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Hit up Flatbread in Pāʻia if you can swing it!

Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 28/09/2026

For just over a year, Lazy Bones has been the house pizza maker at D.C.'s Dew Drop Inn. Made for a good excuse to go back. Straightforward chewy crust. Breadcrumbs on the tomato pie was a nice touch.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 27/09/2026

Neighborhood ginger cat walked up to us to accept some pats, then walked up a stoop to meow at us, and then stepped away.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 27/09/2026

My first visit to La Casina in D.C.'s Eastern Market was just after they first opened in November 2021. Revisited for their pizza-adjacent "pinsa" flatbreads. Pinsa is comparatively new in the last couple decades, and is broadly a difference in flour type and shape. Seems like they're doing well.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 27/09/2026

Great to visit with Tom Tom, Xing Xing, and Mikey, the cats who guard Pete's Diner in D.C.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 25/09/2026

I'm a big fan of this neighbor cat, and we're happy to stare at each other when I walk by.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 25/09/2026

La Merna in D.C. is booked a month out, but I was able to nab a spot at the bar after queuing at the door. It's hot for a reason: it's one of the best thin crust pizzas you can get in Chicago, faithfully replicated in Dupont Circle. Highly elevated tavern style. I had one with garlic and pepperoni.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 23/09/2026

Flora Pizzeria in Washington, D.C.'s Golden Triangle is by the same people behind Pluma. Dialed in straightforward New York style slices. Like a high-tier (and high priced) utility slice.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 22/09/2026

Neighbor cat popped by for a visit. I opened the door to give it some pats. Seemed very interested in coming inside, despite it having a perfectly fine home next door.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 22/09/2026

Washington, D.C.'s Grazie Nonna opened in 2022, but it's taken me four years to visit (their anniversary is tomorrow!). I had their "Drunken Love" with mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, and Pecorino Romano shavings atop a drenching of creamy vodka sauce. It'd be suffocating if it wasn't delicious.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 21/09/2026

I've visited all of the New Haven stalwarts in the past, so today I stopped by Zuppardi's in West Haven, Connecticut. Crust had hard, cracker-like edges on my "All Things Fresh" pie: "Fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh garlic, and fresh basil." Crispy and fresh are the compliments I'll give it.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 20/09/2026

Pizza Lab by Pain d'Avignon in Cape Cod has their pizza oven front and center, and watching your pizza being made is part of the experience. Airy yet hearty crusts, and rich cheeses. Great balance, and high-tier.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 19/09/2026

My ninth visit to American Flatbread in Somerville, Massachusetts, but my first time candlepin bowling and having their vegan pizza. Splits I've never experienced before, and a delightfully creamy vegan cheese I've never had either. We got low scores on the bowling, but high marks on the pizza.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 19/09/2026

OakCraft Pizza in Nashua, New Hampshire has a rotating Forza Forni oven and a lot of options to make your own pizza creations. We stuck to their spinach artichoke special and a buffalo chicken pie. Straightforward and no-frills New York style crust done well, with well-balanced ingredients.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 18/09/2026

Cantore's in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Crispy and oily. $3.50.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 18/09/2026

Heartbreakers in Ottawa has New York style dialed-in. Tonight I visited their newer second location, which opened late last year. The Sweetheart is the most popular pizza here: aged mozzarella, pepperoni, jalapeño, and honey. Nice firm crust with a crispy and chewy edge. Two thumbs up.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 17/09/2026

Pizzeria Badiali in Toronto is excellent. Crispy and chewy crust that's firm and bubbly at the edge, with an almost focaccia-like taste. They're doing something magical with the dough. The vodka slice was a standout for me: creamy sauce and mozzarella that was both filling and refreshing. Real art.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 17/09/2026

Novel Pizza Cafe in Chicago is the real deal. Superb thin crust sold as "slices," which are a quarter of a 16-inch pie cut into proper squares. Mine had a ultra-thin but chewy base, with cupped pepperoni, hot honey, and ricotta. Feels like a Chicago classic, even though they opened in 2024.

