La Herradura, serving Mexican cuisine and Mexican Pizza is located at 563 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801. The excitement begins as you approach this restaurant’s cheerful and colorful storefront, reminiscent of sunny Mexico. The promise of sunny warmth continues inside as you bask amidst cheerful yellows, accented by authentic colorful Mexican tiles. This authentic feel of Mexico is maintained by their food and friendly service.
Start with tortilla chips and chunky roasted tomatillo-based salsa verde and an extra fresh chili salsa and a Margarita, Sangria or a special Tequila cocktail while you study their extensive menu. Whether you love Flautas, Carnitas, Fajitas, Tortillas and Tacos the variety of flavors and fillings will keep you coming back. There are wonderful salads, grilled steak, ceviche, and pizza. Yes, pizza, the best authentic Mexican pizza served north of Mexico City - a specialty of the house and with a large selection of great toppings. A children’s menu is available. There is delivery within New Rochelle and Mamaroneck. Take out is available, but while flavorful, its not as much fun as dining in the restaurant - especially during one of the evenings when a Mariachi Band is featured! Hours - Daily: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Sinapi's Pizza Rustica is located at 5 Norm Ave, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 in Westchester County. Serving Pizza, salad, wraps, and dishes from the grill.
Ristorante Lucia, serving Italian food, Pizza, and Gelato, is located at 454 Old Post Road, Bedford NY 10506 in northern Westchester County.
Restaurant Review
Delicious homemade Gelato Fireplace Outdoor dining on patio
The word is Dependable family dining, but as a result some say too "noisy" even with a separate section for adults. Terrific home made Gelato and pleasant outdoor dining.
Click to read review Mario's Pizzeria, serving pizza, salads, pasta, and more Italian food, is located at 13 King Street in Chappaqua, Westchester NY 10514.
Capriccio II, serving Pizza & Pasta, is located at 46 Maple Street, Croton On Hudson, NY 10520 in Westchester County.
The word is Waitress service at this "more than a pizza joint" where the pizza is great and the Italian dishes are really good. Don't miss the fabulous "eggplant parm".
Click to read review Gaetano's Italian Grille, serving Pizza and Italian dishes, is located at 2025 Albany Post Road, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 in Westchester County.
Restaurant Review
Live Music Outdoor dining on patio The word is Enjoy outdoor dining in warm weather at this family style and kid friendly Italian serving "delicious brick oven pizzas" sandwiches, salads, and entrees. Also in Restaurant Cuisines Italian Food
Burrata Wood Fired Pizza is located at 425 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY 10708 in Westchester County.
The word is Although everyone agrees that Burrata is an attractive restaurant, we have mixed reviews about the pizza. Check it out and let us know what you think at gail@westchestertowns.com.
Polpettina, serving locally sourced Neapolitan-style pizza and Pasta, is located at 102 Fisher Ave, Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County.
The word is "We love this little Italian restaurant" where "you cannot get a bad meal" and the pizza "is out of this world". With "fresh ingredients" in every pie, pizza doesn’t get better than this!
Click to read review Pizza 2000, serving pizza and traditional Italian dishes, is located at 337 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY 10528 in Westchester County.
Domino’s Pizza, an Italian restaurant serving Pizzas and other Italian food, is located at 329 North Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, Westchester County.
Click to read review Il Sorriso Ristorante Italiano, serving traditional Italian cuisine, is located at 5 North Buckhout Street, Irvington-on-Hudson, NY 10533 in Westchester County.
From the owner: "A well-established eatery in Irvington-on-Hudson, Il Sorriso has kept true to its reputation as a first-class dining experience while transforming its interiors to create an even more warm and welcoming environment. Its colors are reflective of antiquated Italian villages that dot the fertile landscape of Tuscany, and its impeccably trained waitstaff is there to anticipate your every need."
Restaurant Review
Bar and Lounge area Noise level = quiet to loud when full Outdoor dining on patio Pizza (Handmade in wood-fired Italian brick oven.) Serving lunch and dinner Wine Cellar The word is This "favorite neighborhood Italian" serving "delicious brick oven pizza" and "great pasta dishes" by an "attentive waitstaff", offers tables with a view of the Hudson River and an attractive dining room for cooler nights. Also in Restaurant Cuisines Italian Food
Click to read review La Villetta Pizza & Pasta, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at 3172 East Main Street in Mohegan Lake, Westchester NY 10547.
