LM AspirationsLM AspirationsThe ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians ate flatbreads with various toppings. The modern pizza came from southwestern Italy’s Campania region, Naples. These early pizzas were popular in Naples and were garnished with tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies and garlic. In 1889 King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples where legend has it that they, bored with French haute cuisine, requested an assortment of pizzas from the city’s Pizzeria Brandi. The queen enjoyed most, a mozzarella pie with red tomatoes and green basil. That topping combination with its fresh mild flavor was named for Queen Margherita.
Unfortunately, pizza would remain almost unknown in Italy outside of Naples until the 1940s. In 1905 one of the first United States pizzerias, licensed to sell pizza, documented was opened in Manhattan. Pizza took off nationwide after World War II. Many say it was popularized by people that immigrated to the US and by American soldiers who were formerly stationed in Italy.
Today’s pizzas are typically linked to different regions, some like the NYC’s hand-tossed crisp crust pizza with oregano, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese (usually folded) to the Chicago deep-dish pizza to the California gourmet style pizza. Some say the best pizza can be found in Pennsylvania. So many options.
Some many options to choose from Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions and Green peppers or Pineapple to name a few. I’m usually torn between a plain slice, a slice with chicken, or a Margherita (sometimes called a Neapolitan).
Whatever your favorite is let’s celebrate National Pizza Day!