BJ's pizza, GF in Alaska and WOW cookies

[Guest guest]

We had a similar experience tonight @ BJ's in Cupertino. The pizza was the best GF pizza we've had yet (Pizza Party is our 2nd favorite). The crust was tasty and crispy - we've had to ask for "extra crispy" at all the other places (Pizza Party, Willow Street, Amici's, ...) and even still they never come out crisp enough - but BJ's was perfect. Also, the sauce was very flavorful and the toppings were great too. We'll definitely be back often. I'm not sure if anyone posted this yet but they get their crust from Venice Bakery in Southern Cal. I think this is the same place Pizza Party gets their crusts. Also, I was very impressed with their knowledge and follow through in ensuring our food was cooked safely. I had ordered basil as one of my pizza toppings and the manager came out to tell me that they had run out of basil in their GF prep area but, if I wanted they could use basil from their regular area, but it's my choice. I chose to skip the basil but was very happy she came out and explained what was going on.JeanPS We just got back from a week in Alaska. We spent a few days on the Kenai Peninsula and ended up shopping at "The Gluten Free Store" in Soldatna which is a fairly remote area. Apparently there are a lot of celiacs in the area and the owner is celiac. I asked her how business is and she said great - and that her main customers (other than individuals) are the schools and the hospital. So if there were to be a dedicated gluten free shop in the bay area, getting schools and hospitals signed up may be a great part of a business plan. The shop doesn't prepare any foods - they just order the best of the best (WOW cookies, San J sauces, Conte's frozen pasta, Udi's bread and pizza crusts, tons of Bob's Red Mill stuff and other baking mixes, etc.). BTW those WOW cookies are fabulous. I went to their web site and see the CJ Olson's Cherry Stand in Sunnyvale carries them so I'll be making a run there soon.PPS If you are going to Alaska, I recommend Terra Bella bakery in Anchorage for bread and brownies, Carrs Supermarket (same company as Safeway) for a decent selection of GF food, Glacier Brewhouse and Orso restaurants in downtown Anchorage who have gluten free menus, and of course The Gluten Free Store in Soldatna. Oh, AND the Applebees in Anchorage - by far the most helpful server and manager we've met yet - we went there late Memorial day night (like 10 PM) after a long day of travel where we found nothing to eat during our Seattle connection other than fruit - we were tired, cranky and STARVING - Applebees served up a very yummy chicken dinner w/ veggies, beans and rice, plus mini hot fudge sundaes.