From Italy to a Reno Restaurant, the Pizza Started With the Margherita

"How much has the pizza evolved from simple Neapolitan food fare to part of a gourmet menu in a Reno restaurant? Like stews, the pizza can have just about anything on top; cheese, tomatoes, basil, meat, fish, veggies, and so on. It found its way into America in the early 1900s, eventually becoming one of the most iconic foods in the country. However, the pizza wouldn't have been made possible if it weren't for a simple flavor: the margherita. It all began after the unification of Italy in 1861 when King Umberto I and Queen Margherita paid a visit to the poor town of Naples in 1889. Of the flatbreads they enjoyed, the Queen enjoyed the pizza with soft cheese, tomatoes, and basil the most. Added the fact that the toppings somewhat reminded her of the Italian flag, the flavor was named after her. However, it took a World War for the pizza to take off in America, with the return of American servicemen from Italy."

http://grillatquailcorners.com/from-italy-to-a-reno-restaurant-the-pizza-started-with-the-margherita/