Best Eggplant Parmesan Near Me For A Taste Of Italy

Parmigiana di melanzane, as the Italians call it, is a layered dish. In its simplest form, it consists of eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Yet, these few ingredients make an incredible meal. When searching for the best eggplant parmesan near me, visit Mario’s Pizza.

The Best Eggplant Parmesan Near You Begins With Simple Ingredients

Typically, throughout Italy, you’ll find different versions and methods of preparation of the same dish. Of course, the same holds true for eggplant parmesan. For example, some cooks dip the eggplant in egg and breadcrumbs, others just flour. Still others simply slice it and fry it, while others add meat, zucchini, or bell peppers.

However, the basics of this Italian dish, eggplant, tomatoes, and cheese, are always present.  The eggplant’s spongy absorbency allows it to soak up flavors from the seasonings and sauces. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses offer a creamy and gooey element, contributing to a rich and savory eating experience. Ultimately, it’s a classic representation of Italian cooking at its best – simple ingredients combined to create bold flavors.

At Mario’s Pizza, our chefs follow our Italian ancestors’ traditional methods and recipes. Our dish features thinly sliced eggplant layered with tomato sauce and cheese. Like all our Italian entrees, it includes a side salad and garlic knots.

Origins Of Eggplant Parmesan

Thought to be native to India, most people originally viewed eggplant with suspicion. In addition to its unappealing appearance, it had a bitter flavor. Eventually, the Arabs learned that salting it removed moisture and made the eggplant more palatable. Furthermore, this technique also brought out the fruit’s sweet and creamy texture. From then on, Arabs smoked, roasted, mashed, stuffed, fired, stewed, preserved, and pickled it.

The Arabs introduced the eggplant to the island of Sicily during their expansion into the area around the 9th century. Sicilians embraced this new ingredient, creating many new dishes. Then, around 1492, the government expelled the Jewish population. This ethnic group fled to mainland Italy, introducing the eggplant to their new neighbors.

As more Italians grew to love this fruit, they created delicious new meals. Most historians believe cooks created this Italian eggplant dish somewhere between the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, eggplant parmesan is a popular dinner in many parts of the world.

Chicken Vs. Eggplant Parmesan

Although eggplant Parmesan is very popular in Italy, you won’t find the chicken version anywhere in that country. Chicken Parmesan is entirely an American invention by Italian immigrants. Arriving on our shores, the new settlers had to alter their traditional recipes to incorporate available ingredients.

First, Italians of the 19th and 20th centuries found meat much cheaper in America than in their homelands. Moreover, American farmers who grew eggplant did so for ornamental purposes. Generally, most gardeners were distrustful of the fruit because it belonged to the deadly nightshade plant family. Thus, the combination of inexpensive meat and the misconception of eggplant led innovative immigrants to create chicken Parmesan.

Later, another smaller wave of European immigrants arrived after WWII. These new settlers helped promote the popularity of eggplant. Soon, the vegetarian version of this Italian dish began popping up on menus in America, especially in Italian restaurants.

The difference between the 2 dishes is more than just a change of the main ingredient. Chicken and eggplant have different flavors, textures, and nutrients. These distinctions affect how each interacts with the remaining ingredients.  For example, eggplant has fewer calories, fat, and cholesterol than chicken parmesan. Additionally, chefs typically add more seasoning to the chicken dish to enhance the flavor.

FAQs About Mario’s Pizza

From the best eggplant parmesan near you to NY style pizza, we have something for everyone. Below, we answer a few questions about our Italian restaurants.

What Can I Order At Mario’s Pizza?

We have a large and varied menu with plenty of Italian favorites:

• Appetizers
• Salads
• NY style pizza
• Specialty pizzas
• Calzones
• Strombolis
• Subs
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Lasagna
• Spaghetti with marinara sauce/meatballs
• Ravioli
• Baked ziti
• Cannoli
• Tiramisu
• NY style cheesecake
• Limoncello mascarpone cake

Where Can I Find The Nearest Location?

We have multiple locations throughout the Piedmont Triad area, making it easy for you to grab our delicious food:

• 1469 River Ridge Dr., Clemmons
• 266 Harvey St., Winston-Salem
• 2205 Cloverdale Ave., Northwest Winston-Salem
• 1066 Hanes Mall Blvd., Winston-Salem
• 3354 W. Friendly Ave., Suite 142, Greensboro
• 4215 W Wendover Ave., Greensboro
• 1575 New Garden Rd., Greensboro
• 5824 Samet Dr., High Point
• 2645 N Main St., High Point

How Do I Know Mario’s Is Authentic?

Mario’s began with 3 Italian brothers from Brooklyn, NY.  Growing up, they learned the secrets to authentic cooking by cooking with their parents. In 1981, they moved to North Carolina to bring a taste of Italy to the south. Over the years, they have expanded their menu and restaurants.

Today, Mario’s Pizza is a local favorite known for its delicious food served by friendly staff:

I absolutely love the pizza! Also they have a pizza that is huge. I ordered online the first time and couldn’t believe how delicious it was. Try them folks. – Jeffrey S. Winston Salem

Very fast and very friendly service. Restaurant is clean and the people who work there couldn’t be more polite. – Kathryn B. High Point

I’ve been 3 times since moving into town. Twice in one week. I love the lasagna. And the New York style pizza made by guys from New York is phenomenally amazing. The subs are good too. – Beeswax H. Mundelein, IL

Ready For Some Of The Best Italian Food In North Carolina?

When you want some of the best eggplant Parmesan near me, stop by Mario’s Pizza. Our generously sized portions will satisfy you while the taste will bring you on an adventure to Italy.