Click to read review Bellizzi Restaurant, offering Southern Italian food and pizza, is located at 153 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 in Westchester County.
From the owner: "Welcome to a new kind of dining experience. Gourmet pizza and Italian specialties served in a comfortable, family-oriented environment with delivery and take-out available. We create unforgettable birthday parties for the birthday child and all who attend. Come and sample our homemade, award-winning gelato and healthy smoothies. We use only the freshest ingredients in all of our menu items to ensure nutrition and great taste."
Restaurant Review
Arcade for kids Beer & Wine Children's Birthday Parties Gelato (home-made) Gluten-Free Menu Kids Menu Noise level = very loud Outdoor seating in front of store Serving lunch and dinner Smoothies
Domino’s Pizza is located at 130 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco NY 10549, Westchester County. Domino's offers pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and more; including thin crust, deep dish and classic hand tossed pizzas; all with one or more regional toppings. Press blue button for menus, nutrition information, and store locations.
Click to read review Johnny's Pizzeria, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at Lincoln Plaza, 30 West Lincoln Ave, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 in Westchester County.
Papa John's, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at 6 North 3rd Ave, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 in Westchester County. Press blue button for Papa John's website, more store locations for Pizza delivery or to "go out for Pizza".
Alfredo's Pizza Cafe is located at 23 South Division Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801 (across from the Prospect Parking lot) in Westchester County.
See website for coupons.
From the owner: "Alfredo's is open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. Offering the finest Pizza, Calzones, Soups, Pastas, Italian Entrees, and Hot & Cold Wedges in New Rochelle."
Restaurant Review
Free Delivery ($10 Minimum) Serving lunch and dinner
Domino’s Pizza, offering pizza, sandwiches, pasta and more, is located at 434 North Ave, New Rochelle NY 10801. Press blue button for menus, nutrition information, and more store locations.
La Herradura, serving Mexican cuisine and Mexican Pizza is located at 563 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801. The excitement begins as you approach this restaurant’s cheerful and colorful storefront, reminiscent of sunny Mexico. The promise of sunny warmth continues inside as you bask amidst cheerful yellows, accented by authentic colorful Mexican tiles. This authentic feel of Mexico is maintained by their food and friendly service.
Start with tortilla chips and chunky roasted tomatillo-based salsa verde and an extra fresh chili salsa and a Margarita, Sangria or a special Tequila cocktail while you study their extensive menu. Whether you love Flautas, Carnitas, Fajitas, Tortillas and Tacos the variety of flavors and fillings will keep you coming back. There are wonderful salads, grilled steak, ceviche, and pizza. Yes, pizza, the best authentic Mexican pizza served north of Mexico City - a specialty of the house and with a large selection of great toppings. A children’s menu is available. There is delivery within New Rochelle and Mamaroneck. Take out is available, but while flavorful, its not as much fun as dining in the restaurant - especially during one of the evenings when a Mariachi Band is featured! Hours - Daily: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Click to read review Modern Restaurant & Pizzeria, serving Southern Italian pizza, is located at 12 Russell Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801 in Westchester County.
The word is Homemade Italian dinners, old fashioned brick-oven thin-crust pizza and friendly staff make this a good place to eat, but don't expect much atmosphere.
Pizza Hut is located in the towns of Pleasantville and New Rochelle in Westchester County, NY. Our website provides useful links to Pizza Hut nutritional information so you can make informed choices about what to eat. Press blue button for Pizza Hut menus, locations, and Pizza Hut's Calorie Calculator.
Broadway Pizzeria Restaurant, serving Italian cuisine and Pizza, is located at 616 North Broadway, North White Plains, NY 10601 in Westchester County.
From the owner: "If you're craving pizza or Italian entrees, Broadway Pizzeria satisfies in both departments. Choose from our wide variety of specialty pizzas that range from delicious vegetarian to succulent meat lovers. If these don't whet your appetite, we also have a sizeable menu of Italian pastas and dishes."
Domino’s Pizza, offering regional pizzas, pasta, sandwiches and more, is located at 189 South Highland Ave, Ossining NY 10562, Westchester County. Press blue button for pizza regional toppings, nutritional information and more.
