Did Somebody Say Pizza?

Over my time here at The Walleye, I’ve really started to look forward to the food-themed issues. Continuing to discover the vast array of culinary talent in this city is a treat in and of itself, and it’s always a lot of fun to shine a light on those who produce and create the bounty that we’re so fortunate to have here. This month, we’re focusing on a staple: that being Thunder Bay’s pizza scene. Our writers sampled slices from 12 restaurants here in town, so we’ll have some delicious recommendations for you to try.

Also in our cover story, Bonnie Schiedel has the latest on a new initiative from Roots to Harvest— their outdoor bake oven and what kinds of programming they’re doing around that. Kat Lyzun also speaks with the owners of two popular local pizza joints about how adding frozen takeaway ‘za to their offerings has boosted business in the age of COVID-19. Keeping with the pizza theme, podcast reviewer Andrea Lysenko takes a look at a fun pod that explores the pizza-making world, and some of the zany toppings people are putting on their pies these days, and the Northern Policy Institute’s William Dunstan takes a look at the need local restaurants have for staff, as we slowly reopen.

Elsewhere in our September issue, with fall around the corner, film columnist Michael Sobota has four movie picks that ring in the season (and one even is centred around a pizza parlour!), Kim Latimer has a story about a terrific local initiative that combats the stigma surrounding addiction and celebrates stories of recovery, Jamie Varga gets the latest from The Honest Heart Collective and what they’re up to, and Roxann Shapwaykeesic speaks with the mother-daughter team behind Napash Arts about their business and their creative passions.

On a final and personal note, this September issue also marks my last as interim editor of The Walleye.

Adrian Lysenko is returning from his leave and is ready to resume his usual role leading the magazine. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the incredibly talented and supportive staff, writers, editors, photographers, graphic designers, and other contributors over the past year-plus. And thank you, Thunder Bay, for trusting us to tell your stories.

It’s been a slice! -Matt Prokopchuk