Christian Estrada & the Lore of Living Pizza

[Photo credit: Colin Lygren]

Christian Estrada's "Living Pizza" Philosophy was founded in the brunch hour on April 21st 2010. One may argue that this late Wednesday morning seemingly offered no real significance aside from it coming at the tail end of a rather heated online discussion board that Mr Estrada rather arrogantly joined in on. For he had no real definitive reference point to add any real significant insight to this online bickering. However, culturally speaking, this person insinuating in such a braggadocios tone would be mistaken for the effect this philosophy would resonate not only on the students in the Broadcasting department at San Francisco State University but globally, as well. As you see Mr. Estrada doesn't simply live for pizza, he lives it. He doesn't take kindly to ill-fitting words describing the savory wheel of mariana and melted cheese forged in an oven of unspeakably high temperatures. Like the rappers of his day, his pizzas' roll on 22's. Anything less prompts an Estrada slap in the mouth and a swift middle finger. This internet phenomena of the "Living Pizza" initiative has sparked fans throughout the greater United States to create murals of art dedicated to Mr. Estrada's passion.

This first work of fan art below is from Jimmy Belvins, an 11 year old from Cleveland.


When asked why little Jimmy created this picture. He said "I love pizza and I hope to live it like Christian does. He's my hero". The picture itself showcases an animated Christian soaring high above the waning hours of a clear San Franciscan skyline, his arms outstretched embracing freedom and danger as he knifes through the Golden Gate Bridge like a Spanish Aladdin while exclaiming with conviction "I Live Pizza!" for the whole city to hear. In some ways some have said this motto is like a call to arms. Insofar as challenging those who do not have a voice to stand for what they believe in. In this case, the fight is cuisine. It's making sure that when you order a pizza you get the toppings you ask for and getting a generous portion of them, too. If you ask for Pepperoni, you should get a hot circumference resembling a Connect Four board and not a baron wasteland of toppings comprised of just cheese and a couple meat coins of Pepperoni. The latter will result in a swift hand to the face by Mr. Estrada himself. On a greater existential level, it also knowing who you are inside and not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in. For instance if you're at a certain pizza joint off 19th and Taraval and you ask for Hawaiian with BBQ Chicken on top of those other toppings, well then by god they should give it to you and not question your decision making procession.



This next piece of artwork showcases Mr. Estrada's versatility for navigating different environments. Often referred to as a chameleon's chameleon for his cold blooded homeostasis and uncanny ability to generate a multitude of camouflage to stupefy his enemies (mostly in the plaid variety). This work showcases his love for the ocean. This feature was created by 16 year old Suzy Burger. Who, when asked what it means to her, she simply stated: "Christian totally shreds on crusty waves, so I wanted him to totally crust these waves with this board of cheese. He bares a striking resemblance to the Latin Millhouse so I wanted my art to have a whimsical approach to it so everybody could enjoy it. I just hope Christian likes it. I worked very hard on it, especially the shading on the waves".

What asked for comments on this sudden culinary philosophic stardom, Christian was at a loss for words. "You know, I never really expected all this acclaim for something I just do. When I go to pizza parties, I just grip it and rip it [when describing his method for selecting slices]. I am pretty good at getting all of the toppings and not having the cheese sleeve fall [What he refers to as when someone immediately pulls a slice away before letting the cheese settle] off like some other people do when they take their slices. I also don't think of pizza parties as a menial reward for something feeble or awkward social situations like some other people do. They're fun especially when combined with karaoke, bowling, or even whiffle ball, that's my favorite for sure."

So what's next for this upcoming trendsetter? Mr. Estrada is set to appear on his own website that he is developing with assistance from a few local pizzerias. The goals right now are modest. He says he's considering a twitter account to share his other delights with his fans that they may not be aware of such as a deep appreciation for solo Billy Joel, writing, and soccer.


Christian seen here accepting an award for being awesome. *Note he did not approve this message*.