Meet THE PIZZA SHARK. This lil’ bitey boi has been circling in our EBA waters since we first set sail in 2020. No one is more devoted to pizza then this guy - and he has some hot takes on what the ‘best kind of pizza’ is, and he won’t shy away from letting a pizza joint KNOW if they are not up to snuff. One of my favorite accounts in the food community, always leaves me with a smile on my face. Please take some time and learn more about your fellow neighbor!

Cheers to The Pizza Shark, much love - AMx

Occupation: Part-Time Pizza Reviewer… Full-Time Terror of the Seas

Based in: Brooklyn, NY

Tell us about yourself! What is your story up to this point in your life?

The origin story of pizza shark is borne of scientific curiosity, determination, and spite- mostly spite. I was showing a visiting friend my favorite pizza place in Las Vegas in 2018, and I had hyped it up quite a bit. After digging in, she clarified "This is your favorite? In all of Vegas?" I said "Yes! A thousand times yes!" She followed up with "Okay but like.. how many places have you tried here?" I was forced to admit that I had selected "Vegas' Best Pizza" after only trying 2 establishments, and vowed from that moment on to sample every pie the city of lights had to offer in order to PROVE that my instincts were correct. To document the journey, I enlisted the help of a shark whose eyes were as big as my stomach, and thus Pizza Shark was born! I ended up learning a ton about pizza as a genre, and you know what? That OG favorite spot is still my #1 place for NY style pizza in Las Vegas. (Secret Pizza in the Cosmopolitan casino, for those of you wondering; but shhhh it's a secret)

No path is linear, and we all face bumps in the road... what are some hardships you faced along the way - and how has that helped shape who you are today?

The only force greater than pizza is love, and I found myself in a "pizza desert" of sorts in Oklahoma for a year because I followed my little shark heart. That put the pizza quest on the back burner, which you can see in my feed when I highlight homemade pizza and *sighs deeply* Pizza Hut. This made me appreciate true masterpieces elsewhere in the country like New Haven and NYC once I was able to travel again, and gave me fresh perspective on hometown slices.

I know this isn't a question here but it's important for me to answer regardless: Aubrey Plaza is my hero, other than being a massive Parks & Rec fan I just thoroughly enjoy her aura. Specifically, there's an interview of the P&R cast for the 100th episode (I think?) where Aubrey climbs a tree, refuses to come down, and meows at the interviewer the entire time. Iconic. The power that that has… the influence that that has… the clearance that that has… the intelligence that that has.

Now let's talk about food! What is your all-time favorite dish?

OBVIOUSLY pizza is my main, but specifically I am a sucker for Detroit style, as my followers may know from my rallying cry "DE TROIT BEST TROIT!" Something about that thicc crust 🍑 and cheese crown 👑 gets me going. Toppings, I have to say burrata, garlic, and fig jam are always welcome on any variety of slice. I firmly believe fig jam will be the Mike's Hot Honey of 2022!! Balsamic vinegar and properly seasoned potatoes deserve an honorable mention here.

What is your favorite drink? (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)

When I can't get a world-class margarita (found exclusively in California or Texas) I go for Belgian Tripels, which I recently learned is actually pronounced "Trih-Pell" not "Triple" - those dang Belgian monks are so tricky! Belgians pair amazingly with any slice of pizza.

Have you had any personal experience with cooking? If so, explain your favorite dish you have made or favorite food memory.

Fins make it hard to grasp the cooking utensils so not much cooking! My favorite food memory is every time I go out with a member of the shark squad to try some new pizza and everyone gives their thoughtful tasting feedback. I love the way pizza can bring people together!!

What is one outlet that you use in your life to help your own mental health or well being?

Music! I make sure to always have a playlist of 15-30 songs that really make me feel seen and are also jams, then I pop my headphones in and zone out whenever I am having a weird day (yes sharks have ears too!!)

Follow our fish-friend on IG!

@thepizzashark