Isla Vista Pizza Tasting Competition
There’s nothing quite like the energy of Isla Vista. The vibe of excited students in their natural habitat is contagious. On Saturday, that community got a special treat. Hosted by Kooky Adventures and sponsored by Discovery Recovery, 11 hungry explorers set out on a mission: to find the Best Pizza served in IV.
The Contenders
A crew of hungry judges hit the pavement, visiting three iconic spots:
- Mesa Pizza: Known for their creative toppings and thin-crust mastery.
- IV Pizza Pub: The go-to spot for a classic vibe and a solid pizza pie.
- Woodstock’s Pizza: A legend with that famous folded-over crust.
The Vibe: More Than Just a Meal
While the goal was to crown a champion, the real magic happened between bites. Kooky Adventures helped make this event possible, emphasizing the importance of healthy social connections. Watching 11 people—many of whom started the day as strangers—bond over pepperoni and grease was a reminder that pizza is the ultimate icebreaker.
Laughter was shared, new friendships were forged, and the “Kooky Adventures” spirit of trying something new was in full swing.
And the Winner Is…
After tallying the scores based on crust, sauce, cheese, and that “X-factor,” one pizzeria rose above the rest.
Congratulations to Mesa Pizza! The competition was tight, and in a 6-5 vote, Mesa’s unique flavor profile took first place. In a celebratory ceremony, the manager and the hardworking staff were awarded a Gold Medal for their first-place finish. Their regularly scheduled cook called in sick so the owner came in to cover his shift. Seeing the pride on the team’s faces as they accepted their hardware was the perfect topping to a fantastic competition.
“I knew they were going to win. They totes have the best pizza ever! They prob won cause they spread garlic sauce on the crust.” — A curious student observer
The Start of Something Special
As the night went on, the consensus among the group was clear: this is just the beginning. This pizza tasting wasn’t just a one-off event. You can join to the fun too! Check out this newsletter for updates on exciting new substance free adventures. Link to join the newsletter: Join Newsletter
Huge thanks to Kooky Adventures for the vision and organization. The next adventure will be to burn off those calories on a sober hike to Rattle Snake Canyon February 21st. Link for details on the Hike: Rattle Snake Canyon Hike
