Gus’s Pizza, Westmount's Very Own Little Italy
By: Jianna Haobam
What defines a good pizza? Is it the intensity of the cheese pull, the tanginess of the sauce, or the strategically chosen toppings? Gus’s Pizza answers all of these questions with its award-winning, authentic Italian pizza that will have you daydreaming of a different kind of pi in math class.
Stepping into the restaurant you are transported to Little Italy, it’s hard to imagine that this hidden gem is just a ten-minute walk from school. With the option to dine inside their cozy booths or on their outside patio,the ambience will always be unmatched. Their menu is covered in Italian delicacies ranging from hand-crafted pizzas to their signature baked spaghetti. I was fortunate enough to try their California Pizza, and was amazed by the quality. The California Pizza features their house-made sauce, aromatic pesto, sweet and sun-dried tomatoes, perfectly-grilled chicken, red onions and spinach. This pizza was an edible masterpiece, made from a recipe that has not been changed since 1991 - and for good reasons. Grabbing a slice prompts a cartoon-like cheese pull, and when you finally get a chance to sink your teeth into the pizza, be prepared for the golden crust that is crunchy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. As you bite into the intricate combination of toppings, you can taste the thoughtful care that had been put into selecting these kismet toppings 30 years ago.
The history of Gus’s pizza is intertwined with the history of Calgary. I had the opportunity to interview two of the managers, Susan and Kelly. During the interview, Kelly and Susan reminisced about watching young kids visiting with their parents, and watching them grow until they eventually came back 20 years later with their own children. Gus’s Pizza was originally founded by Gus Senior in their original location near Northland Mall, and since then have opened a new location in University district which is run by the original founder’s son. Despite the changes in ownership and locations, the recipes have never been altered and are still passed down from generation to generation. Family values run deep at Gus’s and are a central force in the motivation of their business. Their focus on authenticity and tradition is a main factor to their success and awards. Multiple of their pizzas are credited to be the best in the city, including their Meat Lover’s and Hawaiian Pizza. When I asked Susan and Kelly if they could summarize the restaurant with 3 words they replied with “Absolutely, wonderfully, fantastic”. However, I couldn’t help but disagree because Gus’s Pizza is an indescribable experience that can only be conveyed once you try it.
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