Luigi's Pizzeria, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at 304 5th Ave, Pelham, NY 10803 in Westchester County. "Enjoy the very best Italian food here at Luigi's Pizzeria".
Pizza Hut is located in the towns of Pleasantville and New Rochelle in Westchester County, NY. At Pizza Hut®, we take great pride and care to provide you with the best food and dining experience in the quick service restaurant business. We believe eating sensibly, combined with appropriate exercise, is the best solution for a balanced lifestyle.
To help you further, our website provides useful links to Pizza Hut nutritional information so you can make informed choices about what to eat. Our interactive Nutrition Calculator will help you analyze the food choices you make with Pizza Hut. Press blue button for menus and Pizza Hut's Nutrition & Calorie Calculator.
Coals, serving hand-stretched grilled pizza and craft beer, is located at 35 North Main Street, Port Chester, NY 10573 in southern Westchester County.
From the owner: "Our pizzas are hand-stretched and grilled over an open flame to produce a crust that’s crisp yet tender. They are then topped with imported Italian cheese and tomatoes and a variety of fresh toppings. Coals also boasts some of the tastiest sandwiches and appetizers using the highest quality ingredients. The famous Coals burger is juicy and full of flavor. Complement your meal with one of our hand selected, craft beers on draft. We feature great tasting seasonal brews from local breweries and other American favorites."
Restaurant Review
Craft beers on tap Grilled paper thin crust pizza
The word is The paper thin pizza is just "amazing" at this "scrappy" pizza restaurant also serving delicious sides of fried brussels sprouts, roasted peppers, mushrooms, and more amazing dishes. Be sure to try one of the terrific beers on tap.
Racanelli's Pizzeria & Restaurant is located in the Rye Ridge Shopping Center at 136 South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, NY 10573 in Westchester County.
From the owner: "Racanelli's Pizzeria & Restaurant is a fine, authentic, Italian style restaurant catering to people who are looking for a genuine Italian menu with a great social and romantic atmosphere. We offer a wide array of dishes from authentic New York Style pizza to home cooked pasta sauces to hand crafted salads. Our premium drinks include top shelf liquors and the finest imported and domestic beers. Come by and sit down for a drink and a slice of pizza at out custom marble wrap-around bar. Looking to relax a little? Come by and take advantage of our expansive new outdoor seating area, sip a cappuccino and enjoy a light salad while talking with friends."
Restaurant Review
Coupons Family sized portions available Noise level = Loud Serving lunch and dinner
The word is Neighborhood Italian with good food and quick service at affordable prices; "their Margherita Pizza is the best in the area".
Click to read review Villa Roma Pizzeria is located at 8 Depot Place, Scarsdale, NY 10583 in Westchester County. Located on the south side of the train station, Villa Roma offers traditional style pizza and many specialty slices.
The word is "The best thin crust pizza" also offering excellent specialty pizza slices.
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza is located at 264 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10601 in Westchester County.
From the owner: "We cook our pizzas in an 800-degree oven that provides a ‘well-done’ flavor that has become our trademark. The popularity of this unique pizza, which takes only four minutes to cook, and the restaurants’ ambiance has helped Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza build an almost cult-like following. Today, customers also enjoy the restaurant’s coal-oven-roasted chicken wings topped with caramelized onions, Eggplant Marino (named for Dan Marino, an Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza partner) or signature Italian-style salad."
Restaurant Review
Craft Beer Family Restaurant Free delivery Full Bar Noise level = Loud
The word is If you like your pizza and chicken wings "well done" this is the place.
Click to read review Famous Famiglia "New York's Favorite Pizza" restaurant is located at The Westchester Mall, White Plains, NY in Westchester County. Famous Famiglia Pizza has developed a premium brand food line which includes olive oil, cheese, sauces, flour, pasta, and premium coffees. Press blue button for a fun website, menus, locations, food quality, and more.
Click to read review Nicky's Pizzeria & Restaurant, serving Pizza and Italian dishes, is located at 91 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10601 in Westchester County.
Papa John's, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at 201 Tarrytown Road, White Plains, NY 10607 in Westchester County. Press blue button for Papa John's website and more store locations near you.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza, pasta, and more, is located at 471 McLean Ave, Yonkers, NY 10705, Westchester County. Press blue button for pizza regional toppings, nutritional information and more.
