From the editor’s desk: July/August 2005

Two years ago I sat down to write an introduction to the
readership of another Annex publication. At the time, I wracked my mind
to craft an appropriate exposé as to who I was and why the readers
should care.

A New Topping

Two years ago I sat down to write an introduction to the readership of another Annex publication. At the time, I wracked my mind to craft an appropriate exposé as to who I was and why the readers should care.

So, once again I find myself trying to find the words that best describe who I am – and why the readers of Canadian Pizza should care this time.

Introductions are always an awkward beginning to any relationship. There’s always the obligatory opening questions, followed by the quick mental analysis of how does this person fit into my view of the world.

I’m a writer … in basic terms. I take the space allotted to the editorial side of Canadian Pizza and put words into it. The responsible part is to find the right words – words that will ensure the industry remains informed, enthused and educated on current issues facing it.

Having said that, I really won’t be spending time each month discussing myself in this space. My thoughts are that an editorial should be used to give a voice and a position pertinent to our unique place in the global food market. Canadians have their own perspective, and it’s important that be reflected accurately by fellow Canadians, not sauced over, reheated and sold as original.

On the background side, I have spent the better part of 20 years pursuing my own passion for journalism. A side dish to this is a 19-year-old family business that works in partnership with the hospitality and restaurant industry. The business side of pizza may be new to me, but I’m hopeful that my combined experience will allow me to see the issues as they relate to our operators as food craftspeople.

Spending time in the restaurant industry has allowed me to see that many chefs, cooks, even the chief bottle-washers, take a great deal of pride in their efforts. Each meal served is not only a matter of sustenance, but also one of artistry and passion.

Spending time with our managing editor, Drew McCarthy, has allowed me to see his passion remains strong for this magazine, even though he has assumed a new challenge within our company. Working in my favour is that his hand will remain here as the mentor he has become to many of us.

As we dedicate ourselves to bringing an even better publication to you each month, we have also added associate editor Stacy Bradshaw to our team. Stacy has a great deal of enthusiasm, insight and a keen eye for detail having worked with several other publications at Annex – not to mention a decent golf game.

So, from the foundation built by Drew, Canadian Pizza emerges with a new design and a triad of editorial insight – joined by our highly respected panel of columnists and contributors each month. This is the pizza team that will bring to you the issues that matter and reflect our unique perspective in our own country. We expect a lot from ourselves, and hope our ambitions and intentions translate to the pages you read each month in Canada’s only true national magazine for the Canadian pizza industry.

Buon appetito!