I did some walking this week. Jade and I even walked to school. I have to say, it’s pretty lonely on the streets these days. Not a lot of foot traffic. Sure, the occasional bicyclist, but not many fellow pedestrians. But to give credit where credit is due, we were offered lifts by several drivers who thought our car had broken down.

As I was taking in the sights and smells of Johnson City, I realized why it was so quiet: street performers. Well, the lack of street performers.

OK, I admit it’s my secret dream to sing (or possibly play saxophone) on a street corner, but I just think Johnson City needs more street performers.

Feeling the urge for some energetic creativity, I decided to head to Scratch bakery because the owners, John and Jamie Wrestler, were bound to satisfy my craving. If you’ve never been to Scratch you are in for a treat, especially if John and Jamie are there.

He will talk your ear off about fighting city hall, smoking meats and old issues of Life magazine. He may even draw you a map to a hidden hiking trail. Jamie can do five things at once and never break her rhythm. You can be sure you’ll get to sample whatever they’ve cooked up that day. If you’re lucky it will be the habanero cheesecake.

The reason I went was for the pizza. I’m going to say it: this is the best pizza in town. It’s all the toppings you want for one low price. Scratch is only open on the weekends so you have to plan accordingly. But it’s worth the wait. Nowadays it gets pretty busy so calling ahead is the better way to go. You can also get it delivered through room service. However, if you’ve never been before, you really should go in the first time to get a feel for the process. If you are the adventurous type, get the TRUST pizza.

They pick what to put on your pizza and it’s great every time. Building your own is fun too. I get the pesto sauce on French crust. Jeff loves the capicola, but lately he’s been getting the peperone.

John puts all kinds of interesting toppings on the pizza such as apples, banana peppers, pomegranates, mandarin oranges, plus the usual options like onions and olives. It changes all the time. You can stay and watch them make your pizza (art in action), or you can browse through the old LPs they have for sale.

While you’re there, check out the desserts and breads. The Birdseed bread and Spanikopita make excellent toast and sandwiches. The chocolate Sydney is a rich, dense brownie that’s good all by itself, but I like to heat it up and eat it with ice cream.

I got my fix of Scratch pizza and left feeling like all was right with the world. Walking home I did a little Gene Kelly twirling and heel clicking. My homage to the street performer inside me.

Scratch Foodworks is located at 100 East Unaka Ave. For more information, visit their Web site at www.scratchbrickoven.com or call 423- 262-8021.

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