An Irresistible Recipe

One cup of practicality, a cup and a half of flexibility, a splash of creativity, and a sprinkle of all things local. Mix these together. What are we left with? An irresistible recipe people can't get enough of. 

With over twenty years in business and counting, it's safe to say that Real Things Pizza has more than the adequate amount of these ingredients needed to excite the taste buds and fill the bellies of anyone lucky enough to try one of their masterfully crafted pizzas. 

"We're a local mom-and-pop pizza joint where the crust is as good as the toppings, and the unique variety exceeds expectations. Where the staff are made up of local teenagers eager to take on the logo as a local right of passage, making dough and slinging sauce. Where the delivery drivers don't mind bringing your order to you and your crew right at the beach. That's right, they deliver right to the beach! Biting into a Real Things Pizza is a great way to end your day and an experience you don't want to miss out on."    ~ LaVonne Gould

A Love Affair

After meeting in Alberta, LaVonne and Rocky started up Real Things Pizza here in Naramata together.  However, with Rocky having branched out to start Naramata Wakeboard School 27 years ago, LaVonne quickly took over as ship captain. "I met him in Alberta, we got married and started Real Things. Three kids and more than twenty years later, and we're empty nesters now. Rocky teaches wake surfing and wakeboarding, and I ended up taking over Real Things and running it." 

Despite knowing so many people in the area, LaVonne describes herself as "a bit of an introvert. That's what I love about Naramata: the flexibility to be outgoing within the community or a bit reclusive when I need a recharge." 

As any of us who have uprooted and settled elsewhere can attest, it's always nice to find a little slice of our original home in our new one. Laonne's no different. "I love Saskatoon bushes. I walk along the KVR every morning, and the Saskatoon berries are so good, especially after a nice wet Spring. I grew up on them in Northern Alberta and was shocked to find them here." 

Keeping it Simple

Simplicity is what gives Real Things its charm. Open from 4:30 to 8:30 every evening, pizzas are available strictly for takeout and delivery. In fact, they're the only delivery service in town, making them a popular choice when our inner Master Chefs need a night off. The delivery drivers will even find you at the beach, so you can enjoy a piping hot circular display of culinary magic while staring across the lake at the surrounding mountains. A breathtaking meal with breathtaking views.

"And who are these angels of delivery?" you might ask. LaVonne hires locals. "I hire kids and teens. They start in the kitchen at around 13 or 14, and then, by the time they're 17, they can start doing deliveries in their own cars, which is kind of a coveted position." Hiring youngsters in this way not only gives them a chance to gain work experience but also helps them save up some money for future studies or travel.  

Steps in Sustainability

On top of that, they learn the importance of implementing sustainably-minded practices in businesses of any size. By cutting plastic use to almost nothing and sticking with a takeout and delivery model, Real Things minimizes its environmental impact as much as possible while constantly searching for ways to lower its footprint further. "One of our drivers even delivers in a 1999 Honda Insight, one of the original hybrids. Some people are shocked to see that car still running. It's great!" 

When it comes to sustainable practices, even small steps in the right direction are big. Nice work, Real Things!

Local Priorities

Not only are all twenty-five members of the Real Things team local but so are many of the ingredients. "We grow our own herbs and buy as much locally as possible. Some of the produce even comes from orchards many of our team members grew up on." There are also Seasonal Features to complement what's available at specific times of the year, such as the Peach and Prosciutto Pizza, which is available now.

Something for Everyone

From toppings to their handmade dough, LaVonne and her team cater to various preferences and allergies. "We've had gluten-free options for a long time. We've also been offering vegan choices for about ten years. Indian Rock Vegans from the film Eating You Alive live around here and helped create our vegan pizzas. So we're pretty good at dealing with dietary concerns."

Feeling Hungry Yet?

Do your taste buds a favour and pop in to see LaVonne and the team, or get in touch to have some hard-working local youngsters deliver your pizza today.

Real Things Pizza is located at 961 Robinson Ave, the second building on the right when you enter Naramata. Alternatively, just ask the locals where to eat, and they'll point you in the right direction. Everyone loves a good pizza, and around here, there's only one spot to get the Real Thing. 

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Mike Bilodeau