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BREAKING PIZZA NEWS: We’re on the hunt for Pampanga’s best Detroit-style square. 🚗

Happy National Detroit-Style Pizza Day! Since today is June 23rd, it is the perfect time to share the story of this Motor City icon.

Did you know that Detroit-style pizza was born from automotive ingenuity? Back in 1946, Gus and Anna Guerra of Buddy’s Rendezvous in Detroit decided to bake a Sicilian-inspired dough in heavy-duty, blue steel pans—the same ones used to hold spare parts in local car factories.

That "make-do" innovation created the signature Detroit-style pie we love today: a light, airy, rectangular crust with those legendary, crispy, caramelized cheese edges (that’s the "frico"!) and iconic "racing stripes" of tomato sauce on top

Whether you call it a "square" or a "rectangle," today we celebrate the resilience and flavor of this Midwestern classic. How are you celebrating ? Grab a corner slice and tag your favorite local spot!

The "Pan" Connection: The heavy steel trays were repurposed from automobile drip pans/parts trays. This thick metal provides the even heat conduction necessary for the perfect crust.

The "Frico": The signature crispy, caramelized cheese edge is achieved by spreading the cheese all the way to the corners of the pan, where it melts and chars against the steel walls.

The "Red Top": Traditional Detroit-style pizza features the tomato sauce applied after the cheese (often in two or three "racing stripes"), ensuring the crust stays airy and doesn't get soggy.

The Holiday: June 23rd was established as National Detroit-Style Pizza Day in 2021 by Buddy's Pizza to celebrate the style’s 75th anniversary. It has been officially observed on this date ever since.

While Detroit-style pizza—famous for its rectangular shape, airy crust, and crispy caramelized cheese edges—is a growing trend in the Philippines, it is primarily concentrated in the Metro Manila area.

Finding authentic Detroit-style pizza in Angeles City, Clark, San Fernando, Mexico, or Subic is challenging as most local pizzerias focus on Neapolitan, New York-style, or traditional thin-crust varieties.

However, you can still find quality pizza in your region that captures the "thick and satisfying" spirit of Detroit-style, or utilize national chains that have expanded into Pampanga.

1: Corner Pizza Philippines: This is your best bet for a true Detroit-style experience in the provinces.

2: Shakey's Philippines & Pizza Hut: Both have a strong presence in Angeles, Clark, and San Fernando. While these are traditional chains, they offer thick-crust options (like the Pan Pizza) that provide a similar "heavy, bready" satisfaction to a Detroit-style pie if you are in a pinch.

3: Angel's Pizza: Known for their Creamy Spinach Dip pizza, which is very indulgent and rich. While the crust is standard, the sheer amount of toppings and cheese often satisfies the "heavy comfort food" craving that drives people to look for deep-dish.

4: S & R - Pampanga New York Style Pizza: While technically New York style (large, thin, triangular slices), they are a staple in Pampanga (SM Clark, etc.). If you are craving a high-quality, reliable pizza, this is the most popular "go-to" for locals.

5: Biggie's Pizza House (Angeles City): Known for their massive, New York-style slices and "crazy late" hours. They are a local favorite for a hearty, filling meal.

6: SATURDAY PIZZA DEAL AT T- Backs Sports Bar and Grill your go to place for great food and to watch the latest sports, with friendly service.

Vagabond Wineguy & Winegirl Wine Styles to Pair

Wine City Philippines
Situated along the MacArthur Highway in Dau, this shop doubles as a bistro and lounge. It is popular among local residents and visitors who want to pair their wine shopping with a meal or a glass on-site.

Selection: Carries over 1,500 varieties, including wines in smaller 375ml formats, as well as spirits like single-malt whiskey and Cognac.

1: Sangiovese/Chianti: The gold standard for Pepperoni.
2: Riesling: The sweet acidity perfectly cuts the saltiness of Hawaiian.
3: Prosecco: A festive, bubbly choice for Margherita or light appetizers.
4: Pinot Noir: Excellent with BBQ Chicken or mushroom-heavy pizzas.
5: Montepulciano: A robust red that stands up to heavy Meat Lovers pies.
6: Rosé: A great, elegant match for Seafood or delicate vegetable toppings. 7: Pinot Grigio: High acidity works well with Seafood or Pesto-based pizzas.
8: Chardonnay (Unoaked): Pairs nicely with Creamy/White sauces.
9: Merlot: Smooth and fruit-forward, ideal for Spicy Sausage pizzas.
10: Lambrusco: A sparkling Italian red that is historically traditional with almost any pizza.

