Pizza is a worldwide food. It originated in Naples and ultimately spread internationally. The popularity of pizza grew after World War II giving rise to chain pizza shops, such as Marco’s and Papa John’s. In the America there are two different styles of pizza pie, New York and Chicago. New York is thin while Chicago is thicker and more cake-like. Learn more about the history of pizza and choose which style you like best.
The first pizza we know today was cooked in Naples in the early first century. After Italy was unified in 1889, Queen Margherita and King Umberto I traveled to Naples and discovered their love of pizza at Pizzeria Brandi. It is believed that this is what caused the Italian craze for the food. The Queen’s favourite pie topping – creamy white cheese, red tomatoes and green basil – was soon nicknamed the Pizza Margherita.
In the early 1900s, immigrants from Naples brought pizza to the United States in cities such as Trenton, New Haven, Boston, Chicago, and St. Louis. The first pizzeria to be licensed to sell pizza in America was located in Manhattan called G. Lombardi’s. Many others soon followed.
The taste of pizza started to boom after World War II. Americans began experimenting with numerous toppings such as gouda cheese, spinach and chicken. Soon pizza became a staple in common households rather than an “ethnic treat” leading to the popularity of chain pizza shops such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut.[1]
Anyone who enjoys a slice of pizza knows the age-old debate between New York and Chicago style pizza.
New York style has a thin crust while Chicago has a thicker crust leaving room for heavier toppings. New York style is meant for eating on the go, similar to sandwiches while plates (and sometimes a fork and knife) are generally required for Chicago pizza pie. The Chicago style has a few layers of cheese under the topping and a little oil and the New York style has a small layer of mozzarella cheese and a topping with more oil.[2]
There are pros and cons to both styles of pizza. Which do you prefer?
[1] http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/a-slice-of-history-pizza-through-the-ages
[2] http://pizza.com/chicago-style-pizza-vs-new-york-style-pizza
