An article from the Dayton Daily news, (dayton OH)

Leadbelly Boys take on da Bronx Bomber

By Leadbelly Boys (Ron Rollins, Ray Marcano and Jim Dillon

How big?

Ummmmmm, pretty durn big. Bigger'n big. Really really big.

Fantastically big. Some might even say disgustingly big. Definitely bigger than your head.

And while we Leadbelly Boys have long since propelled ourselves past that oft-quoted and eternally wise dining edict that Thou Shalt Not Eat Anything Bigger Than Thy Head, we just couldn't help ourselves this time but to give it a try.

So we found ourselves at this little ol' pizza jernt down in C'ville called Roc-A-Fellas, located at 298 N. Main St. Brother Ray had discovered the place during his endless quest for his culinary Holy Grail: Real New York-style pizza of the sort he grew up with and whines endlessly about the lack of, whenever he gets a chance or anybody decides to listen to him (uh-huh). But this time he got our attention when he started talking about this thing they serve at Roc-A-Fellas called the Bronx Bomber.

"It's huge," he said. "You won't believe it."

"How huge?" Brother Ron asked.

"Huge. If two people can eat it in half an hour, it's on the house."

"We're in," Brother Jim snorted.

Roc-A-Fellas is a cozy little cinderblock building that feels like it was once a Dairy Queen or something, right on the main drag through town. True to the "New York Taste with a Dayton Kick" slogan, there are posters and such from the Big Apple. You order at the counter, can look right into the kitchen, talk to the guy while he makes your pie and then park yourself at one of half a dozen clean little booths by the window. There's pizza by the slice, burgers and a tasty range of grilled sandwiches, including a tempting-sounding veggie and cheese called the Madison Square Garden that we're stopping back for some time.

The Bronx Bomber is wheeled to our table (it takes a while to make; call ahead if you're in a hurry), and Brother Jim and Brother Ron realize to their horror that their maniacally grinning friend Brother Ray is right: This thing is a monster. And we mean that in a good way.

It's a stuffed pizza, with a golden crust on top of the thing. Inside, it's jammed with ham, sausage and pepperoni — lots of it — along with tons of cheese and very tasty sauce. It's an 18-incher, and the entire pie is nearly 2 inches deep. It weighs about 7 pounds.

The chef places it before us with a sneer. "I'll get your box ready," he says.

"Good grief, do you make many of these?"

"More than you'd think."

We dig in, and each of us is able to comfortably finish only a piece and a half (ask for warm marinara on the side for the crust, btw). Mind you, a single slice equals about three pieces from the ordinary pizza. The good news is that the Bomber ain't just big; it's also downright tasty. We enjoy every bite.

But in the end, we admit defeat (hey, we're Leadbellies — not pro wrestlers) and box up the remaining half a pie. The back of Brother Ron's SUV sags under the weight as we place it in the back.

The Bomber runs you $3.75 a slice, or $19.99 for a whole pizza, if you end up paying for it. And unless you play middle linebacker someplace, you probably will. But that's OK. It'll be worth it.

The brothers weigh in

Brother Ray: I defeated Tank's Road Kill Dog and ate the entire Meat'Normous, but the Bomber left me defeated, tail between my legs. It won't stop me from trying the challenge again, though, provided I have enough room left after eating the other food at Rocks. Their cheese steaks ($4.69 for a 7 inch) are first rate, right up there with the best in town. Terrific hot dogs ($1.25 or $1.50), too. Did I mention the crispy fries ($1.49), chewey breadsticks (two for $1), crunchy stromboli ($3.99) — I have to stop, my stomach is growling. The most amazing things about this place — prices. $2 for a plain cheese slice and not much over $5. Combos (drink and side dish) are a couple of bucks more. Brother Jim, how much did you eat?

Brother Jim: The Bomber is da bomb of pizzas — big, bold and stuffed to the max with delicious ingredients. Order one for the family and enjoy. You won't be disappointed.

Brother Ron: I admit: When I heard about the Bomber, I was skeptical. Usually big just means big, not necessarily tasty. This is both. I'll be back with my son, who can polish anything off.

THE LEADBELLY BOYS are three hungry editors at the Dayton Daily News who munch their way through the Dayton area's mom-n-pop and fast-food restaurants. Join them on their daily eating adventures at their Web log: www.DaytonDailyNews.com/blogs

Question:
The Bronx Bomber is a huge challenge. Care to take it on?

Choices:
Yes
In the future