In the United States, February 9th marks a beloved celebration: National Pizza Day! It’s a day when pizza lovers nationwide come together to honor one of the most iconic and beloved dishes around the globe. From classic New York-style slices to deep-dish Chicago pies, this day is all about savoring every cheesy, saucy bite of this culinary masterpiece.

A Slice of the past! Pizza’s journey dates back centuries, with its origins tracing to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Egypt, and Rome. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century in Naples, Italy, that pizza as we know it today began to take shape. Originally a humble street food for the working class, pizza gained popularity among Italian royalty and immigrants, eventually spreading worldwide.

Today, pizza has evolved into a global phenomenon, with countless variations and styles to suit every palate. Whether you prefer a thin, crispy crust topped with fresh mozzarella and basil or a thick, doughy base piled high with savory meats and veggies, there’s a pizza for everyone. From artisanal pizzerias to frozen supermarket options, pizza remains a staple of modern cuisine, cherished by people of all ages and backgrounds.

When it comes to enjoying pizza, the perfect pairing can elevate the experience to new heights. For those craving a boozy accompaniment, When it comes to pairing beer with pizza, the key is to find a brew that complements the flavors of the pizza while refreshing the palate. Generally, crisp and hoppy beers tend to work well with the richness of pizza. Here are some popular beer styles that make excellent companions to your favorite slice:

Pale Ale

The balanced bitterness and citrusy notes of a pale ale cut through the richness of cheese and meat toppings, making it a versatile choice for most pizzas. Here are some pizza styles and toppings that often pair well with Pale Ale:

Margherita Pizza: The simplicity of tomato, mozzarella, and basil allows the Pale Ale’s hoppy bitterness to shine without overwhelming the palate.

BBQ Chicken Pizza: The smoky and sweet flavors of barbecue sauce, along with grilled chicken, can harmonize with the hoppy profile of the Pale Ale.

Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza: The saltiness of prosciutto and the peppery bite of arugula can be complemented by the hoppy notes in a Pale Ale.

IPA

With its bold hop flavors and aromas, an IPA stands up well to the robust flavors of pepperoni, sausage, and other savory toppings, providing a satisfying contrast. Here are some pizza styles and toppings that tend to pair well with IPAs:

Spicy Pepperoni Pizza: The heat from the pepperoni pairs well with the hoppy bitterness of the IPA, creating a satisfying contrast.

Jalapeño and Pineapple Pizza: The sweet and spicy combination of pineapple and jalapeño can be balanced by the hoppy profile of an IPA.

Three-Cheese White Pizza with Garlic: The richness of three cheeses, combined with garlic, can be elevated by the hoppy and aromatic qualities of an IPA.

Pilsner

Crisp and clean, a pilsner refreshes the palate between bites of pizza, making it an excellent choice for lighter pizzas with delicate toppings like fresh tomatoes and basil. Here are some pizza styles and toppings that often pair well with Pilsner:

Caprese Pizza: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and flavorful pizza that pairs nicely with a Pilsner.

Pesto Chicken Pizza: The herbal notes of pesto combined with grilled chicken create a tasty pairing with a Pilsner.

Vegetarian Pizza with Fresh Veggies: Pilsner’s crispness can cut through the flavors of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.

Ultimately, the best beer to go with pizza is the one you enjoy most! Experiment with different styles to find the perfect pairing that suits your taste preferences and enhances your pizza experience. Cheers!  

Embark on a culinary adventure with Savor Our City as we invite our readers to savor the joy of crafting their own delicious pizzas through our immersive pizza-making classes. Dive into the art of dough tossing, sauce spreading, and topping arrangement, guided by expert chefs who share their passion for the perfect pie. Uncover the secrets behind creating the ideal crust, experiment with an array of fresh, high-quality ingredients, and discover the nuances of flavor that make each bite extraordinary. Join our pizza-making classes to not only elevate your culinary skills but also to indulge in a memorable and interactive experience that will leave you with the confidence to recreate a slice of perfection.

