Maovember's Movers and Shakers Mull Beijing's Best 'Za

A teacher (Alex Jennings), an IT specialist (Edouard Simon), a bar owner (Paul Rochon of Paddy O'Shea's), a chef (Zach Lewison of Irish Volunteer), and an event planner (Jim Boyce) get together to work on a charity event – Maovember! – and talk turns to pizza. That's not surprising given the Pizza Festival is slated for this weekend and Maovember will have a booth – you can get this year's pin and try your hand at corn toss against Zach Lewison! The picks:

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Alex Jennings:

Pizza+. The smell and taste of truffle oil on pizza keeps me coming back again and again. I'm drooling just thinking about it. Plus, buying by the slice is great for tasting them all.

Zach Lewison:

Pie Squared. Those square pizzas brings back so many memories of home. I always order cheese pizza wherever I go as it helps me judge the sauce and crust. (Lewison wasn't allowed to nominate Irish Volunteer, but their pizzas are tasty, too.)

Paul Rochon:

I like Kro's Nest. That thick crust is good.

Edouard Simon:

Pizza+ is definitely the best for home delivery. Quality pizzas at competitive prices with service that ranks among the fastest. Try the beef and vegetable pizza with extra spicy oil. If I want to go out, I'll go to Bottega, which has the most authentic pizza.

Jim Boyce:

I'm going to cheat and make a mixed pizza, with a slice each of smoked pork from Gung Ho (an old fave), nacho pizza from Q Mex (best mashup), capricciosa from Pizza+ (olives, artichokes, and ham!), The Canadian from Irish Volunteer (have to support my country) and pepperoni from Buona (a nod to the past). I'll complete it with a slice from Bottega, one of the best places to open in the past few years. Then I might have a few Baozza for dessert.

Note: Steven Schwankert of SinoScuba/the Beijinger is also part of the Maovember Steering Group but is overseas at the moment, possibly eating pizza under water. Read everything you need to know about this year's Maovember event, which kicks off on Friday, October 14, here.

Want to give us your two cents on Beijing's best pizza joints? It's as easy as pie – click here to know how. Or check out our other Pizza My Mind series here.

Tickets are still on sale for our October 15-16 Pizza Fest (yup, that's tomorrow and Sunday!) at the Zaha Hadid-designed Wangjing SOHO. Tickets are limited so buy ahead to make sure you don't miss out! Click here to purchase.

Already have your tickets? Then make sure to plan ahead early by knowing how to get to the event venue. Click here to get directions via subway, bus, taxi, car, or even by bike!