Papa John's, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at 88 School Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701 in Westchester County. Press blue button for Papa John's website, more store locations for Pizza delivery or to "go out for Pizza".
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza, pasta, and more, is located at 222 Delaware Ave, Delmar NY 12254, Albany County in the upper-Hudson Valley, aka the Capital Region of New York.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza and pasta, is located at 789 New Loudon Road, Latham NY 12110, Albany County in the upper-Hudson Valley, aka the Capital Region of New York.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza, pasta, and more, is located at 1441 Broadway, Schenectady NY 12306, Albany County in the upper-Hudson Valley, aka the Capital Region of New York.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza, pasta, and more, is located at 1592 State Street, Schenectady NY 12304, Albany County in the upper-Hudson Valley, aka the Capital Region of New York.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza, pasta, and more, is located at 198 Hoosick Street, Troy NY 12180, Albany County in the upper-Hudson Valley, aka the Capital Region of New York.. Press blue button for pizza regional toppings, nutritional information and more.
Baba Louie’s, serving woodfired organic sourdough pizza is located at 517 Warren Street, Hudson NY 12534, Columbia County in the Hudson River Valley.
"These delicious 12 inch, wheat-free, gluten-free crusts are made from millet and rice flour. They are not made with sourdough starter. Any of the pizzas on our menu can be made using these crusts for the same price as a large pizza. . . . soups are vegan, house-made, tasty and healthy." Press blue button for nutritional info, menus, and more about Bab Louie's.
Cosimos Poughkeepsie, serving Brick Oven Pizza and Italian food, is located at 120 Delafield Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, Dutchess County in the mid-Hudson Valley.
Restaurant Review
Bar Lounge Outdoor dining on patio Wood fired brick oven The word is Good family restaurant where the decor is inviting, the pizza is good, and you can enjoy large portions of "delicious Italian dishes"; the downside is that the noise level is too loud. Also in Restaurant Cuisines Italian Food
Brother's Trattoria, serving Northern Italian cuisine, is located at 2540 Town Plaza, Route 55, Poughquag NY 12570, Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley. Brother's restaurant has two rooms; the Pizza restaurant and the more formal dining room.
Restaurant Review
Room for Pizza Restaurant Room for fine Italian dining
The word is Enjoy pizza and sandwiches in the front cafe, or for a more formal setting, enjoy the dining room; serving very good Italian food.
CJ's Italian Ristorante, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at 353 Old Post Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 in Dutchess County. CJ's, a family owned and operated restaurant for over twenty-nine years is located in an historic building dating back to 1772, north of Rhinebeck off 9G.
Restaurant Review
Bar / Tap Room Fresh homemade dough for all pizzas
The word is Great pasta and delicious pizza made with "fresh homemade dough" at this cozy pub/pizza restaurant.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizzas and more, is located at 1582 Route 9, Wappingers Falls NY 12590, Dutchess County. Press blue button for pizza regional toppings, nutritional information, and more.
Cosimos Woodbury, serving Brick Oven Pizza and Italian food, is located at 100 County Route 32 in Central Valley, NY 10917, Orange County in the Hudson Valley; just a short walk from Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.
Restaurant Review
Bar Lounge Outdoor dining on patio Wood fired brick oven
The word is Enjoyed by many looking for a casual Italian where the "décor is warm and inviting" the food is good, and the "wood fired pizza is great".
Cosimos Middletown, serving Brick Oven Pizza and Italian food, is located at 620 Route 211 East, Middletown, NY 10941, Orange County in the Hudson Valley.
Restaurant Review
Bar Lounge Outdoor dining on patio Wood fired brick oven
The word is Enjoyed by many looking for a casual Italian where the "décor is warm and inviting" and the food is good; also serving "delicious pizza".
Amendola's Pizzeria & Pasta Restaurant, since 1983, is located at 28 Lakes Street, Monroe, NY 10950 in Orange County.
From the owner: At Amendola's, we follow strict standards on service, quality and presentation. We use only the finest ingredients in all of our dishes to ensure that every meal we serve is delicious and nutritious. We encourage you to visit our restaurant and taste a one of a kind experience.
