Behind the Blog: Marty F. of Pizza Quixote

Meet Marty F. of Pizza Quixote

This week on “Behind the Blog” get to know Marty F. of Pizza Quixote, a pizza reviewer from West Chester, who travels across the nation (and the world) in search of delicious pizza.

Pizza Reviewer Marty F. of Pizza Quixote

I admit, I’m jealous of Marty’s endeavor as I’m lactose-intolerant and usually have to forgo pizza. However, in the picture shown here, taken in Rome, he explains “there is no cheese! Just crust, tomato sauce, olive oil. It was the best pie I had in Italy. So put that on your list – you don’t need the cheese for a great pie.” Thanks Marty!

Name:
Marty F.
Age:
Older than the trees, younger than the mountains
Location:
West Chester, PA
Blog Name:
Pizza Quixote
Blog URL:
http://mainlinepizzaquest.blogspot.com/
Blog Focus:
Seeking “destination pizza” that is worth the trip. Reviews of pizza locally and across the globe. But with a big Philly emphasis.
Launch Date:
2011
Why did you start blogging?
Living most of my life in or near NJ, I was never far from Trenton tomato pie. When I moved to West Chester in 2009, it was like Pizza Kansas. I began a quest (Quixotic) for a pizza worth the calories near my new home. After sharing my reviews by email with a friend, he kept telling me “You should have a blog!”
What do you like best about blogging?
Finding the pizza joints that deserve a bigger audience, and sharing with the world.
What platform do you use?
Blogger
How do you promote your blog?
Twitter and Facebook
Do you write all of the blog posts yourself?
Most of the time, but I accept guest blog posts from vetted writers.
What are your favorite/most popular blog posts?

What is your favorite “foodie” or food blogging experience so far?
Meeting my online college classmates for the first time in person at a Connecticut pizzeria after graduation.
What are your favorite cuisines/meals/recipes?

Pizza and pasta, of course
Chinese – Sichuan and Xi’an, especially
Steak on the grill with a Hendrick’s martini
Tomato sandwiches in summer
Pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies (my own recipe)

What are your favorite Philly area restaurants?
La Porta (Media), Pizza Brain, Xi’an Sizzling Woks, John’s Roast Pork, Laguna Miramare (West Chester), Jong Ka Jib
Who are your favorite Philly area chefs or food business personalities?
Peter McAndrews, Jose Garces, Dave McGrogan
How often do you go out to eat at Philly area restaurants?
2-3 times per month
How often do you cook at home?
Almost everyday
What are your favorite stores/shops/markets to shop for food products?
Spring Garden Supermarket (Phila), ALDI (Exton), Bhavani Food Market (Exton), Carlino’s (West Chester), Di Bruno Brothers
Tell us a few things you think our readers would find interesting about the local food scene.
The best pizza nobody knows about: Clank’s Bar, Marcus Hook. How to quickly size up a pizza joint to establish if they are using inferior mass-produced ingredients.
Tell us more about yourself.
Mildly obsessed with local summertime tomatoes. Lamenting the loss of true farm markets and farm stands, thus I grow my own in my postage-stamp size backyard.
What other food blogs do you follow?
I used to follow Slice (seriouseats) but it was discontinued. Following two great local blogs – NEPA Pizza Review and Keystone Pizza Critic.
Twitter URL:
https://twitter.com/PizzaQuixote
Facebook URL:
https://www.facebook.com/PizzaQuixote
Other:
https://www.zomato.com/pizzaquixote#blogs