Karen vanBarneveld
Karen vanBarneveld
Pizza: From Simple Origins to Global Sensation (Part 2)
Pizza: From Simple Origins to Global Sensation (Part 2)
Pizza: From Simple Origins to Global Sensation (Part 2)
Tuesday 24th August 2021
Dive into pizza's global journey, uncovering its rise from Naples staple to international sensation, including the infamous Pizza Connection trial.
58 minutes
informative
humorous
nostalgic
challenging
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Karen vanBarneveld
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Episode Overview
- Pizza's roots began in Naples as a local dish.
- Italian immigrants popularized pizza in New York City.
- The Pizza Connection trial linked pizza to organized crime.
- Pineapple on pizza sparks international debate.
- Chicago reinvented pizza with the stuffed variant.
The highly seasoned pizza threatens the pre-eminence of the hot dog and the hamburger.
In this captivating episode of 'What the Food?', hosts Miles and Andy continue their exploration into the history and cultural journey of pizza. Starting from its humble beginnings as a staple in Naples, Italy, pizza was initially a dish enjoyed by the local, poorer population. It took decades before it crossed regional boundaries within Italy. As Italian emigrants moved to New York City, the dish began to gain popularity in the New World.
Filippo Malone was instrumental in establishing pizzerias across New York, which helped cement pizza's presence. Despite common misconceptions, Gennaro Lombardi is often wrongly credited as the first to open a pizzeria in America. By 1930, Italian immigrants had successfully introduced pizza to the American palate, which eventually led to pizza becoming a cultural phenomenon in Europe as well, especially during the post-war era when American troops brought their culinary preferences overseas.
The episode further delves into the Pizza Connection trial of 1987, a significant legal case that exposed the connection between the Sicilian Mafia and the American crime family, using pizzerias as fronts for heroin distribution. This trial showcased the dark side of pizza's global journey. The hosts also discuss pizza's evolution in terms of toppings, including the controversial pineapple topping, which was introduced by Sam Panopoulos in Ontario, Canada.
Additionally, Chicago's contribution to the pizza world with its unique stuffed pizza style is highlighted. Throughout the episode, Miles and Andy maintain a humorous tone while providing insightful information, making listeners appreciate the complex history and cultural significance of this beloved dish. Pizza's journey from a simple local food to an international sensation is both fascinating and informative, offering listeners a deeper understanding of its global impact.