Pizzeria Goes Viral with Unconventional Iguana Pizza Creation

In South Florida, a unique pizzeria has captured attention with a video showcasing a most unusual pizza topping famous in the region. Bucks Coal Fired Pizza, located in Lake Park, Florida, made headlines when its owner, Frankie Cecere, came up with what he described as “the first iguana pizza in the history of mankind.” This innovative project was set in motion when content creator Ryan Izquierdo brought Cecere a collection of cold-stunned green iguanas, which he had gathered during Florida’s recent cold spell. After these iguanas were humanely euthanized, they became the star ingredient in an exclusive pizza creation.

The intriguing pizza, referred to as the “Everglades Pie,” is a white pizza topped with an eclectic mix of meats: venison, bacon, and the iguana meat as the highlight. Izquierdo, who had been collecting the iguanas when state temperatures plummeted, came up with the idea for this exotic topping. During Florida’s two-day cold snap, the state temporarily lifted its permit requirements for transporting iguanas, enabling residents to capture and transfer the creatures to wildlife officers for euthanization. Iguanas, which are considered invasive pests in Florida, can be humanely killed on private property.

The once limited project quickly garnered widespread interest, turning into a viral sensation for the pizzeria. “We’ve received around 1,500 calls inquiring about the iguana pizza availability,” Cecere shared, noting the overwhelming curiosity and interest in the unconventional topping.

However, not all the reactions have been positive. “We’ve also faced some negativity from people upset about the concept of using iguana meat,” Cecere added, mentioning persistent negative comments and phone complaints.

Despite the attention, the iguana-topped pizza remains a one-time creation and is not available for customers to order. “It was made specifically for the video before the restaurant opened,” explained Cecere. The pizzeria is known for incorporating nontraditional meats that align with Florida’s outdoor lifestyle, regularly featuring venison and gator tail on its menu. “I think iguana could indeed work well on a pizza,” said Izquierdo, describing the meat as having a taste similar to “frog legs” with a “slight sweetness.”

While Bucks Coal Fired Pizza explores the possibility of sourcing iguana meat from approved vendors, it is not currently part of the menu. “People should be more receptive, especially when it comes to finding beneficial uses for invasive species,” Izquierdo remarked, emphasizing the potential for iguana as a food item.

Overall, the iguana pizza experiment showcased an exciting fusion of culinary innovation and ecological considerations, inviting diners to expand their culinary horizons and embrace new flavors found in unexpected places.