Danny Dines: THICC Pizza Co. & Kate's Bakes

After a rough couple of weeks, it was time to take a step back and remember my roots. I am a pizza man. I could eat pizza everyday for the rest of my life, and I’d be a happy man.

Every time I go to New York City, I try to eat pizza every chance I get ... when in Rome!

This week, I journeyed to Rio Rancho’s hangout mecca, THE BLOCK, and got to try some Detroit-style pizza at THICC Pizza Co.

However, because I have the appetite of Joey Chestnut, I also stopped by Kate’s Bakes for some dessert.

In preparation for Detroit-style pies, I decided to indulge in some Kid Rock, Marvin Gaye, Eminem and watch “8 Mile” about a million times. In fact, I have now memorized all the rap battles. Seriously, if you see me public, just ask, and I’ll do it.(Editor’s note: He will).

If you are not familiar with Detroit-style pizza (DSP), DSP has a rectangular shape, crispy and chewy crust, and has a dark, caramelized bottom and corners.

According to THICC Pizza Co., DSP is a variant of Sicilian pizza called “sfincione,” and is distinctive for its brick cheese, cup n’ char pepperonis, steaming hot red sauce, and is baked in a deep steel pan.

The best part of Detroit-Style pizza is the corners and edges, so if you’re still someone who does not like crust, this pizza might not be for you. Just know that you are missing out.

Some cool pizzas on their menu included “The THICC Rita,” “The 8 Mile,” the “Walter White,” and “The Brooklyn Basement.”

I ordered the Roni Roni pizza, which is a red sauce pie with “Thicc” cheese, tomato sauce and pepperoni cups.

I also ordered their Lavender Lemonade because I was feeling boujie, but that feeling left after I tripped and ripped my pants while walking toward the bathroom. Nonetheless, the lemonade was earthy and sweet. It also had some notes of mint and rosemary.

The Roni Roni pizza came out, and it was magnificent. It was steaming, a thick pie with shaved parmesan on top.

The first bite was glorious. The cheese caramelized into the bottom of the pizza, and the edges gave it a loud and crispy crunch with every bite. The cheese was fresh and stretched like gum with every pull. The sauce was tangy, the cheese was crunchy, and as you got closer to the middle, the cheese was gooey.

I finished three tasty square slices before I tapped out.

Next, I saw that Kate’s Bakes was parked outside of THE BLOCK and decided to stop by for a post-workout treat.

Some of the items on the menu included Italian almond cake, triple chocolate brownies, pumpkin bread and chocolate chip cookies.

I decided to order German chocolate cake, which is such an underrated dessert, in my opinion, and my dad’s favorite dessert when we go to Whole Foods.

German chocolate cake is a layered chocolate cake filled and topped with a coconut-pecan frosting. It was mildly sweet and had a nice texture from the nutty frosting. I even got some milk, and the cake was gone in a couple minutes.

I know. You’ve been asking for it, and I promise this is just the beginning of checking out all restaurants on THE BLOCK. Be patient y’all. I only have one stomach and a couple credit cards that I routinely forget to pay. Can someone please teach me how to be an adult?