Capitol Food Fight? Pizza vs. Hamburger

It could be the classic battle, at a time when distraction may be precisely what is needed.  Hamburger vs. Pizza, for the hearts, minds, and taste buds of Connecticut lawmakers.

In this corner, the hamburger. 

Recognized by the Library of Congress as the Birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich in 1900, Louis’ Lunch in New Haven has been featured in many print and television spots, from The Travel Channel and The Food Network, to Zagat, among countless others, earning honors and recognition far and wide.

Since 1895, the renowned Louis’ Lunch has been serving a classic hamburger sandwich to customers from across the United States. Family owned and operated, and even amidst the pandemic, they are now operated by the fourth generation - among the oldest, family-run businesses in the country.

“Our restaurant prides itself on staying true to the family history and continuing to preserve the past for future generations,” their website proclaims.

And yet, the Connecticut legislature is considering a proposal to designate pizza as the official state food, with legislation proposed in the current session by two lawmakers from New Haven.  New Haven is also well known for it’s delectable family-owned-and-operated pizza restaurants, which have thrived for generations and are known well beyond the city and state’s borders.

Proposed House Bill 5656, by Sen. Gary Winfield and Rep. Pat Dillon, seeks "to recognize the contribution of pizza to the state's cuisine and economy." It has been referred to the legislature’s Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections."

The initiative has been joined by an online petition supporting the idea.  It states:

"We, the people of Connecticut, and those born, raised, living, working, schooling, now, in the past or in the future, see pizza as a source of pride and appreciation for residents and businesses in the state and as an economic driver for the restaurant, pizzeria and tourism industry.”

"By signing this petition,” it concludes, “you will help us show Connecticut Legislators that there is popular support for making pizza our state food."

The site notes that Connecticut has the most independently owned pizzerias in the United States, one of the largest number of pizzerias per capita in the nation, some of the oldest and highest rated pizzerias in the U.S.  The industry has also been featured in books, movies (remember Julia Roberts in Mystic Pizza?) and at least one documentary.

And now, back to the hamburger… 

What makes the hamburger so special?  Louis’ Lunch offer a mouthwatering response:  “Louis’ Lunch is committed to serving a classic hamburger that is made with a proprietary blend of five cuts of meat, ground fresh daily. We want you to experience the meat’s true flavor, so we serve it on white toast and only offer cheese, onion, and tomato as garnishes.”