Pizzeria Mystery: Fact Or Fiction?

New Brunswick, a province of Canada, is home to several pizzerias, including Filippo's Famous Pizza and The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company. While I couldn't find a specific story about a pizzeria in New Brunswick, pizza itself has a long history, dating back to ancient civilisations like the Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, and Indians, who all had their versions of flatbreads similar to modern pizza.

Filippo's Famous Pizza in New Brunswick, NJ, is one of the state's most popular pizzerias

Filippo's Famous Pizza in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is one of the state's most popular pizzerias. The restaurant has been serving the community for nine years and is known for its delicious pizza and a wide variety of other dishes.

Located on George Street in New Brunswick, Filippo's offers a range of mouth-watering pizzas, including the classic cheese, pepperoni, and sausage pizzas, as well as unique options like the Jalapeno Peppers Pizza and the Ham and Pineapple Pizza. But Filippo's is not just a pizzeria; it also offers an extensive menu with something for everyone. From crispy chicken tenders and deep-fried cheese sticks to garlic bread with cheese and an array of salads, there is something to satisfy all cravings.

For those with a heartier appetite, Filippo's also offers sandwiches, calzones, and pasta dishes. The Meatball Parmesan Sandwich and the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich are sure to be crowd-pleasers, along with the Baked Stuffed Shells and Pasta with Meatballs. And for those who want to indulge, the Monster Pie is a 26-inch pizza that requires a day's notice to prepare.

Filippo's Famous Pizza has established itself as a mainstay in the community, with many considering it a local favourite. The pizzeria's longevity and popularity are a testament to the quality of its food and service. It is a go-to destination for anyone looking to satisfy their pizza cravings or explore the diverse menu offerings.

While New Brunswick, New Jersey, shares its name with a Canadian province, this popular pizzeria is solely located in the Garden State, bringing joy to pizza lovers in the area.

The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company in East Brunswick is a must-visit for pizza lovers

The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company has had a bit of a nomadic existence since its inception, with the East Brunswick location being its third in five years. But owner Matt Verney is hopeful that this move will be the last. The pizzeria serves an 'upside-down' pizza that developed a cult-like following after originally being served at Pete's Bar in East Brunswick from the early 1970s to late '80s. The new location is just about a mile from where Pete's Bar once stood.

The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company's journey began in 2017 when Verney opened his pizzeria in the Dayton section of South Brunswick. About a year later, he moved it to Jamesburg. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to relocate again, as his dine-in business was cut by half most evenings. The new East Brunswick location has about 45 seats and is the former home of Speedy Hot Pizza.

Verney is making some décor changes to the new space, which will have a similar look to its former locations, with camel and chocolate tones. He plans to hang Edison lights throughout the space and close the open kitchen to reduce noise. There will also be some menu changes, but the famous upside-down pizza will remain a staple.

New Jersey's Pizza Trail features 10 pizzerias, including traditional and new-wave spots

New Jersey has unveiled an official Pizza Trail, a guide for pizza enthusiasts to find the best slices in the state. The trail features 10 pizzerias, from traditional spots to newer-wave establishments.

The 10 pizzerias on the trail are:

• Benny Tudino's in Hoboken, known for its classic Italian "no-frills" pizza and biggest slices around.
• The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company in East Brunswick, which serves super-thin crust pizza based on a 60-year-old family recipe.
• De Lorenzo's Tomato Pies in Robbinsville, offering authentic Italian thin-crust pizza and signature Italian tomato pies.
• Talula's in Asbury Park, a trendy pizzeria with sourdough crusts and vegan and vegetarian options.
• Brooklyn Square Pizza in Toms River, Manalapan Township, and Jackson Township, serving traditional Italian pies and their famous upside-down pie.
• Ferazzoli's Italian Kitchen in Rutherford, known for local favourites like the Grandma Pie with a square, thin crust.
• Calabria Restaurant & Pizzeria in Livingston, famous for their crunchy thin pizza.
• Manco & Manco Pizza in Ocean City, where you can watch the masters at work as they stretch and twirl the dough for their thin and crispy pies, which have been on the menu since 1956.
• Federici's Family Restaurant in Freehold, serving award-winning thin-crust pizza with traditional and modern toppings, including buffalo chicken.
• Porta in Asbury Park, Montclair, and Jersey City, offering authentic Neapolitan pizza with gourmet toppings.

