Satisfy Your Craving With A NY Pizza Slice From Mario’s

As a typical southern city, it may be surprising to find that Winston-Salem offers authentic Italian pizza. Usually, barbecue, pimento cheese, or fried chicken are foods more closely associated with our area. However, you can enjoy a NY pizza slice right here in the Triad when you visit Mario’s Pizza.

Origins Of The NY Pizza Slice

Although some people may think New Yorkers invented the folded pizza slice, its true origins are earlier in Naples, Italy. In the 1800s, the working class frequently enjoyed pizza a portafoglio (wallet pizza). Sometimes, you may also see it called pizza a libretto (small book pizza). These names refer to the unique fold, twice on its side. This meal was inexpensive and easily eaten by workers on the go.

When Italian immigrants arrived in America, they encountered coal-fired ovens rather than the traditional wood-fired ovens of their native country. Generally, a wood-fired oven burns at a lower temperature, resulting in the pillowy crust of Neapolitan pizza. In contrast, coal ovens burn hotter, creating a crispier and drier crust. While pizza a portafoglio reheats nicely, coal-baked crust becomes tough. Thus, New York pizzerias of this era mainly sold whole pies.

Ultimately, selling pizza by the slice became popular with the introduction of the gas oven. Pizzas cooked in gas ovens bake more slowly, producing fundamentally different pies. This significant difference allowed pizza shops to reheat slices without them becoming tough and unpalatable.

Furthermore, the ovens of New York were much larger than the wood-fired ones back in Naples. This allowed pizza chefs to create larger pies. When pizzerias began selling slices, patrons needed a way to eat their large NY pizza slice on the go. Folding the slice kept the sauce, cheese, and toppings intact.

The Uniqueness Of NY Pizza

It doesn’t even matter if I don’t win a self-gold – after every meet, I have pizza. Pepperoni pizza. – Simone Biles, Olympic American Gymnast

Pizzerias create different pizza crusts, sauces, and use different toppings and cooking methods. Yet, the all-time favorite is always NY style pizza. What is it about this iconic style that Americans love above all others?

For a majority of Americans, it’s the crust. As the foundation and flavor base, the crust is the heart of any pizza. NY style has a thin crust that’s crispy on the outside with a chewy interior. Chefs achieve the texture and taste through certain ingredients and techniques:

• High-protein flour
• Perfect hydration ratio
• Fermentation
• Hand tossing
• Cooking method

Of course, the other components, tomato sauce and cheese, matter too. Typically, the tomato sauce is simple and lightly seasoned. Low-moisture mozzarella melts into stretchy strands without making the crust soggy. This combination of comforting carbohydrates, fats, and savory flavors is the reason we eat so much of it.

The Pizza At Mario’s

At Mario’s, pizza making is in our blood. From Calabria to the streets of Brooklyn, our Italian family has been tossing pies for decades. In 1981, Vinny, Tony, and Mario moved to our state to bring a taste of Italy and a NY pizza slice to the south.

Although we’ve opened new restaurants and expanded our menu, we still follow the same traditions:

1. Fresh ingredients

Italian cooking doesn’t have to hide behind complex sauces or excessive spices. We’ve learned how to highlight the natural flavor of fresh ingredients.

2. Hand tossing

How you treat dough matters for texture and flavor. That’s why only hand tossing is good enough for our pizza.

3. Traditional techniques

From the very first step of mixing to the final baking, every procedure matters. Of course, we still follow the traditional methods of our ancestors.

4. Ethnic family recipes

Unlike standardized, chain restaurants, our family brought over our recipes from Calabria, Italy.

5. Toppings

Pizza is versatile, allowing customization by changing toppings. Of course, we offer plenty, 32 to be exact.

Moreover, our pies are some of the most beloved in the area. In fact, TripAdvisor, a travel guidance platform, names us as the #1 NY style pizza restaurant in Winston-Salem. Here’s what one customer says about our food:

We get carry out pizza from Mario’s on Cloverdale Ave in WS regularly. It is GREAT! The cannolis are fantastic too. And the people who work there are the nicest. Love it!  – Mary K.

FAQs About Mario’s Pizza

Our friendly team members love answering questions about our menu or our family-owned restaurants. Below, we provide some additional information.

Do You Offer A Loyalty Program?

We value your business, and love rewarding you for choosing Mario’s. To join, download our app or let your server know you want to join. Then, start earning points, 1 for every $2 spent, toward cash back or free food. After you reach 50 points, we’ll give you a $5 credit.

Plus, as a member, you get special insider perks. For example, we’ll give you a free pizza slice for joining and a birthday gift. We’ll also send you exclusive deals to save you money.

Can I Order Pizza Slices Online?

Absolutely! Both our app and website offer easy ordering. Simply, pick your meal options and a pickup or delivery time, and we’ll handle the rest.

What Else Is On The Menu?

We offer an extensive and varied menu featuring Italian favorites, such as lasagna and ravioli. Other menu items include crisp salads, hearty sub sandwiches, and sweet desserts.

Where Can I Find Delicious Pizza?

Are you craving an authentic NY pizza slice? Why not order a Mario’s Pizza luncheon cheese or pepperoni slice special right now?