I keep reading information about the 2000 Census and all the changes that came over the last decade. Locally, Parkville, Mo. has went from being a stolid little college town to a strange juxtaposition between displaced bohemians (a la Park University) and the affluent who populate Riss Lake, The National and other “loaded guy” neighborhoods.

As a side effect of this train wreck of cultures, downtown Parkville has flourished with eateries. Though the area is filled with diverse ethnic joints, the topic here is pizza. This brings us to Stone Canyon Pizza, which started in downtown Parkville but has gone on to include locations in Gladstone and Lawrence.

From the outside, it doesn’t look too terribly impressive, which is always a good thing. But on the inside, there is a design scheme similar to an upscale brewpub (think Mill Creek in Westport or Free State in Lawrence). Hardwood floors and tables are abundant. Servers are mostly young and arguably hip (at least too hip for the average suburban eatery).

On a recent visit I was upset to discover that the tables were missing the garlic and basil that once shared space with the typical spices -- salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, crushed red peppers.

Further trouble arrived when the pizza arrived sans serving apparatus. My friend Matt suggested this should mean a deduction in points. However, we somehow managed to scoop the pizza onto our plates. It was worth the trouble, as Stone Canyon's pizza is quite nice.

The only type of crust at Stone Canyon is moderately thin. Cheese is distributed well and not greasy like chain places that rhyme with Pizza Hut. The toppings are moderately fresh and the selection is eclectic -- slivered almonds, artichoke hearts, etc.

Polo shirts and Dockers are definitely standard attire at this place, but don’t be surprised if you also see clientele donning nose rings and/or Pantera t-shirts. Stone Canyon attracts all kinds and, if you’re near Parkville, it’s worth a visit.

(In case you haven't already figured it out, Stone Canyon is located in Downtown Parkville.)

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