20 | Northern Enterprise Awards 2022 Oct22322 Best Authentic Italian Pizzeria 2022 - North East There are many pizzerias across the UK. In such a saturated market, how do you distinguish yourself? Pizzeria Italia has earned its incredible reputation through a dedication to creating delicious, fresh food. We spoke with Director and Master Pizza Chef Filippo Ricci to find out more about Pizzeria Italia following its recognition in the Northern Enterprise Awards. Established in 2017 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Pizzeria Italia has quickly cemented itself as one of the best pizzerias and eateries in the north. With a dedication to authentic Italian food combined with a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, Pizzeria Italia has cultivated a strong presence in a market that is notoriously competitive. For Filippo, the recipe for success seemed obvious from the outset, noting that authentic pizza in Newcastle and the local region was somewhat lacking. Equally, Filippo understands that good food – especially good Italian food – relies on fresh ingredients, passion, and a simple love for food. “The care and passion we put into our work make us unique, our product is unique, because it begins with the study of every detail to obtain a beautiful and good pizza. the choice of raw materials, first to create our dough and then to season our pizzas, the equipment we use and the methods to obtain a unique digestibility. “I also offer thanks to our ever so attentive and magnificently professional staff who are fully dedicated to our customers, new and old.” It must absolutely be emphasised that while almost anyone can make pizza, it takes passion to perfect it. And this passion is obvious when it comes to Filippo’s approach with Pizzeria Italia. Over the last eight years, he has sought constant betterment, seeking to improve at any opportunity, to learn, to develop, and to grow. Here, Filippo continues by explaining the road he has taken over the last few years. “I started my studies as a Pizzaiolo in the first months of 2015, coached by the Master Pizza Chef Valerio Valle. My first course was focused on ‘Classic Pizza’, subsequently obtaining the Pizzaiolo diploma at a professional Italian school. I then attended a personalised course on ‘Pizza in Pala’ and on ‘Vegan Pizza’, with the Pizza Chef Vincent Di Marcello. The Pizzaiolo journey began with the purchase of the pizza shop ‘Pizzeria Italia’ in Newcastle in 2017. “In 2018, I perfected my method thanks to an experience with my teacher and shortly after we hosted the first ‘Pizza Gourmet Testing Event’ at Pizzeria Italia. In 2019, I attended a tailored course, focusing my studies on ‘indirect dough’ and on ‘high hydration’, applied both to the ‘Pizza in Pala’, the ‘Pizza al Padellino’ and the ‘Pizza in Teglia’. At the end of 2019, I participated as a finalist in the UK National Pizza Championship at the Italian Awards in Manchester. In 2020, I founded the first Pizza School in the North-East, offering specialised professional courses for pizza makers.” It would be remiss here to not spend a moment to focus on the commitment to good food that Filippo has showcased along his comprehensive journey. The time spent learning from the best in the business has certainly reaped its own rewards when it comes to establishing Pizzeria Italia in Newcastle, with a brand that perseveres throughout the north. When Filippo’s name is attached to a project, you know you’re going to be treated to something special. Unique. One of a kind. “During 2020, the project rapidly developed a network of contacts which has resulted in us proudly importing equipment. This has led us to open 2021 our own showroom in Cramlington, where we can showcase Italian brands and products from Moretti Forni, David Forni, Esmach, IP Bake, Gi.Metal, Molino Dallagiovanna, Mecnosud, Frantoio Montecchia and Podere Francesco, also in collaboration with Italica Uk in Newcastle and New Concept in Glasgow. In 2022, a new project called Im.pà.sto was born with the main objective of incorporating my showroom, academy and lab together and leading me to develop my main project called PIZZA SOLUTIONS. The objective here is to offer consulting all around the Pizza world.” Pizza is about passion. Food is about passion. If someone wants to succeed in the restaurant and food industries, they must have a palpable, obvious and contagious passion for delivering the best experiences to their patrons. There can be no doubt that Filippo has that passion and has used it to forge Pizzeria Italia’s reputation in Newcastle, and beyond. When it comes to good, authentic pizza, few can come close to Filippo’s expertise, honed as it is in the kitchens of true masters of the craft. This may very well be the best pizza outside of Italy, and in a competitive market such as it is, that is no small feat indeed. Company: Pizzeria Italia Contact: Filippo Ricci Website: https://pizzeriaitalia.uk/ “We offer a wide selection of the best Italian products…. for them to experience a true taste of Italy.”
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