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Last year, pizza became America’s favorite meal, with one survey pointing out that 55% of Americans partake in a pie at least once a week. We ate more pizza last year than burgers or ice cream or any of our other favorite comfort foods.

It is not only because of the need for take-out in 2020 – it’s because, well, it’s pizza.

Pizza is a satisfying, mouthwatering food, especially when in its most simple form. A well-made crust, both crispy and chewy, is the base to a homemade tomato sauce, naturally sweet and complex, well covered with salty mozzarella cheese.

Unfortunately, we live in a state that has one of the fewest pizza joints per capita, so finding good pizza takes work. I am up to the challenge in what will hopefully be multiple installments of “The Pizza Diaries,” exploring pizza in Edmonds and beyond.

A few exceptional pizza parlors in the area have come and gone over the years (Edmonds misses Evviva, and Paisano’s), but we still have several options to choose from.

Mukilteo is home to two of the spots in this week’s review: Sully’s Pizza & Calzones (#www.sullyspizza.com#) and Brooklyn Brothers Pizza (#www.bbpmenu.com#). Both feature the East Coast-style pizza that I prefer/adore.

We have eaten at Sully’s for years, and the pizza always satisfies my cravings.

I am also especially happy find calzones near home – everything you find in a pizza but with the crust folded into something that resembles a huge empanada. You will feel indulged by Sully’s, with a Northwest take on a pizza parlor menu and quality food.

Get the spicy calzone bread ($9) to start and any of the salads, although I like their Greek salad ($10/$14 half or full). There are a dozen choices of specialty pizza, including a “Build Your Own” (calzones start at $14 and the pizzas at $20 and $26 for a 12-inch or 16-inch pie).

The classic cheese is still my favorite, but the Sicilian is fantastic with Italian sausage, olives, sweet peppers, and more. Sully’s has several well-loved desserts, like peanut butter pie, but I never have space for dessert if there is pizza.

We found Brooklyn Brothers (also with locations in Mill Creek, Everett, and Camano Island) after a recommendation from a friend, and we are very glad one of their four locations is nearby. Their pizza and simply right menu remind me of the pizza place I loved as a kid in Philadelphia.

Breadsticks topped with garlic oil, sea salt, Parmesan cheese, with delicious San Marzano tomato sauce and even the option stuffed with mozzarella ($8.99 and $10.99). We like all of their salads and appetizers, but the pizza gets my main attention.

Starting at $14.99 and $20.99 (for 14-inch and 18-inch pies), it is difficult to decide here between my beloved cheese pizza and their signature NY combos. The Bensonhurst is a veggie delight, with artichoke hearts, olives, onion, sun-dried tomato, and roasted garlic ($18.99/$27.99), and the very meaty alternative from the Bowery with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and roasted garlic ($28.99/$28.99).

Luckily, we can get more than one pizza.

They also have calzones and even offer Sicilian-style pizza (a thicker, rustic version) that everyone should try (12 slices for $26.99). Classic Italian desserts, like cannoli, may tempt you, as well.

Although in many ways more flatbread than pizza, FIVE Restaurant in Edmonds offers seven variations to their traditional cheese pizza. We usually order one cheese pizza ($14), with a very nice balance of sauce and cheese, and one prosciutto ($16).

The prosciutto is on a toasty crust with garlic olive oil, fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and fresh arugula. The peppery flavor from the arugula highlights the paper-thin sliced, delicious prosciutto. FIVE’s menu also includes a number of unique salads (with housemade dressings that you will crave), and now even four great take-out cocktails (singles or four-person bottles).

For more information: #www.fiveedmonds.com#.

There will be more entries in “The Pizza Diaries,” so stay tuned. Don’t forget that this column recently reviewed the pizza at one of Edmonds’ newest restaurants, Fire & The Feast. You can also still get some of my favorite pies from Evviva pizza if you want to go to Queen Anne http://www.evvivapizza.com.