Around the world, the popular slice may not always resemble the Italian original, but a whole new delicious identity has been created.
Getting a good slice of pizza in the US is pretty easy. Pop into any pizza parlor and pick up a glorious slice of cheese flatbread for under $3 bucks. You could do better and get a small slab for $0.99, but you wouldn’t be getting the best slice, and that’s exactly what you should be after. When it comes to fast-food options, Americans go by a few simple rules. Bigger is better. 
Lots of food trends have come and gone in the US and like many street foods from Asia, they have been recreated and at times butchered by novice cooks wanting to be the next big thing in the Big Apple. The Japanese must squirm at the NY ramen burger; the French are probably going to new heights to turn their noses at the cronut; and us Aussies, aren’t very impressed with the half-asked lattes in Brooklyn.
Yet, when it comes to Italian food, Americans seem to have done something right.
Pizza. Round or square, flat or stuffed, thin or thick, pizza is affectionately adored by all Americans. It is almost more fundamental in the US than in the South of Italy where it apparently originated. Americans have changed it, made it their own and possibly perfected the Italian specialty. Whether you demand a thin crust with spicy sausage or the heartier Chicago rendition, pizza of all shapes and sizes is eaten in America. Real pizza aficionados probably agree that the best pizza is not in the topping, sauce or cheese, but its crust. Clean, no-fuss tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese (fresh for the gourmets out there) and a blistering hot oven…pizza perfection.
The beauty of pizza in the US is that it caters to all gourmet, budget-conscience eaters from all walks of life. You don’t need a pesky knife and fork, nor do you need a spot to sit down. Hand held pizzas are at their best when on the go. Fancy toppings are not essential. Pizzas along the East Coast are thin, smeared with a bit of tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheese. That’s it. Vegans, veggie hipsters and meat lovers, find common ground and keep it simple too.
The first time I ate a real New York pizza was unforgettable. I longed for that first bite but it couldn’t be just any pizza joint, it had to be the best. Eating a New York slice is all about the execution. The pizza has to be fresh, hot out of the oven but not burn-the-top-of-your-mouth hot. For mere tourists, the size may be overwhelming, but don’t be shy. It is after all a thin crust pie, so you’re safe if you are worried about the carbs.
Lovers of social media, don’t jeopardize the pie with all Instagram-ing, Facebook-ing and other “food porn” nonsense, there is a pie is at stake. Hold the pie from the crust, make the New York pizza fold with the paper plate still supporting your pie and just bring it up to your drooling mouth.
Taste the sauce, remember the cheese and savour the crust. If you know what’s good for you, you will pop back in for another slice of New York history.
Of course – if you don’t live in New York City – or Italy for that matter, there are great pizza places everywhere. Rewarded ‘best pizza’ in the world, Chef Johnny Di Francesco calls Melbourne home and has added to Melbourne’s dynamic pizza battle.
La Zerpig
Interview with Chef Johnny Di Fracesco of Gradi Crown on how to get the perfect pizza at home and what he loves most about Melbourne
What’s the secret to a great pizza?
Chef Johnny Di Fracesco: High quality ingredients. What you put into your pizza – from the dough to the toppings – is absolutely what makes or breaks it. I also believe that fewer toppings is the secret to a really great taste, I’ve never believed in loading up a pizza with as many ingredients as you can!
For people with pizza ovens at home, what are the best ways to control the heat and fire of a HOT oven?
Chef Johnny Di Fracesco: There are a few ways to manage the temperature – the easiest is of course a temperature gauge. The flour test is another good one, which you can do after an oven has been burning for about an hour and a half so it should be close to ready to start cooking. Scatter flour inside the oven, and if your oven is at the right temperature to cook the flour will start to turn golden then darken but not too quickly. If the flour darkens quickly and starts to burn, the oven is too hot and you should stop adding wood to the fire.
What’s next for you?
Chef Johnny Di Fracesco: I’m working on opening another restaurant in Essendon which is exciting. It will be a similar concept to 400 Gradi, but like Gradi at Crown, it will have its own personality and take on the menu.
How would you describe Melbournes dining / food scene?
Chef Johnny Di Fracesco: Eclectic and evolving. I love that there are so many different variations of dining available here – you can eat from a food truck or you can experience absolute fine dining. All facets of the food spectrum are covered, and there’s always something new happening, somewhere new to eat, some new food trend to try. It’s food heaven!
Where are your favourite places for pizza around the world?
Chef Johnny Di Fracesco: Naples of course – there are so many great pizzerias in my home town that I find it difficult to get to all of them whenever I am there. I can also admit that I don’t mind a giant slice of New York style pizza when I’m in the USA!
Favourite Pizza joints around Melbourne (and not necessarily on Lygon Street)
Gradi, Crown
Scoozi
La Svolta
90secondi
I have always wondered what pizza in Australia is like compared to that in America. I would love to try it eventually! I love pizza, and Australia is pretty cool! Hopefully, I will be able to get over to the central coast and try it out.
Definitely do it Dave !
I’m afraid we don’t have the pizza culture like the USA and it will disappoint
Only some random firewood places but expensive and not as good as NYC !