New Haven Pizza Party Breaks World Record – NBC New York
New Haven’s Apizza Feast Draws Record Crowd of 4,525
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New Haven’s annual Apizza Feast, held on September 12, 2023, on the New Haven Green, attracted a sold-out crowd of 4,525 attendees, surpassing the event’s goal of 5,000.
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The event showcased New Haven’s renowned “apizza” – a distinct style of pizza characterized by its thin, charred crust – and celebrated the city’s status as a pizza mecca. Attendees sampled offerings from numerous local pizzerias.
Mayor Elicker Celebrates New Haven’s pizza Culture
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker lauded the event’s success,stating,New Haven has once again demonstrated its pizza supremacy,and why the Elm City is the pizza capital of the country and the world. With 4,525 pizza party participants,the love for pizza and New haven was literally palpable and on clear display. It was a magical, one-of-a-kind New Haven night. New Haven ah-beetz can’t be beat!
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The term “ah-beetz” is a local pronunciation of “pizza” and is deeply ingrained in New Haven’s pizza culture.
The History of New haven-Style Apizza
New Haven-style apizza traces its roots back to Italian immigrants who settled in the city in the early 20th century. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, founded in 1925, is widely credited with popularizing the style, known for its coal-fired ovens and simple, high-quality ingredients. Pepe’s history page details the origins of the apizza style.
Key characteristics of New Haven apizza include:
- Thin Crust: Significantly thinner than many other pizza styles.
- Charred Crust: Cooked in extremely hot coal-fired ovens, resulting in a distinctive charred flavor and texture.
- Simple Toppings: Often features minimal toppings, allowing the quality of the crust and sauce to shine. The white clam pie is a particularly famous exmaple.
Impact on New Haven
The Apizza Feast and the broader popularity of New Haven-style pizza have a important economic and cultural impact on the city. the event draws tourists and generates revenue for local businesses.Moreover, new Haven’s pizza scene has fostered a strong sense of community and civic pride.