For the Love of Pizza — In Alexandria
September 5 is National Cheese Pizza Day, but let’s be honest, we don’t need an excuse to indulge — we do it regularly!
Pizza's rich history stretches back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, who enjoyed early versions of flatbreads, much like today’s focaccia. However, the pizza we know and love today was born in Naples, Italy. Naples, originally a Greek settlement dating back to 600 B.C., evolved into a bustling waterfront city by the 1700s. As the city's population grew, particularly among the working class, the need for affordable and quick meals led to the creation of pizza. These early pizzas were made from flatbreads topped with simple ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, oils, garlic, and anchovies.
When Italy unified in 1861, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889. As the story goes, the royal couple, growing tired of the opulent French cuisine they were accustomed to, requested to sample local pizzas from Pizzeria Brandi. Queen Margherita was particularly enamored with one variety, called “Pizza Mozzarella,” which was soon renamed “Pizza Margherita” in her honor.
Pizza crossed the Atlantic with immigrants from Naples who began settling in the United States, particularly in New York, in the late 19th century in search of factory jobs. The irresistible aroma of pizza quickly captured the attention of non-Italians, sparking a pizza craze that spread from New York to other cities like Trenton, Boston, and Chicago.
Pizza Brandi
Where to Find Neapolitan Pizza in Alexandria
New York Pizza
One of the earliest recorded pizzerias in New York City was Lombardi's, established in 1905 in Manhattan's Little Italy. Lombardi's became famous for its large, wide pizzas, which were sold by the slice for just five cents. Many attribute the unique taste of New York pizza to the city's distinctive tap water.
The key differences between New York-style pizza and Neapolitan pizza lie in the ingredients and preparation. New York pizza is known for its heavily seasoned tomato sauce and a wide array of topping options, while Neapolitan pizza features uncooked crushed tomatoes and fresh slices of mozzarella cheese.
Lombardi's
Where to Find New York-Style Pizza in Alexandria
Deep Dish | Chicago Style
Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo revolutionized pizza by creating Chicago's famous Deep Dish in 1943, leading them to open Pizzeria Uno. They aimed to make a more substantial pizza than the typical thin-crust pie, experimenting with an Americanized version that became iconic. What sets Deep Dish pizza apart is its unique preparation: it's cooked in a deep pan, which creates a high, thick crust that holds generous layers of toppings.
Where To Find Deep Dish Pizza in Alexandria
Try it from the original creators at Pizzeria Uno
Detroit Style | Square Pizza
The iconic Detroit-style pizza was first crafted in 1946 at Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria by Gus Guerra and his team. They created the first-ever square pizza, using steel pans borrowed from nearby automotive plants. Known for its light and crispy texture, Detroit-style pizza has since become a nationwide favorite.
Buddy's Rendezvous Pizzeria
Where To Find Detroit-Style Pizza in Alexandria:
For more pizza love, see The Patterson Group’s Alexandria Pizza Round-Up.