So my soul died a little the other day at D'Bronx on 103rd

D'Bronx pizza has always held a certain place in my heart. It's not the typical "Little-Pappa-Hut-Fathers" you take home on Thanksgiving to meet your mom. No, D'Bronx pizza is the dirty Italian girl from the wrong side of the tracks that smokes, cusses, knows how to makeout and tells YOU what to order. The place has also always had a way of making everyone, including children feel welcome. Not by placating them with condescending kids menus featuring dumbed down versions of regular menu items but rather by allowing them and all other budding graffiti artists the opportunity to express their individuality and write on the walls. The menu is written on a chalkboard and those who go there know what they want. So on a recent Sunday afternoon I was DYING for a slice. I happened to be in Overland Park and I reluctantly decided to go to the new D'Bronx location at 103rd and Metcalf. HOLY FUCK! It was like seeing your favorite punk band play a corporate gig. Kind of like in Gardenstate when Largeman sees Kenny and he's a cop. "But Kenny... why"? This place couldn't be related to my beloved midtown pizza joint. Properly manufactured menu, cake in sterilized plastic containers and wayyyyyyyy too many polos and khakis. Afterwards I was forced to pour myself a shot of Jack just to wash the stagnation off my soul. I suppose change is inevitable, I just wish the Pottery Barn shoppers and Baby Gap stroller pushers would be content with Old Chicago. (Michael Gomez is a local comedian, writer, model, actor and socialite. For more about him go to www.myspace.com/michaelgomezcomedian