In all the unfortunate corners of the Earth that I have traversed, these two foods have been a comfort. Indeed, both pizza and pineapple seem to be culturally significant across the globe.
Pizza is at the forefront of a global capitalist economy.
Whether you pay a ridiculous amount for a slice at Pizza Hut in Moscow, or eat a cheap imitation made by a street vendor in Dakaar, pizza is one of the few words that penetrates the language barrier. The pineapple, Ananas comosus , often symbolizes hospitality and warmth. In the New England colonies, it was a great honor to serve pineapple to one's guests. Extremely difficult to obtain, a fresh pineapple was often rented, purely for display, at dinner parties, and then resold the same day to a wealthier household. When I lived in Costa Rica, pineapple was the centerpiece of Sunday brunch.