As we celebrate National Pizza Day and reflect on pizza’s rich history and enduring popularity, let’s raise a slice to this beloved culinary treasure. Whether enjoyed solo, shared with friends, or devoured at a bustling pizzeria, pizza has a way of bringing people together and sparking joy with every bite. So, here’s to pizza—the ultimate comfort food, the perfect indulgence, and a timeless symbol of culinary delight. Buon appetito

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise

The post February 9 National Pizza Day: A Slice of Culinary Delight! appeared first on Savor Our City.

National Pizza Month is a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate this iconic culinary creation. Whether you prefer classic margherita, loaded with toppings, or an exotic fusion of flavors, there’s a pizza for everyone to enjoy.

There are many reasons why pizza is so popular.

1. It is a delicious and satisfying food. The combination of crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory toppings is simply irresistible.
2. Pizza is a versatile food. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert.
3. pizza is a relatively affordable food. It is possible to get a good quality pizza for a reasonable price.

Pizza is widely considered to be an Italian invention, but its origins can be traced back to ancient times. The word pizza comes from the Latin picea, which means “a flatbread baked in an oven”. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans all had their versions of flatbread topped with various ingredients, such as cheese, herbs, honey and dates. However, the modern pizza as we know it today was born in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Naples was a poor and crowded city, where many people lived in small apartments with no kitchens. They relied on street vendors who sold cheap and filling food, such as flatbread with tomatoes, cheese and anchovies. This was the first pizza, or pizza alla napoletana.

The pizza became so popular that it attracted the attention of royalty. In 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy visited Naples and wanted to try the local cuisine. They ordered three different kinds of pizza from a famous pizzeria called Pizzeria Brandi. One of them had tomato, mozzarella and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag: red, white and green. The queen liked this pizza so much that she wrote a letter of praise to the pizzeria owner, Raffaele Esposito, who named the pizza after her: pizza Margherita. This pizza is still one of the most popular and classic pizzas in the world.

National Pizza Month was first established in the United States in October 1984. It was created by the founder of Pizza Today magazine, Gerry Durnell. The idea behind this celebration was to promote and appreciate the art of pizza-making, as well as to recognize its influence on American culture. Since then, this month has become an annual tradition, bringing foodies, and families together to enjoy this mouthwatering delicacy. One of the things that make pizza so beloved is its adaptability. Across the globe, different regions have developed their unique styles of pizza. Here are a few noteworthy variations and their perfect wine pairing:

Neapolitan Pizza

Originating in Naples, Italy, this pizza features a thin, soft, and chewy crust, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. Pairing wine with Neapolitan pizza can be a delightful experience, as the simplicity and fresh ingredients of Neapolitan pizza harmonize well with certain wine choices. The key is to select a wine that complements the pizza’s flavors without overwhelming them. Here are some wine options that pair beautifully with Neapolitan pizza: Chianti Classico: Is a classic Italian wine from the Tuscany region. Its medium body, bright acidity, and notes of cherry, plum, and a touch of earthiness make it a great choice to accompany the flavors of a traditional Margherita or Neapolitan pizza. The acidity in Chianti helps cut through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce. Barbera: An Italian red wine, is known for its high acidity and versatility. It’s a fantastic match for Neapolitan pizza as it enhances the tomato sauce and complements the mozzarella. Barbera’s red fruit flavors, especially cherry and raspberry, are a perfect match for the simplicity of this pizza. Pinot Noir: Is a red wine known for its delicate and fruity character. It pairs wonderfully with Neapolitan pizza because it won’t overpower the flavors. Look for a Pinot with bright acidity and notes of red berries, and it should complement the pizza’s profile without dominating it.

New York-Style Pizza

Characterized by its large, foldable slices and thin, crisp crust, this pizza is often enjoyed with a variety of toppings. New York-style pizza, with its thin, foldable slices and a variety of toppings, offers a different flavor profile compared to Neapolitan pizza. When choosing a wine to pair with New York-style pizza, you’ll want a wine that can complement the bold flavors and the combination of cheese, sauce, and toppings. Here are some wine options that pair well with New York-style pizza: Cabernet Sauvignon: With its rich, full-bodied character and dark fruit flavors, is a great match for New York-style pizza. The robustness of this wine complements the savory toppings and cheese, making it an excellent choice for meat lovers’ pizzas or those with rich tomato sauces. Zinfandel: Is known for its ripe fruit flavors and often a hint of spice. This wine’s boldness pairs well with the heartier and spicier New York-style pizza varieties, such as pepperoni or sausage. Merlot: Merlot’s softer tannins and plummy, red fruit flavors make it a versatile option for pairing with pizza. It can work well with classic cheese pizzas or those with a mix of vegetables.

Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

Known for its high, doughy crust, Chicago-style pizza features a thick layer of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. Chicago deep-dish pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, and layers of cheese and toppings. The wine pairing for this style of pizza should take into account its heaviness and the bold flavors. Here are some wine options that can complement Chicago deep-dish pizza: Chardonnay: A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can be a great choice. Its buttery and creamy texture can harmonize with the richness of the pizza, and the acidity can cut through the cheese and sauce. Riesling: For those who prefer a white wine, consider a semi-sweet or off-dry Riesling. Its touch of sweetness can balance the richness of the pizza, and the acidity can cut through the cheese and tomato sauce. Sangiovese: an Italian red wine, offers medium body and good acidity. It’s a versatile option that can work well with a variety of toppings on a Chicago deep-dish pizza.

Sicilian Pizza

Square or rectangular in shape, Sicilian pizza has a thick, airy crust and is typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. Sicilian pizza, characterized by its thick, fluffy, and airy crust, often topped with simple ingredients like tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings, pairs well with wines that complement its flavors without overwhelming them. Here are some wine options that can be great pairings for Sicilian pizza: Pinot Grigio: If you prefer white wine, Pinot Grigio’s crisp acidity and citrus notes can pair well with Sicilian pizza. It complements the lighter toppings often found on this style of pizza. Barbera: an Italian red wine, offers a good balance of acidity and fruitiness. It can complement the acidity of the tomato sauce and work well with a variety of toppings. Rosé: A dry Rosé wine can provide a fresh and lively contrast to the flavors of Sicilian pizza, particularly if it has toppings like fresh vegetables or prosciutto.

Margherita Pizza

This classic Italian pizza consists of simple yet delightful ingredients – tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Margherita pizza, with its simplicity and classic combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, pairs well with wines that enhance the clean, fresh flavors without overpowering them. Here are some wine options that can be perfect pairings for Margherita pizza: Chianti: An Italian red wine, is a classic pairing for Margherita pizza. Its bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and a touch of earthiness complement the tomato sauce and basil beautifully. Pinot Noir: A red wine with delicate red fruit notes and good acidity, can harmonize with the simplicity of a Margherita pizza without overwhelming it. Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc with its crisp acidity, herbaceous notes, and citrus flavors can provide a refreshing contrast to the pizza’s tomato and basil.

Enjoy crispy crust, melted creamy cheese, and scrumptious tomato sauce topped with your favorite ingredients? Savor our City offers a Pizza Making Activity, to enjoy such experience firsthand you can visit our Experiences – Cooking classes home page, where you will be able to request information to live such experience live.

National Pizza Month is a time to indulge in this culinary masterpiece and celebrate its rich history and cultural significance. Whether you’re a purist who enjoys a classic Margherita or an adventurous eater who loves exotic toppings, there’s a slice for everyone. So, this October, treat yourself to a slice or two (or more) and savor the deliciousness that is pizza! Enjoy National Pizza Month to the fullest, and remember, pizza is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together. Happy National Pizza Month!

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise

The post Time to Savor Every Slice: October is National Pizza Month appeared first on Savor Our City.

Dear Foodie Friends,

For those of you who have been around Boca Raton for the past 10 years, you might say that there has been quite the revolving door when it comes to the dining scene. Take the south west corner of Federal Highway & SE Mizner Blvd. in Downtown Boca for instance. How many of you remember Oceans 11, Saba Sushi, Ovenella and the short-lived The Little Chalet? Who remembers anything before? Let me know by commenting at the bottom of the post. I took you back as far as I could recall, since first coming to the area and immersing myself into the food scene here in Boca.