Press blue button for coupons on Amendola's website.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizzas and more, is located at 711 Route 17M, Monroe NY 10950, Orange County. Press blue button for pizza regional toppings, nutritional information, and more.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza, pasta, sandwiches and more, is located at 420 Windsor Highway, New Windsor NY 12553, Orange County. Press blue button for nutritional information, menus, and regional toppings.
Cafe Pitti, serving casual Italian food, is located at 40 Front Street, Newburgh NY 12550, Orange County in one of the River Towns of the Hudson Valley.
The word is Enjoy this small cafe on the Newburgh waterfront while dining on delicious thin crust pizza; also serving Panini Brioche (toasted Italian sandwich), Tramezzini (toasts), Focaccia (double crushed pizza sandwich) and salads; finish your meal with a gelati or sorbet.
Cosimos On Union, serving Brick Oven Pizza and Italian food, is located at 1217 Route 300, Newburgh NY 12550, Orange County in the Hudson Valley.
Restaurant Review
Bar Lounge Outdoor dining on patio Wood fired brick oven
The word is Enjoyed by many looking for a casual Italian where the "décor is warm and inviting" and the food is good; "I love this place and dream of their Chicken Chinois Salad with that tasty ginger dressing" and you can get "delicious pizzas".
Angelina's Restaurant and Pizza is located at 43 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring NY 10516, Putnam County in the Hudson Valley.
The word is The locals love the friendly and warm atmosphere; great pizza and reliable fresh pasta dishes . . . try the delicious thin whole wheat pizza option.
Cold Spring Pizza & Deli is located at 120 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516 in Putnam County.
The word is From the owner: Gourmet Pizza, We knead our dough fresh daily. We also offer Appetizers, Salads, Pasta, Chicken, Veal, Seafood, and Vegetarian Lunch & Dinners, as well as domestic and imported deli products, and desserts. Everything cooked fresh on premise and prepared to order.
Tarantella Restaurant, serving Pizza and Italian food, is located at 128 Main Street, Nyack, NY 10960, in one of the Hudson River Towns of Rockland County.
From the owner: "Tarantella Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, serving Rockland County since 1976. Fast Free Delivery; Open 7 Days, 11am-12am"
Restaurant Review
Noise level = Quiet Serving lunch and dinner
The word is Locals agree Tarantella has "the best pizza in Nyack".
Domino’s Pizza is located at 33 East Central Ave, Pearl River NY 10965, in Rockland County. Domino's offers pizzas with several regional toppings. Press blue button for menus, nutritional information, and locations.
Domino’s Pizza is located at 10 South Central Ave, Spring Valley NY10977, Rockland County. Domino's offers pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and more, including thin crust, deep dish and classic hand tossed pizzas; all with one or more regional toppings.
Domino’s Pizza, serving pizza, pasta, and more, is located at 38 Lafayette Ave, Suffern NY 10901, Rockland County. Press blue button for pizza regional toppings, nutritional information and more.
Enzo's Restaurant & Pizzeria, serving pizza and Italian dishes, is located at 207 Boices Lane, Kingston, NY 12401 in Ulster County.
Restaurant Review
Light & Gluten Free options Outdoor dining on sidewalk The word is Amazing value at this Italian pizzeria serving good food and big portions. Also in Restaurant Cuisines Italian Food
Pizza
Millions of pizza pies are eaten daily. Is it any wonder that Pizza has become one of America's favorite foods? Pizza may be prepared with just cheese, tomato and spices or you can add a myriad of toppings to your pizza. Pizza may be topped with a combination of vegetables and spices that are virtually unlimited. Try pizza with peppers, onions, garlic, anchovies, vegetables. Top your pizza with several special ingredients or just add one topping at a time. Let your imagination and taste buds dictate the wonderful myriad of toppings that can be served. What can be better than a delicious Pizza with cheese, green peppers, onions, pepperoni and wonderful spices?
Origins of Pizza
Many people believe that Italians invented the pizza, however, the origins go back to ancient times. It is known the Babylonians, Israelites, Egyptians and other ancient Middle Eastern cultures were eating flat, unleavened bread that had been cooked in mud ovens. The bread was much like a pita, which is still common in Greece and the Middle East today. It is also believed that ancient Mediterranean people such as the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were eating this bread with toppings of seasonings, olive oil and native spices.
