Connecticut Ah-beetz the competition for the American pizza crown

Now sometimes you’ve got to get in there for a slice of the action… and that’s where they’re at in New Haven as Connecticut ah-beetz the competition for the American pizza crown.

All of which came to my attention as I wolfed down a Burrata cow’s milk cheese and cream primo, or starter.

At Contini in George Street, Edinburgh… while looking enviously at my host’s ravioli.

Too rushed after ah-beatzing about the bush around Edinburgh.

But worth it to meet old friends and new from Boston and New England.

And hear that New Haven’s relentless push to be recognised as the US’s prime pizza spot has taken on a new life.

Now, of course, there is the small matter of a Presidential race this year in the States which the good folk of the Constitution State will cast an eye over.

And for balance it is worth mentioning that both Bushes went to New Haven’s Yale University as well as Bill Clinton.

Slice of the Capitol action

But most important to New Haven’s politicians thus far this year is their Ah-beetz or apizza.

And that is why Connecticut governor Ned Lamont took the momentous decision on National Pizza Day in February.

To unilaterally declare the university town as ‘the Pizza Capital of America’.

While that was just the appetiser for the Connecticuters who took over Congress recently, all in the name of apizza.

House Representative Rosa DeLauro only took to the floor.

To enter an official statement into the Congressional Record declaring ‘New Haven the pizza capital of the United States.’

The Democrat had led a delegation of more than 100 pizza makers from around Connecticut to Washington DC to showcase the state’s pizza industry.

Now Connecticut has more than 1,300 pizza-making establishments which is the highest portion per capita in the country.

And they produce more than 150 million pizzas, equalling $3.5 billion in sales per year. All of which the proclamation related.

While New Haven’s 75 pizza-making establishments support thousands of jobs and over $100 million in sales, feeding 2 million customers annually.

Taste of New Haven

‘Many things are debated in the Halls of Congress and Washington DC.

But one thing that’s not up for debate is that New Haven has the best pizza in the country.’ reported New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.

Justin being on the trip along with the Connecticut pizza delegation, including Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza and a raft of others.

All of which will be music to my old friend Colin M Caplan, of Taste of New Haven

For it was he who turned me on to their distinctive Naples-inspired and infused pizza.

The Ah-beetz is from the Neapolitan accent of those early immigrants to the New England state.

And it is a no-nonsense tastefest, a thin-crust, coal-fired Neapolitan.

Franks for the pizzas

Originating in 1925 at New Haven’s Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana.

And now served at many other noted pizzerias in the area, like Sally’s Apizza.

A ‘plain’ New Haven apizza is typically comprised of crust, oregano, tomato sauce and a little bit of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

But don’t just take our word for it as to its zing… well, do.

But Frank Sinatra, no less, and Sir Paul McCartney, Hillary Clinton and Conan O’Brien have all been fans.

And Conan once signed a pizza box for the staff at Sally’s.

And wrote that the shop is ‘not the best pizza in New Haven — the best pizza EVER.’

Flying tonight

Now we’re well served for Connecticut with the Bradley International Airport connecting to Europe.

So let’s all ah-beetz a path there to sample (in my case, again) the best in the States.

Because Connecticut Ah-beetz the competition for the American pizza crown.

And it’s up to you now, Chicago, where I hope to head next year.

And my old friends and family in New York to prove me wrong.