Bucks Coal Fired Pizza in North Palm Beach, Florida, is making headlines with its unusual specialty – the “Everglades pizza.” This innovative creation, featuring a medley of cheese, bacon, and the unexpected addition of iguana meat, has taken social media by storm since its introduction earlier this year following a cold snap that caused iguanas to fall from the trees. The owner, Ryan Izquierdo, who doubles as a content creator, launched this quirky menu item after seeing the opportunity to use the cold-stunned iguanas, now classified as an invasive species.CBS 12 reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission even stepped in to allow residents to remove these iguanas without a permit during the cold snap, tacitly endorsing this unique culinary adventure.
Those who dare to try the Everglades pizza might be surprised to learn that the iguana meat, as described by Izquierdo, boasts a flavor reminiscent of frog legs, adding a sweet touch that complements the other toppings beautifully. The pizza combines olive oil, cheese, bacon, venison, and, of course, the star ingredient: iguana meat. Izquierdo has even hinted at making iguana pizza a permanent offering if they secure an approved vendor for the meat.Fox 13 News highlights a behind-the-scenes video that has gained more than 675,000 views online, further solidifying the pizza’s viral status.
The Dave Portnoy Experience
The buzz reached a new high when Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, rolled into Bucks Coal Fired Pizza for one of his famous “One Bite Pizza Reviews.” After a three-hour trek, Portnoy expressed his excitement over the visit, particularly noting the restaurant’s clever branding, which featured his face on the pizza boxes. He rated the Everglades pizza an 8.1 out of 10, describing it as “very good,” though he felt it didn’t quite reach the heights of his favorite coal-fired pizzas.CBS 12 also reported that dedicated fans of Portnoy have even traveled great distances—some up to 20 hours—to give the Everglades pizza a bite, showcasing how much curiosity and interest this unique dish has generated.
As a testament to its rising popularity, Ryan Izquierdo spoke to the joy of seeing customers not only enjoy their meals but also participate in this unusual culinary experiment. The buzz around the iguana pizza continues to grow, capturing the interest of pizza enthusiasts and food adventurers alike.
Community Resonance
The Everglades pizza is more than just a dish; it is a case study on community engagement and environmental awareness, combining culinary innovation with consumer curiosity. Izquierdo’s efforts to bring awareness about invasive species, while simultaneously serving up a delicious pizza, illustrate how local businesses can creatively spark conversations about ecological issues. The raving reviews and viral content surrounding the pizza indicate a strong willingness among residents and visitors to embrace the unconventional.
With Bucks Coal Fired Pizza at the forefront of this trend, one can only imagine what other unique offerings might emerge next. Whether you’re a pizza lover or simply curious, there’s certainly something to be said for adventurous eating in Florida.