A bedding of dough, a splash of tomato sauce, a layering of cheese, and a healthy amount of meat and veggies, the universal art of pizza making has been around for centuries and has symbolically been a representative of Italian cuisine on menus all over the world. There are not too many nations that can say their national dish has become an international phenomenon.
Pizza in its most basic form as a seasoned flatbread has a long history in the Mediterranean. Several cultures including the Greeks and Phoenicians ate a flatbread made from flour and water. The dough would be cooked by placing it on a hot stone and then seasoned with herbs. The Greeks called this early pizza plankuntos and it was basically used as an edible plate when eating stews or thick broth. In Italy, poor housewives would commonly prepare their food with simple ingredients like flour, olive oil, lard, cheese and herbs and they combined them in a what became a traditional and delicious manner. In addition, street vendors walked the cities and towns with small tin stoves on their heads, calling out to attract customers. Because of this, pizza was always thought of as a peasant’s meal. However, in June 1889, to honor the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito created the “Pizza Margherita,” a pizza garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, to represent the colors of the Italian flag. In Italy, pizza falls into two distinct categories: Italian pizza and the rest of the world. It might seem silly considering the basic ingredients, but one taste of a true Italian pizza and that’s it. You will never feel the same about this simple and delicious food again.
Today pizza has become just as American as baseball and apple pie. Only because of its most recent origins is it considered an Italian dish. If you’re mouth isn’t watering enough already, come visit California’s newest restaurant sensation — Pizza del Sardo, opening in September on Cinema Drive in Valencia. Their culinary staff includes Master Chef, Ugo Moi, a Sardinian native who only uses authentic ingredients and cooking techniques. Nothing has been Americanized, so the true flavors of Italy come shining through in every meal served.
Pizza Del Sardo is located at 23460 Cinema Drive in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-259-9090 and visit www.PizzaDelSardo.com.