Discovering Calgary’s Best Pizza: A Culinary Journey to Without Papers

The week culminated in a cozy evening on the couch, laptop in hand, a glass of sangria (a delightful blend of orange juice and wine, offering the best of both worlds!), and a box of tissues. Ironically, as a sudden cold crept up and ambushed me, my partner Mike was ordering pizza – a delicious, comforting irony after an entire week dedicated to the pursuit of Calgary’s finest pies. This was just one of the many memorable, edible highlights of an extraordinary week.

The Quest for Calgary’s Ultimate Pizza

I had the distinct pleasure of joining esteemed food critic John Gilchrist and local culinary personality Tony Spoletini, alongside Kristen and the energetic BT crew, on a delicious mission: to uncover Calgary’s best pizza. This meant a rather unusual but undeniably enticing view at around 7 each morning – a fresh, steaming pizza ready for sampling. The journey took us to a new contender each day, chosen through a public vote, not by us judges, ensuring a fair and community-driven competition.

Our pizza pilgrimage began on Monday at Il Centro, a beloved establishment known for its traditional approach. Tuesday brought us to Una Pizzeria, celebrated for its gourmet creations and vibrant atmosphere. Wednesday was dedicated to the classic charm of Tom’s House of Pizza, a long-standing favourite in the city. Finally, on Thursday, we arrived at Without Papers, a rising star in Calgary’s pizza scene. It was a rigorous task, far more challenging than my gut initially anticipated! Each morning, by 9 AM, I could have gladly welcomed a nap, a testament to the sheer volume and deliciousness of the pies we meticulously evaluated.

Without Papers: Calgary’s Pizza Champion Emerges

After a week of intense tasting, thoughtful deliberation, and countless slices, a clear winner emerged. Without Papers, nestled in the vibrant Inglewood neighbourhood, claimed the title of Calgary’s best pizza by a very narrow margin. Their innovative approach, fresh ingredients, and unique ambiance truly set them apart from an already strong lineup of contenders. This victory was a celebration of passion, flavour, and community.

The Heart of Without Papers: Angelo and the Atmosphere

Central to the magic of Without Papers is Angelo, pictured here, a master of his craft and the heart behind the delicious creations. Witnessing the team at work in the open kitchen under the skylight was a show in itself. There was an abundance of dough flipping, a rhythmic dance of culinary artistry, punctuated by moments of laughter and camaraderie. Even Tony Spoletini, a veteran in the food scene, couldn’t resist getting in on the action, quickly getting the hang of the dough-tossing technique.

The camaraderie between Tony and Angelo runs deep, stemming from their days playing football together at St. Francis High School many years ago. They brought out old helmets and yearbooks, sharing nostalgic stories that painted a vivid picture of their shared past and enduring friendship, adding a personal touch to the pizza-making experience.

Kristen, from the BT crew, also became part of the unique Without Papers ambiance. I playfully asked her to pose in front of a particular image on the back wall – can you spot it? One of the most enchanting aspects of Without Papers is their tradition of projecting old movies onto the walls. The absence of sound creates a wonderfully distinct atmosphere, which Mike often enhances by spontaneously improvising dialogue, making for an experience far more amusing than if the sound were actually on.

Over the course of this incredible week, we consumed an astonishing array of truly fantastic pizzas. Every single contender, from Il Centro to Una, and Tom’s House of Pizza, is exceptionally well worth a visit. Each offered a distinct flavour profile and dining experience, showcasing the rich diversity of Calgary’s pizza landscape. I am genuinely sad that this delightful, pizza-filled adventure has come to an end. I was just getting accustomed to starting my mornings with delicious pizza and hearty laughter.

A Personal Touch: The “Julie” Pizza

But wait, did I mention the ultimate honour? They named a pizza after me! Yes, a “Julie” pizza! This delightful surprise was truly the cherry on top of an already incredible week. It only seemed fair, given that you can enjoy a “John Gilchrist” pizza at Il Centro, and Tony playfully asserts that the “Hog Wild” pizza at Without Papers is named after him.

So, Angelo, with his creative flair, whipped up a truly sweet and unique dessert pizza in my honour. This isn’t your typical savoury pie; it features fresh, creamy ricotta cheese, delicate pears poached in rich red wine, all finished with a luscious drizzle of Nutella. It’s an innovative, delightful combination that truly stands out. This special “Julie” pizza will be available on the Without Papers menu all this weekend – or at least until they decide to retire it, name it after someone else, or perhaps replace me with a boozy tart! Such is the ephemeral nature of bespoke menu items, making it all the more special to experience while it lasts.

Reliving the Experience and a Special Invitation

We’ll definitely be making our way back to Without Papers this tomorrow afternoon. On Saturdays, usually around 3 or 4 PM, they project engaging kids’ movies on the wall, and sometimes they even let “W” (my son) choose the film from the computer – it’s a wonderful, family-friendly experience. You can bet I’ll be taking full advantage of the opportunity to order a “me pizza” while I still can! And while I’m there, I might just have another “Prosecutor” and perhaps even a “Hog Wild” to truly relive the flavours of the week. But without a doubt, we’ll start with a “Julie.” Having your very own pizza named after you is, without a doubt, far cooler than having your own action figure.

So, do you want to experience the magic of Without Papers for yourself and perhaps try a “Julie” pizza? I’m excited to announce that I have a $25 poker chip to give away for Without Papers! This is your chance to taste the winning pizza and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Calgary’s best pizzeria. Don’t miss out on this delicious opportunity!