In Case You Need Another Reason To Eat More Pizza

January 11, 2018

It’s National Pizza Week folks! Here at Li’l Rizzo’s, we LOVE our pizza. Whether you enjoy your pie hand tossed or you prefer a thinner crust, there’s one thing that we can all agree on and that is that pizza is delicious! Have you ever wondered where pizza actually came from? Well, we have some information about pizza for you this week. Check it out below and then come into the best Italian restaurant at the Lake of the Ozarks to celebrate National Pizza Week.

The History of Pizza

Just like many other foods and dishes, the origin of pizza is still uncertain. When people think of pizza, most people think of it as an Italian creation. Little do they know, pizza can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks. We know, it’s a little confusing. The Ancient Greeks would cook flatbread in mud ovens and then they would top it with oils, herbs, spices and even dates. Tomatoes were yet to be discovered at that time, and they probably wouldn’t have found their way on top of their pizza if they were.

This flatbread creation eventually made its way to Italy, where it started to resemble the pizza that we all know and love today. They were sold on the street and in the markets. These pizzas weren’t topped with any toppings, they were enjoyed au naturel. Because they were cheap, delicious, and most importantly filling, they were sold to the poor all over Naples by different street vendors. The discovery of the tomato and even a visit from a queen began to change their flatbreads into the pizza that is so popular today.

Queen Margherita had traveled to Italy where she saw many people, especially the peasants, eating a large flatbread food item. She became curious of this dish and had ordered her guards to bring her one of the pizza breads. The Queen loved the bread and ae it every time she was out in public. This was odd for many because it’s uncommon for a queen to dine on peasant’s food. The Queen then decided to hire Chef Raffaele Esposito, who owned his own pizzeria, to work at the royal palace. To honor the Queen, the chef decided to make a special pizza just for her. He baked the pizza topped with tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag. His creation was named Pizza Margherita and is still a popular pizza in Naples and around the world.

Eventually, this pizza creation made its way to America, England, France, and Spain during World War II when American and European soldiers were exposed to this dish in Italy. The first pizzeria in America was opened in New York and it was extremely popular. In the sixties, it became a big hit, especially with the invention of frozen pizza. While frozen pizza is quick and easy, at Li’l Rizzo’s, we prefer our pizza made with fresh ingredients. We know you’ll be able to taste the difference.

Celebrate At Li’l Rizzo’s

There is no better place to celebrate National Pizza Week than at the best Italian restaurant at the Lake of the Ozarks. We have many different styles of pizza to choose from and we know you’ll find one you love. While you can enjoy delicious pizza at Li’l Rizzo’s whenever you’d like, there’s something about eating pizza and celebrating National Pizza Week. With two convenient locations to choose from, we try to make it easy for you to enjoy the best Italian food at the Lake of the Ozarks.

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