired Neapolitan pies being the only game in town.
The New York slice shop has finally arrived in the City of Lights. From Naples to New York and back to the continent, this reverse migration is an exciting and welcome development to the Parisian culinary scene. My first stop on the BPT: Paris Edition was Jay’s Pizza.
As I walked from the Gare de Lyon to Jay’s, I let the golden-hued streets guide me. Along the way, I spotted countless pizzerias —Fratelli, Botelli, Vittoria — pumping out Neapolitan pies from their tiled, wood ovens.
When I finally arrived, Jay’s was an oasis. Bright lights, triple decker ovens, a glass case with slices (!), and a bunch of fellow pizzaphiles cradling white paper plates. On the wall, the menu was both familiar and foreign with the English names attached to prices in euros.
Wearing a welcoming Krispy Kreme hat, Simo popped a few slices in the oven and told me how he and Jay met (biz school in Singapore) and how Jay opened his eyes to NY pizza on a visit to Rubirosa in New York. They now pay homage to that memorable pie with their Rubi slice (and in their logo), and are exploring residencies with New York pizzaioli so they can further help Parisians see the light of the NY slice.
The slices looked familiar but different, almost like a John’s slice but then topped with shredded basil. Their crust was breadier, pepperonis more savory (original recipe—all beef and halal), and the Italian EVOO drizzle made for a decidedly European touch.
I love how these guys are taking a page out of the NY slice shop revolution. Emphasizing high quality ingredients, accessible prices and the cool factor of New York make for a formidable (and formidable) combination. Watch out creperies and kebab shops — congrats Jay and Simo!