Pizza My Mind: When He Can't Get Mom's, Lido Denizen Swears By Irish Volunteer, Pie Squared, and Gung Ho
In the run-up to the Beijinger's 2015 Pizza Cup (mark your calendars for the launch party on Oct 17-18), we've asked Beijingers to tell us about their favorite pizza places. Today we pick the brain of New Zealander Oliver Fenwick-Ross, 28, a snowboard videographer that has split his time between Beijing and New Zealand since he was young.
When in Beijing he spends his time in the Lido/ Liangmaqiao areas, plays ice hockey, and organizes the Red Bull snowboard competition at Nanshan. He’s a solid pizza fan who has been around long enough to remember the Kro's Nest /Tube Station split as well as the launches of Gung Ho! Gourmet Pizza Kitchen and Pie Squared, but his favorite of all time is his mother's own home-made pizzas.
When he’s not enjoying mom’s homemade masterpieces, Oliver recommends:
For a pint out with the gang (when drinking is as important to the evening as eating):
“Irish Volunteer any day of the week -- not only are their pizzas huge, the beer is always cold and affordable and there's always a the warmest welcoming local crowd here in the city, with 'cornhole' beanbag toss games out front most afternoons and weekends, and NHL games. Their Canadian pizza is amazing with mushroom and pepperoni, and an insider secret here is their amazing bruschetta pizza (with added chicken). Thin-base and crispier than their others, it's loaded with pesto, fresh tomato, and feta, and perfect for sharing as a bar snack.”
When you feel like something different:
“Pie Squared in Shunyi do the most amazing thick crust 'Chicago' style pizzas I've had. They're a go-to delivery for our hockey league that plays nearby, and after a game it's the perfect way to replace the carbs you just burned off. Loaded with sauce, crispy cheese around the outside, and delicious meatballs, owner Asher will often deliver these personally in order to catch some of our games.”
For a date with a significant other:
“With a certain gluten-free significant other, Gung Ho wins hands down. Their gluten-free whole wheat base honestly tastes just as good as the gluten version, and their range of flavors means anyone's satisfied. Their two-for-one Tuesday promotions also makes it a lot more affordable, and the free breadsticks and friendly staff make it a nice place to sit down at. “
Would you like to be profiled as part of the Pizza My Mind series? Fill out our online questionnaire here. Prefer to respond to these questions orally? Send us an email at info@thebeijinger.com with your phone number and a good time to reach you and we will call you back to interview you over the phone.
Photo courtesy of Oliver Fenwick-Ross
