The Humble Tomato Pie

Is their a type of pizza that Philadelphia can call its own? Of course there is, the Philadelphia area is home to the tomato pie. For much of the region a tomato pie is a large rectangular sheet of crust topped with thick, chunky tomato sauce and often a sprinkling of grated cheese on top. Served at room temperature the tomato pie is a staple of tailgaters and party throwers around the region.

Among the top purveyors of the tomato pie are Marchiano’s Italian Bakery, in Manayunk, Conshohocken Italian Bakery on Jones Street in Conshohocken and Norristown’s Corropolese Bakery.

In the Northeast along a sliver of Frankford Avenue another tomato pie has become famous. This one, served at Tony’s Place is a round crust topped with first cheese and then sauce. Across the street the esteemed Grey Lodge has paid hommage to this classic with their own version.

Trenton’s tomato pies get great praise from Craig LaBan to the common man. De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies have been an institution since opening in 1936 and is considered by many to be the best pizza in the area.

The Pizza Place [Daily News]
Photo via Slice.