A Slice of History: The Evolution of Pizza in New Haven, Connecticut
Introduction:
When you think of iconic American pizza cities, New Haven, Connecticut, might not be the first to come to mind. However, this charming New England city boasts a pizza heritage that is rich, unique, and absolutely delicious. In this blog post, we'll take a journey through time to explore the fascinating history of pizza in New Haven.
The Early Days:
The history of pizza in New Haven can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants, predominantly from southern Italy, settled in the city. They brought with them the age-old tradition of crafting mouthwatering, wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza. These early pizzerias catered primarily to the working-class Italian community and were small, family-owned establishments.
Frank Pepe Paves the Way:
No discussion of New Haven pizza history would be complete without mentioning Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. In 1925, Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant, opened his pizzeria on Wooster Street, and little did he know, he was laying the foundation for New Haven's pizza legacy. Pepe's coal-fired, thin-crust pizza quickly gained fame for its simplicity, featuring just a few high-quality ingredients like tomato sauce, oregano, and grated cheese. The White Clam Pizza, adorned with fresh clams, garlic, and other delectable toppings, became an instant classic.
Sally's Apizza Joins the Scene:
Just a stone's throw from Pepe's, another legendary pizzeria emerged. In 1938, Salvatore Consiglio, also an Italian immigrant, opened Sally's Apizza on Wooster Street. Sally's gained a loyal following for its thin-crust, brick-oven pizza, particularly their tomato pie, which is simply topped with tomato sauce, garlic, and a sprinkling of pecorino romano cheese.
Modern Innovations:
Over the years, New Haven's pizza scene continued to evolve. Pizzerias like Modern Apizza and BAR (New Haven's first brewpub) introduced new flavors and styles, combining traditional techniques with contemporary twists. For instance, BAR is known for its mashed potato and bacon pizza, a local favorite.
The New Haven-Style Apizza:
New Haven pizza, often referred to as "apizza" (pronounced ah-BEETS), has its distinct style characterized by thin, chewy crust, a coal or wood-fired oven, and minimalist toppings. Apizza is cooked at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a slightly charred, crispy crust and a flavorful, smoky taste. This has given New Haven Apizza an avid following and Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and self-declared Pizza expert, named New Haven “Pizza Capital of the World” after making numerous stops to the Greater New Haven area in recent years.
Conclusion:
Today, New Haven's pizza heritage lives on with a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Visitors and locals alike can savor the historic flavors of Pepe's and Sally's or explore the innovative creations of newer establishments. The Elm City's unique pizza culture, deeply rooted in tradition and passion, continues to draw pizza aficionados from all over the world. Whether you're a fan of the classics or eager to try something new, a visit to New Haven, Connecticut, is a delightful journey through the delicious history of American pizza.
