Here is the inside scoop for Pizza Expo 2012

Listen as Tony G. talks about what he will be doing at Pizza Expo:

Keynote Addresses

The first two days of Pizza Expo will kick off with remarks from a couple of industry standouts with very different stories to tell.

Tuesday, March 13, begins with a speech—open to all attendees—by Nick Sarillo, owner of two hugely popular Nick’s Pizza & Pub locations in suburban Chicago.

Dubbed two years ago as the “Blue-Collar Millionaire” by Inc. magazine, Sarillo left his first career as a home-builder and dusted off some old family recipes to enter the pizza business in 1995. He placed two goals among his top priorities: creating a family-friendly restaurant that would become a hub for repeat business; and molding a new model for employee culture, one that drives his staff to stay longer and work harder.

That he’s succeeded is obvious by the multi-million-dollar revenue at both Nick’s restaurants, and by the advance interest in his new book outlining his business philosophy, A Slice of the Pie, scheduled for releas in summer 2012.

Wednesday, March 14, will be launched with a 7:45 a.m. keynote by Marla Topliff, president of another suburban Chicago-based success story—the 170-unit Rosati’s Pizza chain.

She’ll share her personal journey from local representative for Welcome Wagon to a position as its national sales manager, and relate how some of Welcome Wagon’s then-novel neighborhood marketing tactics still apply today. But Topliff credits another position she held while raising her children as her truest training ground: president of the local PTA. She’ll explain how running a Parent Teacher Association group educated her in the arts of politics and persuasion, and helped fuel her rise from marketing director to president at Rosati’s, where she is one of the top women executives in the pizza business.

She’ll also address the role marketing has played in Rosati’s tremendous growth and explain how the company’s cohesive brand image continues to solidify its success.

Competitions

For the 2012 show, we’re adding a new demonstration area—located on the Exhibit Hall floor and outfitted with stadium seating—allowing us to expand the International Pizza Challenge? while continuing the Making Dough With Tony Gemignani workshops and a full slate of pizza-making and hot-topic menu item demonstrations.

The Pizza Challenge will feature four divisions in March 2012: Traditional and Non-Traditional, plus the first-time categories of American-Pan and Italian-Style. Attendees can observe the preparation and judging of these entries and taste the pies themselves to form their own opinions. Winners in each division move on to the Pizza Maker of the Year finals.

The Challenge will also bring back past Pizza Maker of the Year winners for a special “Best of the Best” competition that is sure to wow the audience.

Seminars and Workshops
Among the 75-plus seminars and cooking demonstrations will be these special new sessions:

Power Panels

We’ll convene panels consisting of top operators who are on the cutting edge in their approaches to top-of-mind topics. You’ll be able to learn from the best on subjects including: finding and keeping the best pizzeria employees, building blocks for profitable menus and proven tactics for driving business with social media marketing.

Operator Presentations

We’ve gone to great lengths to bring in more pizza owners and operators to speak about how they excel in specific segments of the business. Among the operator-presenters appearing at Pizza Expo 2012 are: Peter Cooperstein of Amici’s on delivery, Glenn Cybulski of Seasons Pizzeria and Clovers Sports Bar on appetizers, Doug Ferriman of Crazy Dough’s on selling slices, Clayton Krueger of Farrelli’s on social media, George Hadjis of Oggi’s on building community partnerships—and several more.

Super-Segment Thursday

Seminar sessions on the final morning of Pizza Expo will be turned over to special topics presented by those who know them best—pizza people. The morning will begin with a Power Panel on social media marketing featuring advanced practitioners of this new advertising art. Breakout sessions will follow: Bill Jacobs of Piece Pizza on his branding campaign, Mike Rangel of Asheville Pizza and Brewing on tapping higher beer sales, Matt Galvin of Pagliacci’s on growing the catering segment, Michael Shepherd of Michael Angelo’s on working well with vendors—and more.

Pre-Show Monday

After a well-attended day of workshops and seminars geared toward new operators and first-time attendees in 2011, we’re expanding the offerings in 2012. In addition to repeating Big Dave Ostrander’s workshop, “So You Want to Open a Pizzeria,” a second pay-to-attend session is being added: “How to Turn Your Good Restaurant Into a Great Business” with restaurant business guru Jim Laube.
A special Power Panel—“The $2 Million Club”—will also convene, featuring Tony Gemignani, Peter Cooperstein, George Hadjis, Bill Jacobs and Mike Rangel, all of whom preside over pizza operations that average $2 million-plus per unit in revenue. Their subject: “How to Outcompete the Big Chains.”
And a track of afternoon seminars for first-time attendees is being added to go with the track for new operators that was so well attended at our last show.

Here is what Tony had to say to me last year at The Pizza Expo:

As a side note:

Attending Pizza Expo 2012
will be an incredible opportunuty for you and your business!

If you are serious about your pizza business, just do it!

Respectfully submitted,

Albert Grande
The Pizza Promoter

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Scott Anthony Pizza Consultant and Author of "Profits in the Pie".

Scott Anthony knows pizza. From his humble pizza shop in rural Pennsylvania he has built an empire.

Profits in the Pie
is based on his experiences at:

Fox’s Pizza Den
115 N Findley Street
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
814-938-4615
Fox’s Website

Scott’s Pizza Consulting Business Website

Now he is ready to tell all of his secrets. He has published a new book entitled: Profits in the Pie: Effective Marketing Tactics to Seize YOUR Slice of the $38.1 Billion Pizza Pie

This is an outstanding book for anyone who is in the pizza business. Or for anyone who is seriously considering the pizza business.

Anthony holds nothing back here. He reveals all of his secrets, and what has made him a success.

