In a bold move that has stirred up a hot debate, Connecticut has declared itself the pizza capital of the United States, a claim that has left many New Yorkers fuming.
Gov. Ned Lamont in an orgy of boastfulness, has ordered a handful of new “Welcome to Connecticut” signs to be installed, touting all the “Nutmeg State’s” excellences. According to the signs, Connecticut is “home to” different things, including being the “basketball capital of the world” (something Lamont pushed during March Madness), the “pizza capital of the United States,” the “submarine capital of the world” and the “foodie capital of New England.” That’s a lot of “bests” for one state to lay claim to.
The boast is rooted in the rich pizza history of New Haven, a city that has long prided itself on its distinctive style of pizza, known locally as ‘apizza’. This thin-crust pizza, often cooked in coal-fired ovens, has a charred edge and a chewy texture that has garnered a devout following. The move to declare New Haven the pizza capital is not just about culinary bragging rights; it’s a nod to the city’s deep-rooted pizza culture that dates back over a century. But can it beat out New York’s history with pizza?
Not according to loyal New Yorkers who are just as proud of their city’s iconic status as a pizza haven, pointing to the Big Apple’s own historic pizzerias and the ubiquitous New York-style slice. The rivalry has even reached the governors’ offices, with New Jersey’s governor joining the fray, disputing Connecticut’s claim and defending his state’s pizza heritage.
The dust-up might be humorous to the public, but this slice of controversy goes beyond mere interstate banter. It touches on the identity and pride of these regions, where pizza is not just food but a symbol of community and tradition. The debate has also sparked a broader conversation about what makes a pizza capital: Is it the history, the number of pizzerias, the innovation, or the popularity among pizza aficionados?
As the tussle over which state has the best pizza, one thing is clear: pizza is a dish that inspires passion and loyalty. Whether you’re a fan of New Haven’s ‘apizza’, New York’s thin slice, or New Jersey’s tomato pies, this debate has united pizza lovers in their shared love for this culinary masterpiece.
The pizza war is ongoing, and it has highlighted the importance of local cuisine in shaping regional identities and the fierce pride that comes with it. As the states stand firm on their pizza pedestals, the ultimate question remains: Can there truly be a single pizza capital, or is it a title that belongs to every city that has contributed to the rich tapestry of American pizza culture?