5 Philippine Craft Beers to Pair:
1: Lager: Pairs well with a classic Margherita or light cheese pizza; its crispness cleanses the palate
2: IPA (India Pale Ale): Best for Pepperoni or Sausage; the bitterness of the hops cuts through the fattiness of the meat.
3; Pale Ale: A versatile choice that complements Hawaiian pizzas, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple with light hop notes.
4: Belgian Table Beer/Wheat Beer: Great for White Pizzas or those with creamy, vegetable-based toppings.
5: Amber Ale: Pairs beautifully with richer, meat-heavy pies; it provides enough body to match the savoriness of the toppings.

☕️ STITCH SPOTTED: The Ultimate Central Luzon Coffee Crawl! 🛸💨

Ever wonder where Experiment 626 goes when he gets the ultimate sugar-and-caffeine craving? Forget space travel—Stitch has officially landed in Central Luzon, and he’s on a mission to find the absolute best, most heavily sweetened coffee spots around.

From the shadow of Mount Arayat to the coastal breezes of Subic Bay, here are Stitch's Top 10 Favorite Cafes where you might just catch him causing a little chaotic magic (and dumping an entire mountain of sugar into his mug)! 👇

📍 Angeles City & Clark (The Launchpad)

1: 717 Coffee & Co. (Clark Global City)
Stitch’s Order: The "717 Coffee" (made with coconut milk and inspired by local Tibok-Tibok). It's creamy, sweet, and satisfies his island roots!
2: Moon Café (Angeles City)
Stitch’s Order: An iced specialty latte with extra vanilla syrup. He loves the aesthetic vibes, and it's pet-friendly, so nobody questions a blue alien at the table.
3. Here Cafe (Fil-Am Friendship Highway)
Stitch’s Order: A giant iced Spanish Latte paired with whatever freshly baked pastry has the most chocolate. The massive, beautiful space gives him plenty of room to zoom around.
4. Foam Cafe (SM City Clark)
Stitch’s Order: The Signature Foam Latte with a Crème Brûlée donut on top. The sweet, velvety foam cream is pure experiment-approved heaven.

📍 San Fernando (The Sweet Capital)

5. Paya St. Coffee
Stitch’s Order: A specialty iced white mocha. Known by locals as some of the best coffee in Pampanga, Stitch appreciates the perfect espresso pull—even if he ruins the balance by adding extra sugar packets.
6. Café Noelle
Stitch’s Order: A premium blended frappe with a mountain of whipped cream. Since this cafe brings the spirit of Christmas all year round, it reminds Stitch of the true meaning of Ohana.
7. Cafe B.O.M
Stitch’s Order: A super-sweet Korean-style strawberry milk latte with an extra shot of espresso. The grand, cozy interiors are perfect for an alien trying to lay low.

📍 Subic Bay (The Coastal Hangout)

8. Xtremely Xpresso Café
Stitch’s Order: A rich Lavazza Italian espresso blend, heavily iced and sweetened, right before he tries to tackle a 22-inch Big Ben pizza all by himself.
9. Primero Coffee (Waterfront Road)
Stitch’s Order: Their signature Spanish Latte. Drinking iced coffee right by the Subic waterfront makes him feel like he’s right back on the beaches of Kauai.
10. Hometown Café
Stitch’s Order: The Dirty Horchata Latte with a side of Tiramisu. The stylish, hidden-gem vibe is exactly where a runaway experiment goes to refuel.

🛸 Keep Your Eyes Peeled!
If you see a blue blur skidding across the polished floors or notice a sudden shortage of sugar packets at your local counter, don't panic. Just give him a wave, say "Aloha," and let him enjoy his brew.

What's your go-to coffee order when you need a Stitch-level energy boost? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Eats MeansCoffee