The Pizza Trail also includes pizzerias such as Razza in Jersey City, which was named the 27th best pizza in the world in 2022, and Maruca's Tomato Pies in Seaside Heights, an Asbury Park boardwalk favourite since 1950.

Margherita Pizza is a local specialty in New Brunswick, with a history dating back to Naples, Italy

The story of pizza is a long one, with various incarnations of the dish served throughout history by the Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, and Indians. Flatbreads, naan, and plakountos are all early preparations that could be considered cousins of the modern pizza. However, pizza was likely born in Naples, Italy, decades after the tomato was first introduced to Europe. Initially a dish for the poor, the original Neapolitan pizza was sold on the streets with a diverse range of toppings. As its popularity grew, the first Italian pizza restaurant, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, began baking pizzas in 1738.

In June 1889, modern pizza was born when pizzamaker Raffaele Esposito created the "Pizza Margherita" for Queen Margherita of Savoy, the Queen consort of Italy. Raffaele presented the queen with three pizzas, and she strongly preferred the one with basil, mozzarella, and tomato, representing the colors of the Italian flag. Raffaele named this pizza after the queen, and it has since become a famous dish worldwide.

While the story of Queen Margherita's visit may be a legend, the pizza was likely served at Pizzeria Brandi in Naples, and the use of these three toppings was already widespread in the city at the time. The name "Margherita" may have come from the arrangement of mozzarella slices like the petals of a daisy ("margherita" in Italian). Today, Pizzeria Brandi is still owned by the Brandi family and is known for elevating Neapolitan pizza from a frugal meal to a dish of national cuisine.

In New Brunswick, Margherita Pizza has become a local specialty, with many pizzerias offering their own unique take on this classic Neapolitan pizza.

New Brunswick's pizza scene reflects the state's diverse cultural influences and culinary traditions

The history of pizza in New Brunswick is deeply rooted in Italian cuisine, with the dish making its way to the state through Italian immigrants who settled in the region. These immigrants brought with them the traditions and recipes of Neapolitan and Sicilian pizza, which served as the foundation for New Brunswick's pizza culture. Over time, these traditions merged with the local culinary landscape, creating a distinct pizza style that reflects the state's diverse cultural fabric.

The Indigenous influence on New Brunswick's cuisine is significant, with early Indigenous communities relying on the region's natural resources for sustenance. They incorporated ingredients such as fish, shellfish, game, berries, and roots into their dishes, and their food preservation methods included smoking, drying, and fermenting. This influence is reflected in some of the unique pizza toppings and ingredients found in the state, such as the use of local seafood or the incorporation of dried and fermented foods.

Additionally, the French and Acadian influence in New Brunswick's cuisine is evident in the use of certain ingredients and cooking techniques. The French introduced dairy products, baking, and the concept of the "pot-au-feu," a slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish. Acadian dishes like rappie pie and poutine râpée are also popular in the region and may inspire some pizza creations.

The British and Irish settlers contributed to the culinary landscape as well. They brought their own traditions, such as the use of potatoes, cabbage, and oats, and introduced new food preservation methods like pickling and canning. Dishes like Irish stew and fish and brewis reflect their influence and may have inspired some pizza variations.

The diverse cultural influences in New Brunswick have resulted in a pizza scene that offers a variety of unique flavours and combinations. Pizza restaurants in the state often showcase their creativity by incorporating local and regional ingredients, as well as drawing inspiration from the state's cultural heritage. This blend of cultures and traditions has elevated New Brunswick's pizza scene, making it a reflection of the state's rich and diverse culinary history.

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