Pizza My Mind: Stevie Mac Sings the Praises of his Favorite Pizza Joints

In the run-up to the 2016 Pizza Cup (mark your calendars for the launch party this weekend, 11am-8pm, Oct 15-16, at Wangjing Soho), we've asked Beijingers to tell us about their favorite pizza places as part of our Pizza my Mind series. This time, we talk to Steven McKinney, who hails from Louisiana and is the founder of much buzzed band Stevie Mac and The Mac Daddies (be sure to catch their performance at the Pizza Fest on October 16) as well as the owner of Imagination Station ESL Preschool.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About How to Get to Our 2016 Pizza Cup

McKinney says his Louisiana upbringing makes him an avid fan of "all things Cajun and jazz ... We have a saying back in Louisiana that if it ain’t hot, it ain’t good." However, the time he has spent as a musician and educator in Beijing makes the capital feel like a second home, and he is an enthusiastic patron in the city's pizza scene. "I eat pizza in Beijing fairly regularly, about two or three times a month. While I enjoy most foods, it doesn’t take long for me to get a craving for some New York-style pizza."

Feeling like something different: Kro’s Nest Pizza
Their pizzas are enormous, and I like how they have the dipping marinara sauce on the side. I like my pizzas with extra cheese and, in my opinion, Kro’s Nest focuses more on cheese and allows you to choose how much sauce you want on the slice through dipping.

Introducing friends who have never tried pizza: Pyro Pizza
Hands down, no contest. Far and away my favorite pizza in the city with the best ingredients, best selection of pizzas, and a sauce that is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet. It’s my go-to almost every time. To me, it’s the place that most feels most like home.

For the family: Pyro Pizza
Pyro's my go-to in this situation as well. I took my students to their “Make Your Own Pizza” class and they had a great time. They enjoyed fresh hot personal pan pizzas in the end.

When worried about the end of the month budget: Papa John’s
They have some good pizza deals and I’m a sucker for their garlic sauce.

For home delivery: Papa John’s
They’re all throughout the city and as I said, I’m a sucker for their garlic sauce.

For a pint out with the gang: Gung-Ho
Their pizzas are good and I like their bar selection, lots of beers and cocktails to choose from. I’ve had some great drinking nights at Gung-Ho.

On a date: Gung-Ho
I enjoy the atmosphere there and their cocktails are top-notch. They have a great date night environment.