I was surprised to learn that AJ’s, known for the New York style pizza, has a second location out in Tsawwassen. And after taking the drive, I can confidently say that depending on the time and day, it might actually be quicker for me to get my pizza fix from here than their original location on West Broadway.
They are located within Big Splash Water Park. Replacing the park’s previous generic concession stand with AJ’s is a brilliant idea. Nothing builds up an appetite like running all day in sun and water, and there is nothing kids and hungry adults alike crave more than pizza. So instead on settling for on frozen pizza from food distributors, guests can now enjoy the quality of AJ’s pizza instead. Have it before a swim, after a swim, or come down just for the pizza. Today it was as bold and tasty as I remember it and have always had it.
All pizzas are baked to order and can be enjoyed on either their new covered patio all year round, or water side during warmer weather months. During our visit the splash park was not yet open, so we were able to enjoy our meal without the ruckus of gleeful children and their screams.
My guest has never tried their pizzas, so we decided to order a few as a great introduction to the brand and what sets them apart. Depending on the size you order you can actually get a split pizza, which allows you to try multiple flavours.
We started with their 18 inch New Yorker with 8 large slices. On one half we had the Supreme New Yorker with hot Calabrese, House-made spicy italian sausage, classic pepperoni, and extra creamy ricotta. This was like a zesty and slightly spicy meat lovers over a thinner crust. They also have dips for purchase, and here, the garlic aioli helped to inject some acid and break apart the richer flavours.
Between the two split flavours, I preferred the Hot Honey Pie with its equal parts salty and sweet. Red Sauce, Roni Cups, Chili Flakes, and Mike Famous Extra Hot Mike’s Hot Honey. This reminded me of childhood pizza lunches with the generous amount of crispy edge, gristly pepperoni. The honey was my favourite part, so I got more on the side to indulge further.
If tomato red sauce isn’t your thing, they do white sauce pizzas as well, like the White Vesuvio. The base is a rosemary and garlic cream topped with roasted mushrooms, house-made Italian sausage, and extra creamy ricotta. In truth this felt more like a cheesy and garlicky flat bread and with the pesto dipping sauce on the side. I thought, that all this together would have been just as great as a pasta dish. The bake time of the white sauce is different, making the crust drier, thinner, and sturdier.
As good as their New York pizza is, if you can only choose one, let it be the AJ’s Detroit Red Top, even the menu states it is a “must try!” I have never seen another pizza like it with its one inch thick square crust. This is pan baked with a crown of crispy cheese around its top and sides. Once out of the oven the hefty pizza is topped with uncooked tomato sauce, Grand Padano parmesan, and fresh basil. Sliced into six giant squares, the pieces you want to go for are the corner ones, for maximum cheese allotment. I adore this for its dough. It has the crunch of French bread, the tang of a sourdough, and the chew of focaccia all rolled into one mouthful. This is one pizza pie where less toppings are desirable, to best highlight the bread.
However, it does come with topping options like the Maui Wowie Detroit, which we also got as a split. This features doubled up chili pineapple. Not your regular Hawaiian, they soak their pineapple chunks in spiced and hot honey to further flavour and temper the otherwise sweet fruit. Like this, the chunks meld better with the likes of crispy prosciutto, thick cut smoked bacon, and more Mike’s Hot Honey. I also appreciated how the chunks of pineapple and meat were kept in larger pieces to match the thickness of the crust.
As for drinks they do have their bar licence so you can enjoy a beer, cooler, or cocktail. Their options are limited to ready to drink cans and bottles. For something more slash park adjacent, look to one of their summer style slushies in mango and strawberry.
In short, AJ’s is a great addition to the season and neighbourhood. And if you are in the area, it is worth checking out.
AJ’s Pizza Joint Tsawwassen
4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen, BC V4M 4G9
(778) 620-3161
ajstsawwassen.com
