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Naples : History of the Pizzeria

by Top Chef on October 31, 2010

The pizzeria Brandi in Naples Italy, according to some travel guides, would be a must for tourists since the pizza was born here …  is widely believed that pizzas are a lot better in this wonderful city.

History of Pizzeria Brandi: the pizzeria was founded in 1780, near the Royal Palace. The name came from one of the first owners, Pietro Colicchio, known by the nickname “Peter the pizzaiuolo. Pietro, having no brothers or sons, sold the pizzeria to Henry Brandi, who passed it to his daughter Mary Jane Brandi, future wife of Raffaele Esposito.

Thus it was with Raffaele Esposito, the husband of Mary Jane Brandi, who in June 1889, during a visit in Naples he was invited by a royal official at the Reggia di Capodimonte. Raffaele Esposito went with his wife making his entrance aboard a carriage pulled by a donkey.
They had three varieties of pizza: a white with oil, cheese and basil, and finally one with mozzarella and tomato.

Latter it was recorded having the approval of Queen Margherita. Raphael  then paid homage to the pizza with the name of the Queen and there it was born in June 1889, the pizza Margherita, the most famous pizzas.

The Royal Household in the meantime had sent the great pizzaiuolo, on June 11, 1889, a letter, which stated that:

Capodimonte, June 11, 1889

Esteemed Mr. Raffaele Esposito (Brandi). I confirm that the three qualities of pizza you have cooked for Her Majesty the Queen were very good.

Yours faithfully,

Galli Camillo
Chief of the Royal Household

The original document is still on display in the Antica Pizzeria Brandi.


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