23/06/2026
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.
