Please note that Wheelhouse Pizza Kitchen is permanently closed as of December 2018.

The other day I gave you a list of my favorite vegetarian slices, flatbreads and pies in the metro, but update for you: newcomer Wheelhouse Pizza Kitchen might just make the list next time around.

Located at 11109 N. May Ave. in what used to be Pink Parrot (and before that, Taco Cabana), Wheelhouse is the brainchild of Loc Le, the founder of Jimmy’s Egg, and is managed by Michael Jones of Flatire Burgers (he also owned the now-shuttered Lottinville’s in Edmond, where I was a hostess in high school, fun fact).

*Hey there, gorgeous. | Photo by Danielle Shearon*

Wheelhouse’s product reminds me a bit of Empire Slice House, as options include slices-of-the-day, large pizzas and smaller gluten free options. At Wheelhouse, however, you order before you sit down and take a number to your table with you. The atmosphere is light, airy and casual; it’s truly laid back, and not in a “scene” sort of way.

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As I like to do at Empire when the slices-of-the-day don’t pique my interest, I decided on the 10” gluten free option. I wanted a half-and-half pizza, but unfortunately Wheelhouse couldn’t do it (Ed said it was probably because the pizzas I picked had two different sauces, but who knows). I landed on the Mushroom Molly: Parmesan white sauce, mushrooms, caramelized onions, spinach and herbed goat cheese. The crust was super light and crispy, and the pizza had great flavor. Ate the whole thing and felt full but not stuffed. Definitely recommend!

Next time we go, I want to taste what I tried to order as my second half, the Yaya Veg: pesto sauce, red onion, tomato, Kalamata black olives and herbed goat cheese topped with balsamic glazed arugula and Parmesan. Sounds pretty good, right?

*Gluten Free Mushroom Molly Pizza | Photo by Danielle Shearon*

Our friends Danielle and Sean Shearon joined us, too; Danielle is a freelance photographer, and Sean is an ex-marine who owns and operates a gym (scroll to the bottom of this page for more info). I make it sound like their jobs are separate, but actually they’re seriously intertwined. Danielle is a trainer and, in her words, “lives at the gym,” and Sean regularly acts as her assistant on shoots. I’m a client of theirs at Prevail Strength & Fitness, and we were pleased to have them shoot our wedding reception last October. Danielle and Sean are a serious power couple.

I’m so glad they were able to come out to Wheelhouse with us, and especially that Danielle had the chance to take some awesome photos to share with you guys! All photos on this page are by her, and you can learn more about her at DaniGPhotography.net.

But now for a crash course on Danielle and the topic of the day, pizza:

What did you have to eat at Wheelhouse? I ordered the Pear & Gorgonzola salad, which came with mixed greens, spicy pecans, Gorgonzola, sliced pear and a pear vinaigrette. It was super good and I’d definitely order it again!

What are your favorite pizza toppings? Any and all veggies because veggies are life.

Pineapple on pizza...yes or no? No way, Jose.

Thick, thin or deep dish pizza? Depends where it's from, but usually thin.

If you could eat pizza anywhere, where would it be? I’d be on my dream photo shoot with an adventurous couple and endless champagne.

And if you’re wondering where to burn some calories after chowing down on pizza, you do really need to check out Prevail Strength & Fitness. I started working out there about a year ago; it was a few months before my wedding, and I figured I should probably get back in the swing of things. It had been awhile since I’d worked out regularly, and Danielle and Sean’s “fit life” vibe was a bit intimidating at first. I learned quickly, however, that there was no reason to be intimidated!

*The all-seeing pizza eye. | Photo by Danielle Shearon*

Essentially nobody else at the gym is a pro like those two; everyone is learning and trying to get stronger every day, and the whole group is so encouraging. While Sean will probably be the first person to tell you I don’t get to the gym as often as I should, I still really enjoy it every time I do make it in (I’m working on it, people!).

If you’re curious about Prevail, then check out their Nutrition + Movement challenge in the video below. Again, thanks to Danielle and Sean for being our guests at Wheelhouse!

Follow them on Instagram, too:

Prevail - @prevail_strength_and_fitness

Dani G Photography - @dani_g_photography

Danielle - @dani_prevail

Sean - @sean_prevail