Some accounts say the first pizza was created by the baker Raffaele Esposito in Naples. His creation was immediately a favorite, and in 1889, Esposito was called upon to make a pizza for the visiting King Umberto and Queen Margherita of Italy. According to the story, the Italian monarch King Umberto and Queen Margherita were touring the area. In order to impress them and to show his patriotic fervor Raffaele chose to top flat bread with food that would best represent the colors of Italy: red tomato, white mozzarella cheese and green basil. The king and queen were so impressed that word quickly reached the masses. The end results were that the dish was well received to the extent that others began to copy it.
"Pizza was la cucina povera (cuisine of the poor), based on necessity and what was available at the time. And so it remains today, notwithstanding that a liter of good extra-virgin olive oil can now cost as much or more as the finest wines." The key to great pizza is the crust. Once the crust is perfected, this humble food is raised up by its toppings.
Port 'Alba, Naples is credited with opening the first Pizza Shop in 1830. This Pizzeria is still open today.
Pizza Comes to America
It was the emigration of southern Italians during the latter part of the 19th century that brought pizza to America. According to legend, Gennaro Lombardi opened Lombardi's, the first pizzeria in the United States. Signore Lombardi opened his pizzeria in 1905, on Spring Street, in New York's Little Italy. Signore Lombardi trained many of the pizzaiolos who later launched pizzerias of their own throughout New York City and the surrounding areas.
During World War II, many American soldiers stationed in Italy tasted pizza for their first time. Upon arriving home to America, many soldiers promoted "Pizza" as a wonderful and tasty Italian dish. Today pizza has become just as American as baseball and apple pie.
"Pizza" has become part of the international food vocabulary, but it is only recently that both the name and the food itself have become known worldwide. Only 50 years ago, it was principally associated with southern Italy, especially Naples, and there is evidence that even within Italy the word was not widely understood until at least the 17th century. Yet "pizza" has a historical pedigree of over a thousand years. It is first recorded (in yet another version of "the origins of Pizza") in a Latin text from the southern Italian town of Gaeta in 997 AD, which claims that a tenant of certain property is to give the bishop of Gaeta 'duodecim pizze', "twelve pizzas", every Christmas day, and another twelve every Easter Sunday.
Where did the word Pizza Originate?
There has been much debate over the origin of the word itself, but evidence suggests a common origin with the English words "(to) bite" and "(a) bit". English belongs, with German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian to the family of Germanic languages, all of which are descended from a remote common ancestor called 'Proto-Germanic'. "Pizza" is thought to derive from a Langobard word similar in form to the Old High German "bizzo" or "pizzo", a word related to English 'bite' and 'bit'. This word originally meant 'mouthful' (what you obtain by 'biting'). In modern Italian the word has assumed a further life of its own, used metaphorically to denote the circular reel used on movie projectors and also ,by a rather obscure development, a 'boring person', or a 'tedious, long-winded, speech'! Pizza is Italian for 'pie' and may have come from Latin pix 'pitch' or Greek pitta.
Some believe the origin of the word "pizza" itself, in use as early as the 10th century, is attributed to any number of languages, including Medieval Latin in which picea meant "flat-bread," or the Greek placenta, meaning "flat" or "plate." Regardless of its provenance, there is indisputable proof that the citizens of Pompeii enjoyed pizza, for it was found by archaeologists in that city's unearthed ovens.
Some scholars have sensed a connection between "pizza" and "pitta", a type of flat bread widespread in south-eastern Europe. In fact, it is possible that "pitta" reflects a form "petta" or "pitta" encountered in dialects of north-eastern Italy with the same meaning as "pizza", the Gothic equivalent of the Langobard word that gave rise to pizza.
Pizza and Tomatoes
The luscious tomato became a basic ingredient in Pizza around the 16th century. The tomato, indigenous to South America, arrived in Italy via trade routes established by the Spaniards in the 16th century. At that time, the plant, a member of the nightshade family, bore fruit that was small and yellow (therefore the name pomodoro, golden apple, or pummarola in Neapolitan dialect), and because of its lineage was initially believed to be poisonous. Eventually, the Neapolitan people seem to be the first to wholeheartedly adapt it, and today the plum tomato is the most identifiable element of their cuisine. In the 1800's, Neapolitan bakers started adding tomatoes to there modest pies as quick dinners for the poor and pizza moved closer to the "Pizza" we know today. Pizza is Naples' signature dish, folded into quarters a libretto and eaten like a sandwich at noon or more decorously with a knife and fork at fine restaurants.
