National Post

Pizza, a reliable religion

- JOSH MCCONNELL

“You’re going to be sick of pizza soon.”

These were the blasphemou­s words said to my 10-year-old self by my parents after bringing home the first test pizza from their new business. The challenge was to be accepted, over and over again.

This wasn’t my first introducti­on to the all-encompassi­ng pizza lifestyle to which I now subscribe. Like many people, I got my first taste of cheesy goodness from birthday parties and family gatherings. What set me apart from other pizza partakers was the fireworks in my eyes after finishing a slice. From an early age, something was brewing inside of me. I was, it seems, born to be a true pizza believer.

I was the one child who ordered the McPizza at McDonald’s, always willing to wait the extra time it took to cook as my friends quickly finished their McNuggets. But it didn’t stop there. Through adolescenc­e, my teens and onwards, pizza was always there for me. Instead of getting sick of pies, the opposite happened: I turned evangelica­l. I preach the good word of the ’za and encourage everyone to do the same. Pizza is convenient, readily available and also, the perfect way to convince people to help you move to a new apartment.

It’s highly adaptable, whether it be for parties, working late at the office or allnighter­s in college. If you want to up the ante with that special someone, you can even get premium pizza at sit-down restaurant­s.

There’s just something about pizza that allows it to rise above other foods. From the gooey cheese and pizza sauce to the variety of crusts and mix of toppings, it can be built with a custom combinatio­n of flavours to make it perfectly balanced for the taste buds of anyone who wants a bite.

And herein also lies the true secret to living a long and healthy pizza lifestyle: flexibilit­y.

The breadth of pizza’s customizab­ility means someone could enjoy it every night for a week and never get tired of the idea. One night could be foldable thin cheese slices, next a greasy pan crust with veggies and then eventually a glorious Chicago style deep dish that has its signature hint of sweetness. Stuffed crust, different base sauces or even dessert pizzas add to the endless possibilit­ies.

In a world of uncertaint­y, pizza is a constant that will never feel old. It’s time for you to embrace the pizza lifestyle, too.

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