All couples have their differences, but one of the biggest strains on my marriage was when my husband admitted that he didn’t like Alex Pizza. I’m not sure I’ve fully accepted it, and on rare occasion he’ll humor me and join me for a pie, although usually he’ll mumble a few sarcastic comments and skip the pizza. And, since the menu has only one option, Greek-style pizza, there’s not a lot of other choices for him.
Fortunately, I have a long list of family and friends who are willing to accompany me to Alex Pizza. It’s usually the first stop we make when friends return home for a visit. Just last month, my girlfriend, who had flown in from Seattle, and I stopped by Alex for lunch on the way home from the airport. I had eaten a large brunch only an hour earlier, but was happy to keep her company while she enjoyed her pizza. Of course, once we stopped in, hungry or not, I ordered a pizza anyway. I did refrain from eating the whole pie which at least proves I showed some restraint. But, what would you expect? It’s Alex Pizza!
If you grew up in the vicinity of Biddeford, Maine then chances are you’re pretty familiar with Alex Pizza. It’s a local landmark in the area and one of the biggest things people who move away seem to miss, at least from my unofficial poll based on the number of Facebook posts I read related to Alex Pizza. I believe people have such a love for the pizza because it is the most delicious pizza ever created, although clearly my husband would not agree. He is wrong, and at 4.5 stars, I have the yelp reviews to prove it!
I’ve been thinking lately, maybe it’s not only the taste, but also the memories associated with it that make it one of my mainstays, and something those who move away long for even years later.
Growing up, there was a weekend ritual in my house. I’m not even sure how many times it actually happened but it’s a strong memory and feels like it was a regular occurrance. My parents spent most Sunday nights bowling in a local league, while my brother and I spent the night at my grandparent’s house. The night always ended with them bringing us an Alex Pizza when they picked us up.
There have also been many, many orders made to-go and enjoyed during family celebrations. In the past twenty years, I have probably met more friends and family at Alex, for a pizza and conversation, than at any other location. It’s become our go-to meeting destination.
I’m not sure if it’s the memories or the taste, but for me Alex Pizza will always be the best place to get pizza in Maine, or really anywhere. It’s been around longer than I have, and has been a part of every stage of my life. Now if only I can convince my husband.
things to know | |
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Pizza by Alex | 93 Alfred Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005 |
Phone | 207-283-0002 |
Website | Pizza by Alex |
Favorite ♥ | Cheese Pizza |
I’m participating in a Blogging A-Z Challenge for April 2016. I will be posting new content every day except Sundays. Each post is associated with a letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z. My theme for the challenge is Life in Maine, and each post will in some way relate to Maine. There are over 1500 other bloggers participating in the challenge. Click HERE to learn more.
I think memories definitely play a role but the food definitely has to taste good! I’ve never had Greek pizza. I’ll have to see if I can find some here in Iowa 😊
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I think the impact of memories gets stronger as you get older too but, you’re right, the food does have to taste good!
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I grew up outside of Portland, but I’ve never had Alex Pizza.
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It’s down in Biddeford. Definitely worth the trip!
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Love Alex’s Pizza!!
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It’s so good!
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If I’m ever in an area that has Alex Pizza, I’ll have to try it. It does look delicious. I think you are right, a lot of the foods we like might have to do with the memories associated with them.
great start to the challenge!
betty
http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/
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It’s worth the trip!
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I’m hungry for pizza just looking at that picture!
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I’ve had it a million times and that’s probably the first picture I ever took while I was there. Loving that this new blogging adventure will help me document so many of the things that I love.
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Next time I’m in Biddeford I will definitely have to check it out…
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It’s really worth it! You can’t miss that sign either!
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It’s interesting how pizza differs across the US. I love NY pizza. 🙂
Yvonne
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Yes, I think that’s one of the reasons my husbands never warmed up to it. It’s not the same kind of pizza he grew up with.
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You really do love the foods you grow up with, and pizza can be very different depending on where you are. I’m not a fan of thicker crusts, and I’m a little wary of trying pizza in new places because I had a pizza on vacation once that was SOAKED in grease. Absolutely disgusting. I suppose I could have gotten it from a proper restaurant and it might have been better, but some areas just prefer greasy pizza!
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Oops had the wrong details entered for my info. <.<
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Thanks for updating. I’ll be sure to stop by and visit your blog!
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Yes, it’s amazing that something as simple as pizza can be so different depending on where you get it.
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I think every city has a landmark eatery or two like that. A place that feels like home away from home. A place where generations have gone to eat.
Revisit the Tender Years with me during the #AtoZChallenge at Life & Faith in Caneyhead!
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Definitely! Every destination has those special places. Looking forward to the a-z challenge and will be sure to swing by your blog.
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A good start to the month, and I shall look forward to learning about your home State.
Keith Channing A-Zing from http://keithkreates.com
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Thank you! I’ll be sure to stop by your site as well.
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Interesting how we hold on to different things only based on our memories… 🙂
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Memories really do have such a strong hold on things. Although, the pizza really is good too!
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Hi Karen, I’ve never had a Greek pizza before – maybe it’s a Maine thing? Looks delicious! Nice way to start the Challenge!
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I’m not sure if it’s just up this way or not. It really is good though! If you ever come across it, I highly recommend it.
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As a self proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I am very embarrassed that I have no idea of what a Greek pizza is. But, I will be on the lookout for Greek pizza because my interest is piqued! I can so relate to what you wrote about your love of the pizza – is it really that good or is it the nostalgia that is associated with it? I have moved away from my hometown and there are several food items, especially a particular calzone from a local restaurant, that I remember very fondly and crave. When I go home to see my family, it is not uncommon for me to order a calzone. I have often pondered the same question – is this calzone really THAT good or is it simply that good to me because of all the memories of my youth that come flooding back with every bite I take? Enjoyable post!
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There are some foods that just always mean home. It’s so interesting how that happens too.
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Anything with the word “pizza” is a a “must have” for me, LOL! Fun post. Thanks for sharing.
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I know! Pizza is definitely one of my go-to foods too.
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My favorite pizza place is in Kansas City, where I grew up; fortunately, my entire family likes it. My husband, however, has never cared much for one of my favorite indulgences, hot cheese dip made from Rotel tomatoes and chilies and Velveeta cheese. My mom used to make it on Sunday afternoons to eat while watching the Chiefs game on tv. It used to bother me that he didn’t embrace this tradition, but then I realized it meant more for me!
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I can never remember to do that signature thing AtoZ recommends, maybe because it doesn’t usually WORK.
Dyanne from Backsies Is What There Is Not
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Yeahhhh. I put the link in my name and figure people can follow it from there, Or not. As they choose. If that isn’t an option I just put a straight up link, if I notice in time.
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I’ve never heard of Alex Pizza… but you do make it sound terribly yummy!!! We usually eat homemade pizza. My gram was born in Palermo, Sicily and she didn’t believe in mops or store bought bread, and I stayed by her a lot and she taught me everything there is to know about the kitchen and how NOT to lose your man!!!! She was definitely a character. She believed the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach!!!
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She sounds like she was a fun grandmother. I bet her homemade pizza was awesome.
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I can see that I need to look at making a trip to Maine!
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It really is a wonderful place!
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Sounds tasty! The next time I make it out to the east coast to visit my in-laws, I’ll have to see if I can build in a side trip. Happy A to Z!
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Happy A to Z to you too! Thanks for visiting.
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I love pizza, and I have to say that I love the title of your post. I thought you had lost your mind for a second there. 🙂
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Pizza is it’s own food group. So good, and Alex is definitely my favorite.
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