Editors Note: Over the years I have become increasingly passionate about letting people who have restricitons in their lives to go beyond the limitations they think they have and live life fully anyway.  That is no different when it comes to food!  My health and the food I put in to my body is a conversation I am constantly having so this weeks Top Pick has been a great discovery since it allows me to enjoy foods I typically wouldn’t.  What restrictions do you have in your life, and are you doing what it takes to grow beyond them?  Take a look inward, and in the mean time, grab a slice!  ~Nitika~

I recently discovered a place that has become my weakness, and I don’t have to have any guilt about it.  Although I live in the West Village where there is a different pizza place on just about every block, I was drawn to this particular pizza place because I could actually eat it!  I have been allergic to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats) for many years now and one of the worst parts of this allergy was giving up those nights when nothing satisfied me like a piece of pizza.  At ZPizza you don’t have to sacrifice taste for something healthy, which makes it that much easier to grab a slice whenever the mood strikes.

Sid Fanarof founded ZPizza in the art colony of Laguna Beach, California, over 25 years ago.  As our country has made it easier to eat more and more organic and fresh foods, ZPizza has worked hard to bring those ingredients to you in a fast and affordable way.  With 100% certified organic tomato sauce, organic white crust, wheat crust, or gluten free crust they start you off on the right track.  Then add some of their toppings and don’t feel bad about loading up on the MSG-free pepperoni, MSG-free chicken cilantro sausage, vegan cheese, or caramelized onions just to name a few.

There is currently only one ZPizza in all of Manhattan and I couldn’t be happier that it is located close by at Bleecker Street and 7th avenue.  The relaxed atmosphere is perfect after a long day at work, but it is open late on the weekends if you are down in the village with friends and don’t want to mess up your healthy lifestyle for one night of fun.  Not to be forgotten is the manager of this location, Tommy, he is an incredibly kind guy and is clearly passionate about the impression his customers have which has them coming back for more.

What’s the moral of the story?  just because certain foods don’t agree with you, doesn’t mean you have to be left out of the delicious fun!

ZPizza

298 Bleecker Street

New York, NY 10014

(212) 206-7433