Austin, Texas, is a city that prides itself on its eclectic mix of cultures, music, and food. While it’s known for its vibrant food truck scene and Tex-Mex cuisine, there’s a growing demand for a taste of the Big Apple in the Live Music Capital. New York-style pizza has become increasingly popular in Austin, with many pizzerias offering their own unique take on the classic Neapolitan-style pie. In this article, we’ll explore the history of New York-style pizza, its characteristics, and the best places to try it in Austin.
1. The Birthplace of New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza originated in the early 20th century in the Italian-American neighborhoods of New York City. The first pizzeria, G. Lombardi’s, was opened by Gennaro Lombardi in 1905 in Manhattan’s Little Italy. Lombardi’s pizza was a game-changer, with its thin crust, crispy bottom, and flavorful sauce. The pizza quickly gained popularity among locals and visitors alike, and soon, pizzerias began popping up all over the city.
2. Characteristics of New York-Style Pizza
So, what makes a New York-style pizza, well, New York-style? For starters, the crust is thin and hand-tossed, with a crispy bottom and a chewy center. The sauce is made with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, and is spread evenly across the dough. The cheese is a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses, melted to perfection in a brick oven. Toppings are simple yet flavorful, with classic combinations like pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.
3. The Rise of New York-Style Pizza in Austin
Austin’s love affair with New York-style pizza began in the early 2000s, when a few enterprising pizzerias started serving up authentic Neapolitan-style pies. Today, there are over a dozen pizzerias in Austin that specialize in New York-style pizza, each with its own unique twist. From classic joints like Home Slice Pizza to more modern spots like Pizza Joint, there’s a New York-style pizza to suit every taste and budget.
4. The Best Places to Try New York-Style Pizza in Austin
So, where can you find the best New York-style pizza in Austin? Here are a few of our top recommendations:
* Home Slice Pizza: This popular pizzeria has been serving up classic New York-style pies since 2004. Their menu features a range of toppings, from classic pepperoni to more adventurous options like pineapple and jalape?o.
* Pizza Joint: This modern pizzeria offers a range of unique topping combinations, from classic margherita to more adventurous options like fig and prosciutto.
* Via 313: This popular food truck turned pizzeria serves up authentic Neapolitan-style pies with a crispy crust and flavorful sauce.
* Cane Rosso: This popular pizzeria offers a range of unique topping combinations, from classic margherita to more adventurous options like sausage and pepperoncini.
5. The Art of Making New York-Style Pizza
Making a great New York-style pizza requires a combination of skill, patience, and attention to detail. Here are a few tips for making the perfect pie:
* Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients are essential for making a great New York-style pizza. Look for fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and high-quality olive oil.
* Use the right dough: New York-style pizza dough is made with a combination of flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough should be hand-tossed and allowed to rise for at least 24 hours before baking.
* Cook the pizza in a brick oven: A brick oven is essential for cooking a great New York-style pizza. The high heat and even cooking of the oven help to create a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings.
6. The Cultural Significance of New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is more than just a delicious meal – it’s a cultural phenomenon. For many New Yorkers, pizza is a staple of the city’s culinary scene, and a symbol of its rich cultural heritage. In Austin, New York-style pizza has become a symbol of the city’s eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines.
7. The Future of New York-Style Pizza in Austin
As Austin’s love affair with New York-style pizza continues to grow, it’s clear that this classic style of pizza is here to stay. With new pizzerias opening up all the time, and a growing demand for authentic Neapolitan-style pies, the future of New York-style pizza in Austin looks bright.
8. Conclusion
New York-style pizza is a culinary phenomenon that has captured the hearts and taste buds of pizza lovers around the world. In Austin, this classic style of pizza has become a staple of the city’s culinary scene, with a range of pizzerias offering their own unique take on the classic Neapolitan-style pie. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just visiting the Live Music Capital, there’s no denying the allure of a perfectly cooked New York-style pizza. So, the next time you’re in Austin, be sure to stop by one of the many pizzerias serving up this delicious style of pizza. Your taste buds will thank you!