International Pizza Expo 2013 was another record-breaking year — and it once again closed with a $20,000 MEGABUCKS Giveaway.
According to NBC News, 10 million pounds of frozen pizza and other snacks were recalled last month over fears the products may be contaminated with E. coli 0121.
Minnesota has 1,435 pizzerias
More than 4,200 people follow Pizza Today on Twitter.
// Brooklyn Central / Ballard Pizza Company / Pizza Brain
Brooklyn Central
289 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, New York 11215
(347) 725-4891
www.brooklyncentralpizza.com
Owner Roberto Patriarca is a born pizzaiolo, literally. He comes from a line of pizza makers. Last year, he brought his artisan craftsmanship to Brooklyn. The pizza offerings are split into two categories: Old World and New World. Old World staples include the Napoli with sauce, mozzarella di bufala, anchovies, oregano and basil ($17) and Marinara with sauce, mixed herbs and fresh garlic ($9). The New World adds an artisanal flair like the Coney Island with mozzarella, taleggio, pistachios, truffle spread and honey ($18) and the Bushwick with meatballs, sauce, ricotta and pickled chilies ($18). Brooklyn offers pizza lovers of all ages the chance to try their hands at creating a Neapolitan-style pizza through its pizza making workshops. Though the pizzeria opens at 5 p.m. most days, it has capitalized on the brunch craze by offering a weekend brunch with a tailored pizza menu like the Bacon, Egg & Cheese with sauce, mozzarella, applewood bacon and eggs ($12) and the Dumbo with banana, cinnamon, pecans and maple syrup ($12).
Ballard Pizza Company
5107 Ballard Ave.
NW Seattle, Washington 98107
(206) 659-6033
www.ballardpizzacompany.com
This Seattle pizza shop brings entertainment into the folds of its business. Each week, it hosts a family movie night, where customers even get to vote on film options on Facebook. In March, Ballard hosted its first Toss Like a Boss, a competition showcasing 11 area pizza makers. The pizzeria’s menu offers medium and larges pies, as well as “Fat Slices.” Adventurous diners might try The Big Moses, where they leave their selection to the pizzaiolo to create a unique pie for them ($17 for a medium). There is also the Staple & Fancy with pepperoni, pineapple and jalapeno ($16 for a medium) and the Whole Pig with spicy coppa, guanciale, pancetta and prosciutto ($18 for a medium). Ballard also boasts a lively happy hour with a slice of pizza and a pint for $5 special.
Pizza Brain
2313 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125
(215) 291-2965
www.pizzabrain.org
Pizza Brain is a destination for pizza fanatics. It’s part artisan pizzeria, part museum, touted as the world’s first pizza museum. Pizza Brain has the largest collection of pizza memorabilia, according to Guinness Records. The pizzeria has rank among Philly’s best pizzas through online media and polls. Menu features “red” pies, like the Wendy Wedgeworth with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula and honey goat cheese ($19 for a 16-inch) and “white” pies, like the Bob Shieldsmoose with blue cheese, mozzarella, house roasted beef brisket, garlic, horseradish, black pepper and fresh rosemary ($22 for a 16-inch). Topping off the menu is small-batch, hand-dipped ice cream by the pint ($8) with flavors like Bourbon Vanilla, Peanut Butter Maple Tarragon and Coconut Chai.