Connecticut Native & San Diego Pizzeria Owner, Jon Mangini, Celebrates National Pizza Week this January by "Raising the Dough" for Newtown, CT

January 3, 2013

The natural progression into the New Year brings forth excitement, and for some disdain, for the next approaching holiday celebration – Valentine’s Day. However, for true foodies around the country, the coming of January provides a different reason to rejoice, with one of the most important culinary holidays of the entire year -- National Pizza Week.  The week long celebration takes place annually throughout the second week of January and this year will be celebrated from Sunday, January 6th to Saturday, January 12th.

Jon Mangini, owner of San Diego's notable New Haven inspired pizzerias, URBN Coal Fired Pizza in North Park & Vista as well as BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar in the East Village, will be putting his notorious Connecticut-style pies in the spotlight for National Pizza Week by giving back to the families of the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy, a cause that is incredibly near and dear to his heart. Mangini, who was born and raised in New Haven, recently visited Connecticut after the tragedy with his wife Lisa, who was also raised in Trumbull, Connecticut---just minutes away from Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Inside Basic

"You hear about the tragedy all over the news, and it’s devastating, but going back home and visiting the town, seeing the banners and signs, and bearing witness to a community that is in the midst of unimaginable grief really hit home for my family and I,” says Mangini. “After coming back to the West Coast, I wanted to do something to show support in my own way.”

On Monday, January 7th, at all three of his pizzeria locations – BASIC in East Village, URBN North Park & URBN Vista – Mangini will be kicking off National Pizza Week in San Diego by “RAISING THE DOUGH” for this personal cause by donating 100% of proceeds for ALL PIZZAS PURCHASED during the hours of 5-7pm to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund. Having originated in New Haven, Connecticut, the Neapolitan style of pizza is often referred to by locals as "apizza" and is characterized by a thin crust, a crispy shell, a desirable char and a soft inside chew.  Two of the most popular New Haven-style pies include mashed potato and bacon pizza, well as white clam pie, topped with parmesan, garlic and fresh little neck clams.

Please visit the websites below for more information, or call the restaurant for a reservation on Jan 7th.  Reservations are strongly recommended.

BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar
410 10th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 531-8869
www.barbasic.com

URBN Coal Fired Pizza, North Park
3085 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 255-7300
www.urbnnorthpark.com

URBN Coal Fired Pizza, Vista

203 Main Street
Vista, CA 92084

(760) 724-8840
www.urbnpizza.com