Florida Pizzeria Captures Attention with Unusual Iguana Pizza

In a surprising culinary twist, a pizzeria in South Florida has become a viral sensation after creating a pizza with a highly unconventional topping—iguana meat. Bucks Coal Fired Pizza, located in Lake Park, Florida, introduced what its owner, Frankie Cecere, described as “the first iguana pizza in the history of mankind.”

The idea emerged during Florida’s recent cold weather spell. As temperatures plummeted, cold-stunned green iguanas became immobile, allowing local content creator Ryan Izquierdo to capture several of these invasive reptiles. The iguanas were humanely euthanized, and Izquierdo took them to Bucks Coal Fired Pizza for an experimental culinary experience.

This unusual creation, known as the “Everglades Pie,” features a white pizza base topped with venison, bacon, and of course, iguana meat. A social media video showcasing Cecere preparing this distinctive pizza quickly garnered millions of views and sparked thousands of comments. The collaboration between Izquierdo and Cecere initially began as a one-off project but swiftly attracted significant attention.

“Most people loved it,” Cecere mentioned in an interview with Fox News Digital. “We’ve received at least 1,500 calls asking if we have iguana available. Many are interested in trying it out.” Although the reaction has been largely positive, some feedback has been less enthusiastic, with individuals expressing displeasure through negative reviews and phone complaints.

Despite the curiosity surrounding this unique dish, the iguana pizza is not being offered for sale to customers. Created specifically for the social media video, it was prepared before the restaurant opened for business. Cecere emphasized, “It was a one-off thing. We did it for a video.”

Bucks Coal Fired Pizza is known for its adventurous menu, regularly featuring nontraditional meats in a nod to Florida’s eclectic outdoor culture. Besides venison, alligator tail is another unique option on their menu.

Ryan Izquierdo, who spearheaded the iguana pizza project, believes this invasive species could have a place on the menu. “I think iguana definitely belongs on pizza,” he commented. After taking a bite on camera, Izquierdo compared the taste to “frog legs,” noting a “little bit sweet” flavor.

Currently, Bucks Coal Fired Pizza is exploring the possibility of sourcing iguana meat through an approved vendor. However, it remains off the menu for the time being. “People really should be more open-minded,” Izquierdo urged, citing the benefits of using invasive species in cooking. He stated that iguana meat is a delicacy in many parts of the world and has potential in various recipes.

Peter Burke, a lifestyle editor with Fox News Digital, highlights this noteworthy culinary experiment and its implications for broader acceptance of unconventional ingredients.