Culinary history informs us that the original pizza was a street snack hawked in the back alleys of Naples centuries ago. By law, housewives were not allowed to bake bread at home, therefore they took their bread dough to communal ovens. While waiting for the bread to bake, they would break off a bit of dough, flatten it, sprinkle on some herbs and in short order were enjoying a quickly baked and tasty morsel.
From these humble origins, pizza has become the world's favorite fast food. In the United States, the first pizzeria opened in Manhattan in 1905, serving the classic Neapolitan no-frills pie; thin crusted and chewy, with crushed vine-ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil and a few scattered basil leaves. American innovation soon transformed this humble pie into an array of designer pizzas like Tex-Mex, Chicago and California.
Now, Cedar Key has its own master pizzaiuoli [pizza chef] and a welcome addition to our culinary scene with the opening of Island Pizza on the corner of Park Street and SR 24.
In the old Holman Store location, Dave and Cris Feigin have created an inviting space to experience Italian fare. Dave makes his own hand –tossed dough, guided no doubt by the spirit of his Sicilian ancestor. Also prepared in house by Cris and Dave are their sauces, meatballs, pasta, salad dressings and "sweet tooth pleasers". Along with traditional pizzas, the Feigins offer Island Favorites such as a taco pie with salsa, a veggie with shrooms, roasted peppers, artichokes and goat cheese, a carnivores meat pizza and my favorite, a white pizza with ricotta, feta and sun dried tomato – lightly drizzled with olive oil.
Pastalicious includes a classic spaghetti, ravioli and a manicotti made with crepes, creating a lighter version than the traditional manicotti made with pasta tubes. The Feigin's menu also includes fresh wings, an insalata [salad] and freshly baked rosemary bread, its tantalizing scent filling the shop. It's all truly buonissimo [delicious]. Mangiato bene! [Enjoy your meal].
Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. –Friday and Saturday 11a.m. - 11p.m. and Sunday 12a.m. - 8p.m. closed on Tuesday. For take-out and delivery phone 543-5999 Editor`s note: The Feigins are "going green" and will accept only cash; no checks or credit cards. They also have gift certificates, which Cris suggests is a great holiday present or hostess gift. | 
