“Pizza. It’s what’s for dinner.” This seems to be my answer nearly every other night when my daughters ask the dreaded “dinner” question. Why? Well, not only is it my family’s favorite—the one meal everyone always agrees on—but it’s easily accessible (to both make and buy) and, when ordered or prepared right, checks all the fundamental food groups. 

Particularly in busy seasons like this one—when school is in session, extracurriculars are in full force, and time is tight—a piping-hot pizza truly is the perfect dinner (and breakfast and lunch). Whether it’s doctored-up frozen pies (don’t knock it till you try it), pre-purchased dough topped with garden-fresh fixings (figs are my current favorite), or takeout from area pizzerias, my family of four devours it all. 

If you, too, have a crammed calendar or are simply suffering from culinary burnout, then the easy (extra-cheesy) solution is this: pizza! Wondering where to savor a slice? Turn to page 66 to read about 26 of the best mom-and-pop pizza places found around town. With so many styles (Detroit! Chicago! New York! Naples!) and toppings to explore, it really is possible to dig into something different every day. Can’t decide which spot to support first? Why not plan a pizza crawl, so you can try them all? 

Pie aside, there’s much more in store this month. In the spirit of September and autumn’s arrival, I invite you to check out “Good to the Core,” page 88, for seven Apple Hill must-haves and must-dos that go beyond golden, delicious donuts; think chestnut gathering, hard cider tasting, fall-flavored coffee flights, and hand-dipped, freshly fried corn dogs. In “Green Cuisine” (page 92), we celebrate the area’s best vegetarian restaurants: places that serve colorful, creative meatless meals to satisfy the soul and stomach. And on page 84, we give you a front-row seat to Folsom’s most talked-about table: Cantina Pedregal—a place where two Michelin-recognized chefs are preparing high-quality, actually authentic Mexican food with passion and precision.

If all this eating has you craving some exercise, check out “Take a Hike” (page 40) for a heart-pumping, 5.9-mile route that promises stunning scenery, wildlife aplenty, and an alpine lake. Finally, in “Get in the Game” (page 18), we write about 10 winning youth sports that go beyond basketball and soccer—think roller derby, rowing, archery, and aerial yoga—plus local leagues for all.

Happy reading—and happy September! May your month be filled with cheesy goodness, crispy crusts, and the joy that only a perfect slice of pizza can provide. Cheers!  

—Megan
[email protected]
@meggoeggowaffle