The Little Chalet was a beautiful special-occasion venue that is wildly popular in Brazil, but for whatever reason, just didn’t catch on here in the company’s first US location. It’s a shame; they spent a small fortune I’m sure creating a lovely romantic ambiance. But, beautiful decor alone doesn’t pay the bills so the owners decided early on to cut their loss and close and re-open with an entirely new hip & trendy concept.

Created by Ricky Marcellini, owner of The Little Chalet who explained that after noting a change in the area’s demographics, they saw an opportunity to introduce South Floridians to a breezy, Brazilian nightlife-inspired restaurant and lounge for everyday dining. To facilitate a more communal and casual quality guest experience, he opened the space to an airier interior, expanding seating and adding a second bar to the outdoor patio.

“We have watched East Boca grow and change over the years, and we wanted to evolve our restaurant to match the tastes and lifestyles in the area, which is why we closed our doors as The Little Chalet and have reopened as The Locale,” explains Ricky. “Our culinary team is as skilled as ever, and we are excited to offer a more robust and unique beverage program to complement the quality dishes that come out of our kitchen.”

The hip and trendy The Locale Cocina & Bar presents guests with a Latin-inspired menu (South American influences including Brazil & Equador) and I would say Italian as well and is fast becoming the gathering spot in Downtown Boca for local friends and business associates.  I’m sure it also helps to offer Happy Hour every day from 4 – 7pm and again from 9pm til closing. What’s more, is that guests can enjoy happy hour anywhere in the restaurant, not just the bar Sun – Thur (and at the bar only on Fri & Sat nights). There’s a reduced price food menu and all drinks are 1/2 off.

I was invited by The Locale’s PR firm to attend a media dine. They hosted a lovely event which several of my blogger friends attended, however, I was unable to attend at the time due to a lingering cold. I was thrilled to be invited back to experience the restaurant once I was well. On this dine, we started out a couple of their popular cocktails; I chose the Lychee Martini and my husband chose the Caipirinha, Brazil’s National cocktail. Lychees are my newest exotic fruit obsession, by the way.

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The Locale’s Chef Joshua Miranda and team take pride in creatively melding exotic flavors with familiar applications in order to deploy flavorful creations to be shared. Locale’s Manager Carlos took the liberty of sending out a variety of dishes for us to try: a trio of appetizers consisting of pork & beef meatballs, mushroom crostini (called tostada on the menu) and tuna tartare were presented first. They were all delicious, but the star for me was the tuna tartare. The su vide preparation of the egg yolk was something that a true die hard foodie like myself would appreciate.

Carlos next sent out the Locale pizza which had fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula and shaved Parmesan. Tip: took home leftovers and heated the pizza up and cracked a fresh egg on top to make a delicious breakfast pizza!

The Picarina steak had a beautiful sear on it and was seasoned and cooked perfectly and served with yuca fries.

There was a generous portion of shrimp in the Fettucini Alfredo dish. Also made a nice shrimp scampi crostini the next day with these leftovers!

The Locale boasts Boca’s only Mixology Bar. (I see a Savor Our City Mixology Class taking place there in the future)– The Locale provides libation seekers with two bars and ample seating. Inside, chocolate bitters, candied ginger and acai liqueur are at the ready behind the bar, shaken up into one-of-a-kind drinks that are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Moscow Mule drinkers can choose from four iterations of the copper-mugged classic, including a daily rotating option, in addition to cocktails like the Brazilian Rum Runner  Fig Old Fashioned, Lychee Martini and Jalapeño Aquafaba. At the newly-expanded patio, The Locale’s outdoor bar is happy to shake up something on the more traditional side in addition to pouring South Florida’s coldest brew at an impressive 28°F from their special imported below-freezing brewery tap. With over 35 beers from 6 countries, the perfect sip is always within reach.

Other signature dishes on the menu that look really interesting which I will have to go back for are: Beef Empanada with shredded short ribs and tomato jam; Croqueta fried dough filled with ham and cheese; and Shrimp Ajillo garlic shrimp served with white rice and broccoli bring a taste of South America to the table. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will swoon over The Locale’s meat-free Portobello Burger with tamarind glaze, manchego, crispy kale, aioli on a brioche bun; and flavorful signature entrées abound, with highlights including Short Rib over manchego polenta; Faroe Island Salmon with wild rice, asparagus, yogurt crema; and Bucatini with yellow chili sauce, onions and tomatoes and choice of sautéed filet or chicken.

