Pizza, my pizza, oh how I a-dough you!
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans ate flatbreads with toppings, but the dish that is most similar to modern-day pizza originated in Naples, Italy, at a time when the working class needed an inexpensive meal that could be eaten quickly.
Legend has it that King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889 and dined on various pizzas. The Queen's favorite was topped with white mozzarella cheese, red tomatoes, and green basil — the colors of the Italian flag. This combination of toppings is called Margherita to this day.
Pizza was relatively unknown in the United States until the 1940s when large numbers of Italian immigrants settled in New York. Soon the smell of baking pizza filled the air, enticing Italians and non-Italians alike. Today, almost a third of Americans say they eat pizza at least once a week!
Whether you prefer a Chicago deep dish or New York style by the slice, here are five fun ways to help you celebrate National Pizza Day on February 9, National Pepperoni Pizza Day on September 20, or any time you have a craving!
1. Start with a giggle.
Pizza lover or not, we think this joke can't be topped, even if it is a little cheesy! It all depends on your delivery.
2. Visit a local pizza place.
There's no shortage of great pizza places in the Denver Tech Center! Here are some local favorites:
- Big Bill's New York Pizza, 8243 S Holly St., Centennial
- Brewability and Pizzability, 3445 S Broadway, Englewood
- Colonna's, 7475 E Arapahoe Rd., Centennial (another location in Parker)
- Frank the Pizza King, 4701 S Broadway, Englewood
- Jet's Pizza, 8176 S Holly St., Centennial (and several other nearby locations)
- Jimano's Pizzeria, 2950 S Broadway, Englewood
- Mia's Pizza & Pasta, 8931 E Union Avenue, Greenwood Village
- Mici Italian, 2330 E Arapahoe Rd #909, Centennial (and other nearby locations)
- Parry's Pizzeria & Taphouse, multiple locations, including Greenwood Village and Centennial
- Pizza Republica, 5375 Landmark Pl #113, Greenwood Village (also in Downtown Denver)
- Pudge Bros. Pizza, 8000 E Quincy Ave, Denver (and another location on S Monaco Pkwy)
- Sexy Pizza, 1579 S Pearl St., Denver (and several other nearby locations)
- Slices Drive Thru Pizzeria, 7155 E Hampden Ave., Denver
- Viale Pizza & Kitchen, 1390 S Colorado Blvd Ste 190, Denver
3. Learn a fun fact.
The Pizza Planet truck featured so prominently in Toy Story and Toy Story 2 has been included as an Easter egg in every Pixar movie except for 2004's The Incredibles. Have you spotted it in one of your favorites?
4. Movie + pizza = perfect family night!
Toy Story isn't the only movie with a supreme spot for pizza. Here are a few other movies where some form of pizza makes a special cameo appearance — or has a leading role. Watch one while enjoying a slice or two.
- Toy Story and Toy Story 2 (G)
- Back to the Future Part II (PG)
- Home Alone (PG)
- Spaceballs (PG)
- Eat, Pray, Love (PG-13)
- Spider-Man 2 (PG-13)
- Wayne's World (PG-13)
5. Any kind, any time!
Pizza is perfect not just because it's delicious, but you can make it to include all four food groups: grains, dairy, protein, and veggies!
We've got a few recipes to help you serve it up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza
- Lunch or Dinner: Grilled Pizza
- Lunch or Dinner: Pizza Casserole
