I love pizza. Who doesn't, right? One could argue it is as American as apple pie. I've heard various debates regarding the origin of pizza, and I'm here to tell you that I don't care. Just give me a slice of that cheesy, saucy, meaty, crispy and chewy goodness.

We all have our own preferences for pizza: thin crust, deep dish, pan style, New York style, Chicago style, traditional hand-tossed, meat lovers, veggie lovers, red sauce, white sauce, etc., etc. When I think about what I think makes a pizza great (or most dishes for that matter), it really comes down to the sauce. The pizza sauce can be sweet or spicy, but it better not be bland.

Growing up in the Riverwest neighborhood, my pizza preferences were molded by what Mom and Dad ordered. The closest pizzerias were Aldo's and Roseanne's, both in unsuspecting locations and within a block and a half of home. Their pizzas were cut into squares and featured thin, crispy crusts topped with thick, savory sauce, loads of mozzarella cheese, big chunks of Italian sausage and small slices of spicy pepperoni that looked like miniature bowls.

I miss those pizzas, and I've been searching for their replacements ever since. I've tried dozens and dozens of pizzerias. A few have come close and a few others about as far as one can get. Regardless of the style of pizza, I'm willing to try anything once, and if I find one I like, I'm happy to share the news.

Today, I'd like to tell you about Vedo's (VAY-doe's), 1808 E. Capitol Dr., in Shorewood. While visiting one of my aunts in Riverwest, my cousin mentioned this pizza place on East Capitol Drive that blew her away. She remembered where it was but not the name, so I accepted the challenge of finding out. I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and was helped by a very friendly woman named Mary.

Vedo's offers carry-out or delivery, so the storefront was small and simple, a counter for ordering and two chairs in the waiting area. Behind the counter is a refrigerator and beyond that – the pizza kitchen, where the magic happens. The menu on the wall at the entrance listed pizzas sold whole or by the slice, along with variations of garlic bread and a couple of sub sandwiches.

My "go-to" toppings are sausage and pepperoni, just like it was for my family growing up. I ordered two slices and she went to work. The slices are made-to-order just like the whole pies. While waiting for my slices to cook, I talked with Mary and learned that she was one of the owners and the establishment was family-owned and operated. I liked it already.

My slices were made on a thin crust, but cut like a New York Style pizza. The first thing I noticed was the large chunks of Italian sausage (check). Then I took a bite and felt the crunch of the crispy crust (check). Then the subtle spiciness of the savory house-made red sauce (check). The slices start at $2.25 so the value is definitely there (check). Boy was I glad my cousin told me about this place!

I've gone back a few times since for slices and whole pies. All pizzas are hand-tossed and come on your choice of New York Style or thin crust. The thin crust is crispy along the edges, but much softer toward the center. The New York Style crust is slightly crisp throughout and then chewy, as that crust should be.

Both options are delicious, in my humble opinion. Be sure to specify the crust you want when you order. I think they default to New York Style if you don't. Pizzas come in four sizes, starting with the 12" at $8.95 for cheese and one topping, which is a great value for fresh pizza this good.

Vedo's opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours vary – just give them a call.