The Locale’s Happy Hour is served every day from 4-7p.m. and 9p.m.-close, where guests can enjoy even more brews, beats and bespoke cocktails from anywhere in the restaurant.

The Locale is located at 499 S Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33432, They are open for dinner Sun. – Thurs. 4 – 11p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 4p.m. – 1 a.m. and brunch on Sundays fro 10:30am – 2pm. For more information or to make a reservation, call (561) 325-8000 or visit www.localeboca.com.

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post The Locale Is The New Locals Hot Spot in Boca Raton appeared first on Savor Our City.

We are pleased to report that award-winning restaurateurs Burt Rapoport and Dennis Max have come together once again to resurrect the once-celebrated, Prezzo. A fixture in the 90s in Boca Raton, Aventura and South Miami, Prezzo brings back fond memories for area residents who remember the restaurant serving rustic Italian cuisine with a cool vibe. The first location was opened in Boca Raton in 1989. Fans will be happy to know that their signature roasted garlic and focaccia bread sticks are back. Joining the dynamic duo for this revival is James Beard Award-winning chef, Mark Militello, who leads the kitchen as executive chef.

The garlic, breadsticks and other memorable favorites such as the wood-oven apple tart, fusilli & chicken pasta and the wood-fired pizzas all made a comeback on the new menu along a selection of Italian-inspired and health-conscious entrees.

The centerpiece of the 4,300-square-foot restaurant are the sights and smells wafting from the wood-burning oven known for producing crispy, thin-crust pizzas and amazing chicken wings among other signature dishes. Did you know that Prezzo introduced the first wood-fired pizza oven to South Florida when it opened its first location in Boca Raton in 1989!?

I was invited to a tasting with along with other media/bloggers. I started off with a most delicious glass of baby Amarone. I savored every last drop. The food kept flowing: from the signature roasted garlic and yummy crusty bread (served complimentary to all dining guests), Prosciutto de Parma pizza, chicken wings with caramelized onions, arancini, beet salad, salmon and their famous wood-fired apple tart served with cinnamon gelato.

Seating consists of 120 inside and 50 seats on the patio. Prezzo also features a spacious indoor/outdoor bar area, complete with a creative cocktail menu and expansive wine list curated by Bar Manager and Master Mixologist, Arturo Sighinolfi. The cozy 20-seat bar will surely become a local hotspot for happy hour.

Open for lunch Mon – Fri 11:30am – 2pm and dinner Sun – Thurs 4:30pm – 9pm; Fri & Sat 4:30pm – 10pm

Park Place Plaza | 5560 N. Military Trail. Boca Raton, FL 33496 561-314-6840  www.prezzoboca.com

Follow Prezzo’s and share your memories using #OnlyAtPrezzo @PrezzoBoca

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Prezzo’s, A South Florida Fixture in the 90’s is Baaaack!!! appeared first on Savor Our City.

I am sorry for the big gap in between posts. I have been busy growing my company. Lots of exciting things will soon be revealed. A brand new website is just one of the things you can expect to see before the end of the year, woo hoo!

For any of you who have ever been on one of our culinary tours, you probably received a goodie bag provided by one of our sponsors, Whole Foods Market, which we fill with info and offers from each of the places we took you to during the tour, plus a sample from another sponsor, Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle.

Today’s blog post will be short and sweet. I wanted to let those of you in or near the Boca Raton Whole Foods Market location know that you should make a point to stop into their new Tavern on the Glades. This full service sit-down eatery located inside the store celebrates flavor and features all-day breakfast, pub burgers, amazing salads, sandwiches and more. At the Tavern, guests can choose from 16 craft beers on tap, Sommelier selected wines and non-alcoholic beverages.

TAVERN HOURS ARE 8AM TO 9PM, DAILY

Whole Foods Market is located at 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431  561.447.0000

Check out their menu!

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Tavern on the Glades – Whole Foods Market Boca Raton appeared first on Savor Our City.