California-style pizza

California-style pizza (also known as California pizza or Gourmet pizza) is a style of single-serving pizza that combines New York and Italian thin crust with toppings from the California cuisine cooking style. Its invention is generally attributed to chef Ed LaDou, and Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, California.

History

The idea of California-style pizza was first developed in the early 1980s by Ed LaDou, a pizza chef from Los Angeles. LaDou began experimenting with pizza recipes, incorporating fresh, local ingredients that were not typically used in traditional pizza recipes. His creations were noticed by chefs Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck, who were instrumental in popularizing the style.

Characteristics

California-style pizza is characterized by a thin, crisp crust and unique, non-traditional toppings. These toppings often reflect the fresh, health-conscious cuisine of California and can include ingredients such as smoked salmon, truffle oil, artichoke hearts, and goat cheese. Unlike traditional pizza, California-style pizza is often served as a single serving and is typically eaten with a knife and fork.

Influence and Legacy

The popularity of California-style pizza has spread beyond the borders of California, influencing the development of other styles of pizza across the United States and around the world. It has also played a significant role in the evolution of pizza as a gourmet food item, paving the way for other innovative pizza styles and toppings.

See Also

• Pizza in the United States
• New York-style pizza
• Chicago-style pizza
• Pizza in Italy