THE DISH
All things Italian food, and Maryland love. Check out the most common categories:
The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and suddenly all you want is a big bowl of pasta or a slice of warm, cheesy pizza. Sound familiar? As November settles into Maryland and we head toward the holiday season, this craving for hearty, carb-heavy comfort food isn’t just in your head. Well, actually, it is in your head—but there are real biological and psychological reasons behind it.
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Italians take their food seriously. Growing up in Monte Di Procida, a small coastal town outside Naples, we learned early that Italian cooking comes with rules. Not just recipes, but rules. Break them, and you might hear a sharp “Non si fa!” (We don’t do that!) from a nonna or see an auntie physically wince.
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When we opened Spizzico Italian Kitchen in Arnold, we knew we wanted to bring authentic NY-style pizza to the Broadneck Peninsula. But what exactly makes a pizza “NY-style”? And why does it matter when there are so many pizza styles to choose from?
As three friends from Monte Di Procida, Italy, a small town just outside Naples, we grew up understanding that pizza is more than just food. It’s tradition, technique, and respect for quality ingredients. When Italian immigrants brought pizza to New York City in the early 1900s, they adapted their Neapolitan traditions to American tastes and ingredients, creating something entirely new: the iconic New York slice.
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The back-to-school season brings a whirlwind of activities: homework help, after-school sports, parent-teacher meetings, and the endless juggle of family schedules. Between packing lunches, coordinating carpools, and managing extracurriculars, the last thing any parent wants to worry about is spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where quick Italian meals become a parent’s best friend.
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Look, we need to talk. If you’re reading dating advice that tells you to avoid pizza on dates because it’s “too casual” or “not sophisticated enough,” you need better friends. Pizza isn’t just acceptable food for a first date. It’s actually a genius-level dating strategy. Whether you’re nervously re-entering the dating scene after a divorce, meeting someone from that app for the third time this month, or celebrating your golden anniversary, pizza is your wingman.
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There’s something magical about combining two of life’s greatest pleasures: watching incredible movies and enjoying delicious pizza. Whether it’s a family flick with the kids or a nostalgic classic with friends, no movie night is complete without a hot, cheesy pie. (Okay, and maybe some popcorn!) From iconic scenes that made us crave a hot, cheesy pie to films where pizza plays a starring role, cinema has given us countless reasons to celebrate this perfect pairing.
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An argument could be made that pizza is the perfect food. The chewy bread base features a tasty golden crust. The zesty tomato sauce blends with layers of gooey melted cheese. Toppings galore allow you to personalize your pie. Your mouth is watering right now just thinking about that first bite, isn’t it? It’s no wonder families eat an estimated five billion pizzas each year, and the global pizza market is valued at nearly $200 billion. What makes pizza even better is that it’s just as good the next day. Maybe you sneak it cold from the fridge or take the time to lovingly reheat it. Either way, leftover pizza offers the same delightful appeal the second time around. For some, the follow-up is even better than the original serving. If you could write a love letter to the slice that somehow survived dinnertime to be savored later, what would it say? Here’s what your clandestine communication might look like.
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Have you ever noticed that it’s hard to be mad with a mouthful of cheese? Whether you like a nibble of sharp cheddar, crackers bathed in creamy brie, or a salad topped with tangy gorgonzola, cheese might just be the best form of culinary therapy. In the wide world of cultured dairy products, few cheeses are more universally beloved than delicate, creamy mozzarella. When melted to gooey perfection, it transforms any dish it adorns. But what is it that makes mozzarella so enticing, and how can this classic cheese instantly make everything better?
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Pasta cravings hit differently depending on the day. Sometimes you’re looking for cozy comfort, other times you want something bold and saucy. No matter the mood, we’ve got pasta dishes to match it. Here’s your unofficial guide to choosing the perfect Spizzico pasta based on how you’re feeling.
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HapPi Pi Day to you! Are you ready to join the international celebration of Albert Einstein’s birthday on March 14? And what’s the connection between Einstein, Greek letters, and pizza, anyway? Pi, or π as it’s expressed in mathematics, is one of math’s most famous numbers. It’s a mathematical constant that expresses the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Pi is an irrational number, which means that its digits actually go on forever. However, it’s typically rounded off to 3.14 for everyday use. Of course, 3.14 is also a way to write “March 14,” giving science and math enthusiasts a punny way to celebrate one of the world’s most brilliant thinkers. You don’t have to be a genius to join in the fun of Pi Day. There are many inventive ways to celebrate this international holiday, including having a delicious slice of pizza pie at your favorite Italian eatery.
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