A "slice" of Chicago tavern cut thin crust pizza cut into squares.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 17/09/2026

Osteria Novella in Madison, Wisconsin had been on my to-do list since they announced their opening, taking over the space of Novanta. They inherited the oven and are now very popular… for non-pizza menu items. But we’re here for one reason. Highlights are the thicker crusts and superb mozzarella.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 15/09/2026

It has been a few years since I've visited a Green Mill. Stopped by this one in Albert Lea, MN while I was charging my car nearby. It would be more of a greasy mess if it wasn't for the thick bread-like crust to soak it in. Just functional for a quick lunch.

The exterior of a restaurant. The sign says Green Mill Restaurant and Bar.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 15/09/2026

Sioux Falls' Pizza Cheeks started in the kitchen of The Hello Hi. Since my last visit to South Dakota, they opened their own space. I nabbed their heirloom tomato special with mozzarella, and a generous amount of chili garlic oil and salt. Fun and loud. Probably my favorite pizzeria in Sioux Falls.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 13/09/2026

Mabel, Butters, and Joanie may be tired of my perpetual photo-taking. 😹😹😻

An cream colored cat looking out of a cat tree.

A black cat looking at the camera while lying down on the top of a cat tree.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 12/09/2026

Last time I visited Pizza Flame in Coon Rapids, Minnesota was May 2008. I don't think anything has changed in 18 years. Tavern cut thin crust with a crunch on the edges, and an almost excessive amount of sauce, cheese, and toppings. A formula that works here: they celebrate 50 years in 2027.

The exterior of a pizzeria, Pizza Flame.

A cheese, pepperoni, and feta cheese pizza cut into squares.

A cheese, pepperoni, and pineapple pizza cut into squares.

A wall with framed photos, an old menu, and old coupon, an old article, and old awards. All of them involving Pizza Flame in Coon Rapids, MN.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 12/09/2026

Thunder Brothers Brewery in Isanti, Minnesota isn't known for pizza, but I had to give it a shot. It's Pizza Bell Hop, a "plug-and-play pizzeria" where pre-made pies are heated on demand. Filling, yet empty. More fulfilling was the bingo, where we didn't win but enjoyed coloring pages with daubers.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 11/09/2026

First time trying the "Legit" line of frozen pizzas from Pep's Pizza Co., made in Green Bay, Wisconsin. A decently crispy crust, pepperoni with a bit of spice, and a basic but not flavorless layer of mozzarella. Hits the right notes on the cheap. As far as frozen pizza goes, thumbs up from me.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 11/09/2026

Happy to be back in Minnesota for a few days with Butters, Joanie, and Mabel. 😻😻😻

Butters, a cat looking to the right with a back paw near the front of the camera, out of focus.

Joanie, a black cat sitting like a loaf on a countertop.

Mabel, a black cat curled up atop of a cat tree resting. Above her is an art print of a cat walking.

Butters, a cat sitting next to a window.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 07/09/2026

In Birmingham, between rail stations, I wanted to skip the reasonably decent chains like Pizza Pilgrims, Rudy's, and Franco Manca to try an independent spot within quick reach. I ended up at La Vera. To their credit, had great Wi-Fi, friendly service, and reasonable prices.

A quattro frommagi pizza with an overabundance of cheeses and oil.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 07/09/2026

George is an excellent ginger cat, and an integral part of the station. He's on signs and posters, and someone stopped to deliver bags of food for him. Thank you to the very kind West Midlands Railway staff at Stourbridge Junction who helped with my visit to see @george-station-cat.bsky.social!

A cat sitting in front of Stourbridge Junction

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 07/09/2026

I took an unusual route between Cheltenham Spa and Birmingham so I could meet the legendary @george-station-cat.bsky.social in Stourbridge! George was having a nap on the job, but it was soon time for lunch and a snack...

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 06/09/2026

Last full day at Otto and Weasel's house. There is still some redirected aggression with them after a neighbour cat invaded before I arrived, so they've been separated the whole time. I'm confident they'll be buddies again upon my return in November. Going to miss these two sillies!

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 05/09/2026

Ever have that feeling your pizza might be smiling? I enjoyed my third visit to Bosco in Cheltenham. Might be the best pizza you can get in town. Higher-tier Neapolitan, and this Bufala pie had a freshtomato and garlic oil base, with some impressively stretchy mozzarella. I smiled, at least.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 02/09/2026

Weasel and I have been playing a lot of fetch this week!

