Some New Yorker!
Mayor de Blasio shunned years of Big Apple custom Friday by digging into a slice of Staten Island pizza with a knife and fork.
With the move, Hizzoner joined the ranks of real estate mogul Donald Trump and former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who were ridiculed in 2011 for not eating New York City pizza like a New Yorker — with their hands.
“I’m not going to say anything about that, but it could be considered improper,” said the diplomatic owner of Goodfella’s Pizza, Scot Cosentino.
De Blasio, who is also an unrepentant Boston Red Sox fan, said his style was influenced by his ancestors in Italy – where it’s permitted for pizza and cutlery to mingle.
“With a pizza like this — with a lot of toppings — I usually start with a fork and knife and then move to the American way with my hands,” he said.
The meal, during which the 6-foot-5 mayor polished off three smoked mozzarella slices and one plain slice, offered a chance for de Blasio to hear the concerns of local business owners and supporters.