Happy National Pizza Day!

It's Friday so it's not like you weren't gonna be eating pizza anyways.

Hi there!

Happy National Pizza Day! I was alerted last week that National Pizza Day was February 9th. Why that day? Hard to say, but shouldn’t we celebrate and honor the spirit of pizza every day of the year? The way the hot, warm disc brings together friends and family. How the molten, gloopy cheese incite conversations, passion and silent, bloated, introspection.

I ate pizza for seven days straight leading up to this. National Pizza Day is another day for me. But I got to do a little press to help celebrate the world of pizza. I was honored to join the Pittsburgh City Cast crew for a discussion about the Pittsburgh pizza scene! We talk about:

• Vegan pizza options.

• How the pizza world has changed.

• Gluten free pizza options.

• Some of the best pizza in the city and some up and coming spots you gotta check out.

Daily Dough Show Pizza Podcast

Patrick over at Gus Franco’s loves pizza. His passion for pizza is unparalleled and he wants to share the world of pizza with as many people as possible. He’s been doing a live broadcast from his shop where he talks about the latest happenings (new pizzas, developments, exciting specials), but recently he started bringing on guest.

His first guest was of course Tony of the famous Pizza Taglio. You can watch the first episode with Tony here.

I reached out to Patrick to understand what made him go down his route. For him, it comes down to being inspired and inspiring others.

Patrick says:

I always thought a podcast would be a fun project, but there's something different about doing it live, with a shorter format that intrigued me. Having the opportunity to edit and boil down a pre-recorded interview felt safe, and this takes me out of that comfort zone.

I also like having people being able to comment and ask questions while we are chatting. Talking to people like Tony not only strengthens my network, it allows me to spotlight people I find inspiring. I plan on focusing on guests that seem genuinely happy with what they do for a living, and also how they treat people. We've always try to surround ourselves with positivity, so it's natural to have those people sit down with me.

Do I think it'll skyrocket me to stardom? No. Do I hope that someone watches an interview and gets inspired to make a positive change in their life? Hell yes. I believe that using any outlet I have to spread some good vibes is an honor. This is just the latest form of that mission

PETA Declares Spak One of the Best Vegan Pizza Shops

Love or hate PETA, you gotta give it up for their taste in pizza. They ranked the top ten vegan pizzas in the country. There’s some heavy hitters on there, but Spak’s BBQ Seitan Pizza makes the list.

From PETA:

For those who like the fragrance and taste of cilantro, Spak Brothers’ BBQ Seitan Pizza is topped with this great addition. Beneath it, you’ll find meaty seitan, red onions, and a tangy BBQ sauce. When ordering, be sure to specify that you want it made with vegan cheese to keep it cow-friendly—and add some vegan ranch on the side while you’re at it.

Listen to the Pizza Tapes and Eat Mun’s Pizza

I have tried to get into the Grateful Dead many times in my life. Each time I listen to Box of Rain and go “okay this is good” then never listen to anything else. The Dead is impenetrable. Part of it might have to do with the fact that growing up I assumed they were a scary metal band. Then I found out they’re chill hippies? That have an ice cream named after them? The juxtaposition in my mind prevented me from giving them a fair shake.

In my most recent attempt I discovered The Pizza Tapes. These mysterious tapes held secret recordings by Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Tony Rice. I thought they would be pizza themed and be my gateway to the world of Garcia. But it was just three dudes jamming out.

Anyways, tonight Mun’s Pizza will be slinging pies at Allegheny City Brewing for the first time ever while The Pizza Tapes and other Grateful Dead songs play in the brewery.

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That’s a lot of pizza updates! Something for everyone. Hope you are having a blessed National Pizza Day. Grab a slice for me.

Pizza ya later!

-Dan Tallarico, Pizza Journalist