
Gastropod Pizza Pizza!
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Oct 21, 2025 Join historian Carol Helstosky, author of 'Pizza: A Global History,' and chef Francisco Migoya from Modernist Cuisine as they unravel the fascinating journey of pizza. Learn how Naples birthed this beloved dish, transitioning from simple focaccia to the iconic slice we know today. Discover the impact of tomatoes and hear lively debates on Chicago deep dish vs. traditional styles. From bizarre toppings to the evolution of frozen pizza, their insights reveal why this culinary favorite captures hearts (and appetites) worldwide.
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Pizza Born In Naples Street Food Culture
- Naples developed tomato-topped flatbreads among very poor, densely packed urban populations eating street food.
- Vendors sold portable slices like marinara to fishermen who ate pizza before going to sea.
New York Pizza Is Its Own Creature
- New York pizza evolved from Neapolitan roots but changed due to coal ovens and canned tomatoes.
- American-style mozzarella factories created a stretchier, drier cheese that defined the New York slice.
Franchising Turned Pizza Into Fast Food
- Domino's and Pizza Hut scaled pizza by franchising, standardizing recipes, and prioritizing delivery.
- Their model turned pizza into fast, replicable convenience food nationwide.