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 01/09/2026

Excellent roundup of some hot UK pizza by @jimfam.bsky.social @theguardian.com. Dough Hands is notably excellent. Tried to go to Flout last month in Belfast, but they were temporarily closed! My first stop next time. I'm also due to revisit Edinburgh's Civerino's. www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_js...

youtube.com

British-style pizza - does it exist? | Feed with Jimi Famurewa: episode 6

YouTube video by The Guardian

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 26/08/2026

I'm back with Otto and Weasel, but it's different. Normally they are silly and best pals but a neighbour cat snuck in and caused an altercation before I arrived. Now there is redirected aggression towards each other, and they have to remain separated. I'll work on keeping things calm under my watch.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 25/08/2026

In June of this year, Bruno first opened at Dublin Airport. €6.75 for a rubbery pepperoni slice. As others have joked, for the price of a whole pizza, you could fly to Italy.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 25/08/2026

Cats across Ireland: after a day in Dublin; spending days to drive 1,250 km seeing castles, towns, and pubs; biking around Inis Mór another day; and visiting the Brú na Bóinne sites yesterday, I only saw four cats in total, all while I was driving. Got a photo only of this fake one from a castle. 😿

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 25/08/2026

Beautiful pizza from Orto in Belfast. This one with goats cheese, mozzarella, caramelised onion, rocket, roquito peppers, and truffle honey. Thick crust with a crunch.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 25/08/2026

Scarpello and Co. in Derry: great Neapolitan-style crusts. Mine was with goats cheese, a tall pyramid of summer greens, rocket, marinated courgette, and pesto. Like a light white pizza under a salad.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 25/08/2026

The Dough Bros in Galway, Ireland had a queue out the door, which after a decade, is apparently not out of the ordinary. Soft and malleable leopard-print crusts. I had one with a basil pesto base, mozzarella, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, goats cheese, rocket, and Parmesan. No faults.

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Reposted by Aaron Landry 🐱🍕

Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl @deardara.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

If you read this enormous pizza package that consumed my first half of 2026, you will find: Heroes, idealists, romantics, and a whole lot of pizza. 🍕❣️ mspmag.com/eat-and-drin...

mspmag.com

The Best Pizza in the Twin Cities

In search of cheesy, saucy glory from the finest pizza makers around town.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 19/08/2026

After visiting Sano Pizza in Glasgow last year, I popped into their original location in Dublin today. Straightforward Neapolitan. Got the special, the Sorrentina: Marinated fresh red and yellow cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella, stracciatella, and basil pesto.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 18/08/2026

By all indications, Bambino is the hottest thing in pizza in Dublin these days. They're firm, crispy slices, and the ones I had were drenched in hot honey, almost squelching out the flavours of some of the cheeses, and calming the heat of the peppers. Fun, garish, and gluttonous. I'd go back.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 18/08/2026

It's always a deep risk ordering pizza at an airport. I went for it at Icons, the sports bar at Edinburgh Airport. I've certainly had worse. I would say it's bland, but that'd be ignoring the heavy layer of tomato sauce. Still, quite functional. I didn't finish it, however.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 18/08/2026

Was my last morning with Bean. Going to miss her! Especially the morning cuddles and playing ping pong.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 17/08/2026

The latest from me: a recap of some great pizzas I tried in the Southern U.S., and my schedule through early 2027, including Edinburgh, Ireland, London, D.C., and more. s4xton.substack.com/p/a-pizza-ro...

s4xton.substack.com

A Pizza Roadtrip Through the South

In addition to the pizza, I've now visited all 50 states.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 17/08/2026

Tony Macaroni has a food truck parked in Hunter Square in Edinburgh. I found out why it was the only place at Fringe without a queue.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 15/08/2026

Last year, I visited Dough's New Town location in Edinburgh and yesterday, I popped into their shop on South Clerk Street. Both spots provide heavy, hearty pizzas.

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Aaron Landry 🐱🍕 @s4xton.com · 12/08/2026

The partial eclipse was mostly obscured by clouds in Edinburgh, but cats shouldn't look at it directly anyway.

A cat looking out a window towards the sunlight behind clouds.

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