Unless you are a pizza, the answer is yes, I can live without you. – Bill Murray

Happiness is Pizzafest

As I’ve mentioned here on the blog I turn 60 very soon and as my birthday is quickly coming upon me I’ve ramped up the celebratory activities. I turned 40 at my first Burning Man Festival, and I had initially thought I’d turn 60 at Burning Man but decided not to go this year. I turned 50 while hiking on the Appalachian Trail and if things work out I’ll be out there again this spring. My 60th birthday will not be as momentous but probably more meaningful. I’ve decided to make it a more mellow affair connected with people I care about and spread out over about a month.

In reverse order, I’ll be on the East Coast for a week to see family and friends and spend a few days at the beach in Cape Cod. On the dates around my birthday I’ll be staying at a very nice hotel for a few days and enjoying the benefits of their spa. And later this week two very good friends are coming into town to do a little walking and eating tour of San Francisco.

But the first event I did close to my birthday was to attend Pizzafest in San Francisco. Technically the event is the San Francisco Beer, Bagel and Pizza Fest. I was alerted to the event by good friends from Las Vegas who were coming in for the event and a visit. So I got to kick off my birthday celebration surrounded by good friends and great pizza on a magnificently sunny day in San Francisco.

The event was great if not a bit disorganized. But there were dozens of pizza places represented, a half-dozen bagel shops and a really nice beer garden.

I really don’t drink, and I’m not filling up on bagels at a pizza fest, so I ate a lot of pizza. I will say, I didn’t have a bad slice. If you’ve read my Pizza Page, you’ll see my reviews for NY slices in San Francisco. I am happy to say that the best slice in San Francisco, Gioia Pizzeria was there. I had a wonderful talk with the owners and they came loaded for bear with some great pies.

Right next to Gioia was my favorite discovery of the day Peace of Pizza from Livermore. Not only was the pizza fantastic but they were just excellent and fun people to chat with. If you’re in the Livermore area hit up there website and get a pie from them.

The festival was a blast and a great way to kick off my birthday celebration, thanks to Leanne and John for providing great company.

Enjoy the gallery below and have a happy day my friends. ~ Rev Kane