A Slice of Pizza
In the Carlsbad Village
Story by Barbara Brill

Forget the apple pie and the hamburgers. Pizza, some say, is now the most popular food in America.

As stories go, it was introduced in America in Chicago, where an Italian immigrant peddler in the latter half of the 19th century began selling his "tomato pies" on the streets for two cents a slice.

He carried on his head a metal washtub with a false bottom that was packed with charcoal from the oven to keep the pizzas hot, just as they did in Naples, the city that is credited as the birthplace of the peasant dish they called pizzaioli.

But, it was Gennaro Lombardi from Naples who built a coal-burning oven and opened the first pizzeria in America in New York City.

That was in 1905, but it wasn't until after World War II that pizza caught on when soldiers returning from the war brought back with them a taste for the Italian pie. And, the pizza business took off.

Today, it is a $25 billion industry, with the average American eating about 23 pounds of pizza every year.

That's why it's not surprising that in the heart of the Carlsbad Village alone, there are eight places where you can buy pizza. Here they are in alphabetical order. And, please note that except for specialty pizzas, there are charges for extra toppings.

Caldo Pomodoro, 2907 State St. - Serves medium ($12.95) and large ($14.95) pizzas with a choice of regular or hot and spicy marina sauce. (760-720-9998)

Domino's Pizza, 2564 State St. - A variety of styles, from thin crust to deep dish are offered at this chain. Delivery is available for a charge. (760-434-4500)

Fresco Trattoria, 264 Carlsbad Village Dr. - Three selections of pizza, ranging in price from $9.50 to $11.50 with toppings, are on the menu: Margherita, vegetariana and tricolore. (760-720-3737)

Gregorio's, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Suite 208 - Individual sizes range from $8.95 to $14.95; large from $11.95 to $17.95. There's a long list of specialty pizzas. (760-720-1132)

Jays Gourmet Carlsbad by the Sea, 2571 Carlsbad Blvd. - Thin crust pizzas come in three sizes: mini, small and large. Prices are from $8 to $21. Jay's large special white pizza is $25. (760-720-9688)

Knockout Pizzeria, 2937 Carlsbad Blvd. -- Pizza is sold by the slice for $2 or you can get the whole 18-inch pie for $13. Specialties run from $16 to $18. Free delivery. (760-434-4468)

New York Pizzeria, 3067 Roosevelt St. - Five sizes available: personal, $4.75; small, $6.45; medium, $8.05; large, $9.85; extra large, $13.75. Sold by the slice at lunch. (760-729-0785)

Pizza Port, 571 Carlsbad Village Dr. - Traditional crust or wholegrain beer crust. Small, medium and large pies are offered ($6.75, $13.75 and $17.25). Many specialty pizzas. (760-720-7007)

I like my pizza without extra toppings. In fact, I can't even look at pizza with pineapple.

So, here in alphabetical order are my top three choices for the best cheese pizzas in the heart of the Village.

At Gregorio's, the dough is made fresh daily, and 100 percent mozzarella is used. However, to taste like pizza east of the Hudson River, I always have to order extra cheese.

When I want just a slice or two, day or night, I head to Knockout Pizzeria, which states on its brochure: "Don't even think about asking for pineapple or chicken cause that ain't pizza." Amen.

New York Pizzeria not only serves great pizza, but the restaurant smells like a real pizzeria. In case you are worried about eating too much pizza, don't fret.

Contrary to what most people think, pizza is full of nutrients, except for vitamin C.

And, forget the knife and fork. Pizza does taste better when you fold over the crust and eat each slice with your hands. Really.

(Travel & Real Estate 2006)