Before the tomato's introduction, Neapolitan pizzas were called cecinielle, after the tiny white fish that adorned them. This early rendition was seasoned with herbs, grated cheese and olive oil, and often eaten in the morning. Vendors sold them on street corners from tall copper containers known as stufe, which they balanced on their heads. After enlisting the tomato, this portable workingman's snack became "pizza marinara," so named for the fishermen who would eat these pies for breakfast. Achieving a revered place in the Italian diet, this particular pie is topped with tomatoes, dried oregano, a few thin slices of fresh garlic and a sprinkling of olive oil.
As mentioned above, the "traditional" pizza known to Americans, pizza Margherita, another classic version, celebrates the colors of the Italian flag. It is topped with ripe tomatoes or sciuč. Sciuč, is tomato sauce cooked in about eight minutes from the pulpy, perfectly sweet and acid-balanced San Marzano tomatoes (grown right outside Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius) and spiked with a hint of garlic or a little minced onion - then layered with mozzarella, fresh basil leaves and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil. Prized for its richness, this sublime cheese is made with milk from the water buffalo and is produced in the provinces of Salerno, south of Naples, and Caserta, north of Naples. Ironically, although water buffalo milk is lower in saturated fat than whole cow's milk, bufala contains about 50 percent more protein and twice as much fat (9 percent) as mozzarella made from cow's milk.
Michele Scicolone, co-author of "Pizza, Any Way You Slice It" reports that for Neapolitans, the crust is the most important part: "It should be neither thick nor cracker-thin with a texture that's both crisp and chewy. A good pizza can be folded, like a wallet, without the crust cracking. The outer rim, called the cornicione, should be puffy and speckled with toasty brown spots."
"Pizza is taken so seriously in Naples that the same type of controlling board that regulates wine, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata or DOC, has been established for the dish: the Associazone Vera Pizza Napoletana. The Associazone produced a document called the Progetto di Norma, which defines the rules and regulations that a pizzaiola must follow in order to produce verace pizza napoletana. Every aspect, from the quality and type of raw ingredients to the production method, is covered. The Associazone even maintains the size of a true Neapolitan pizza which cannot exceed 12 inches in diameter. One element that isn't required, however, is that the verace pizza napoletana, or una vera pizza, actually be made in Naples. Therefore, in the United States, Associazone members such as Peppe Miele's Antica Pizzeria pop up in major cities like Los Angeles."
Pizza in Regions of Italy
In Naples, the classic form of pizza has a soft, bread-like crust, scantily dressed with one of two traditional preparations. Outside of Naples, the crust thickens and thins and is topped with ingredients typical of the region." For example, in Piemonte, pies are topped with thin shavings of fresh porcini and velvety fontina valle d'Aosta. Romans like their pizza with a very thin, almost cracker-like crust. In Sicily and many other areas of southern Italy, pizze rustiche, or double-crust pizzas stuffed with vegetables, meat, fish or cheese, are popular. The pizza of Recco, which has put the little town outside of Genoa on the food map, is made with strudel-like dough.
Once familiar with pizza, Americans naturally began adapting it. For example, Pepperoni Pizza is an American invention. Pepperoni in Italy, means peppers, as in peppers. It is not the name of a dried hot sausage. Which is not to say there are not dried hot sausages in Italy, they just don't call them pepperoni. They are occasionally used on pizza in Italy, but by far the two most popular flavors there are the Pizza Margherita and the Marinara.
Pizza in America
Since the 1950s, when the import was still considered an ethnic novelty food, the pizza business has blossomed into an industry that makes up one of the fastest growing segments of the American food industry, with sales expanding 10 to 15 percent each year. According to the National Association of Pizza Operators, the combined annual sales of America's 61,000 pizzerias reaches $32 billion, with nearly the same amount sold in the rest of the world.
Almost all Americans can relate to the mouth-watering experience of biting into a crusty, piping-hot pizza, dripping with melted mozzarella, juicy tomato sauce, and a splash of olive oil. Many Americans now prefer to add additional ingredients ranging from goat cheese to green peppers or whatever fresh vegetable or spice is available in your region of the country.
featured Pizzerias