I personally know Scott and I can attest to his expertise in the business.

One of the best things about him, is that he and his pizzeria, give much back to the community.

That may be an inkling to his wildly successful restaurant.

He is able to go head to head with much larger chains. As a matter of fact the town he is located in: Punxsutawney, PA has a population of less than 10,000. Very small by anyone’s standards.

Yet, Scott has been able to grow his business exponentially.

Scott explains:

Profits in the Pie: Effective Marketing Tactics to Seize YOUR Slice of the $38.1 Billion Pizza Pie

“Turn YOUR Passion into Profits’, so you can always do the things you love.
The business tactics and strategies in this book flat out work – not only for
me, but for students and friends of mine. Inside this book you will find tactics
and strategies to:
-Help you envision what your life can be out of the kitchen – Have the time
to do the things you love with the people you love!

-Open your eyes to the possibilities of happiness in the pizzeria – looking
forward to a profitable & enjoyable day at work – everyday!

-Give you marketing ideas that are tried & true – not wasting money, but
making $1000’s!

-Help you easily implement marketing tactics – have an action plan you can
act on making you a local celebrity!

-Tweak ideas & make them your own – be the talk of your town with
‘innovative’ ideas that generate free press!

My 17 years of pizza experience can help put you on your way to the bank.
This book has no theory. It’s operator to operator – and contains what you
need to grow your pizzeria!”

If you run a pizza business or ever thought of the pizza business, you need to grab this book:

Here is my audio review:

Profits in the Pie: Effective Marketing Tactics to Seize YOUR Slice of the $38.1 Billion Pizza Pie

Also available in Kindle format:

Profits in the Pie

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Bleecker Street Pizza

Here is a great pizza story.

An ex-cop opens a pizzeria that starts to get lots of buzz. He learns his craft well.

He uses fresh Parmigiano Reggiano – 1 Pound
in his sauce (OK, gravy). This is the secret to making his incredible base for his pizza. Located just 1 1/2 miles from Times Square this pizzeria is one to watch.

Doug Greenwood, explains the 28-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano is the real secret. And a wheel of 28-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano can cost about $1,000 bucks. Doug says that in order to have the name  Parmigiano Reggiano , it needs to be certified.

They serve several different types of pizza. Each one is unique, and each one is very, very good.

Having a slice of pizza here is like heaven on earth!

Bleecker Street Pizza
69 7th Avenue South
New York, N.Y.
(212) 924-4466

Next time you are in the City, you need to check them out. You can be sure I’ll be heading over there soon.

Get your own fresh Parmesan, here: Parmigiano Reggiano – 1 Pound

Or go for:

.

28-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano

To discover the Best Pizza in New York, go to Pizza Therapy

pizza on earth,

Albert Grande

The Pizza Promoter

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As noted bread baker Peter Reinhart explained to me: “Pizza is the perfect flavor delivery system.” Pizza is the ultimate comfort food.

With a little practice, you can easily make your own delicious home made pizza.

Here are four reasons why you should make your own pizza.

1) Making pizza is easy. With the basic tools found in any kitchen, you will be able to make pizza dough. All pizza dough follows the same basic pattern. Mix flour with yeast, water and salt. Some pizza dough recipes call for oil, however this may be omitted. (I use olive oil in my recipe, but this is a matter of preference.) There are many wonderful pizza dough recipes available to you. You need to find one that you like and will satisfy your own taste.

2) Making pizza is healthy. Since you are making your own pizza, you have total control over the ingredients used. I encourage you to use the freshest ingredients available. The old standards, pepperoni, sausage, tomato sauce, and various cheeses make excellent toppings for pizza. There are many vegetables that can be used for pizza as well including fresh garlic, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions, mushrooms and zucchini. Fresh seafood such as shrimp and clams can also compliment your pizza. Experiment. You will create new taste sensations. You are only limited to your imagination when deciding what to put on your pizza.

3) You will save lots of money. You will be amazed at how economical it is to make your own pizza. The actual price of putting together a quality pizza at home is much cheaper than buying pizza at a pizzeria. One way to save money is by purchasing ingredients on sale. You can multiply your savings by obtaining items in bulk at a food discount warehouse. For example some items like mozzarella cheese can be purchased in bulk. Use what you need, and freeze the rest to be used the next time you make pizza. The savings of buying your pizza ingredients in bulk is substantial.

4) Making pizza is fun. Pizza can be a wonderful group activity. When you make pizza, you can get everyone around you involved in some part of the process. Pizza is also an enjoyable family activity. All kids love making pizza. Pizza is a fun activity which can be enjoyed not only by families but by singles as well. When you make pizza, you make magic happen.

Still not convinced you can make your own pizza? Here are some steps you can take to painlessly, create your own pizza. Start with a frozen pizza shell purchased at a supermarket. This is a good way to begin to learn how to make your own pizza. You are in complete control of what toppings you will use.

The next step is to purchase fresh pizza dough from a bakery or pizzeria. This will give you good experience in working with dough and shaping your pizza. Making pizza like this will allow you invaluable experience.

Finally, you can try making your own dough from scratch. Making dough may seem difficult at first, but will get easier and easier over time. You can find a link box to get a free copy of my pizza dough at the end of this article.

Without much effort, you will be making healthy pizza, saving money and having a lot of fun. The hardest part of making pizza is the clean-up.

Listen to an audio of this article, here:

Learn to make your own homemade pizza and dough at Pizza Therapy, click here, now!

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The Pizza Place, Westerly Rhode Island

Rosario Cacciatore knows pizza. He first started to make pizza while he was the dishwasher at the Recovery Room, in New London. FYI: the Recovery Room makes some of the best pizza in Southeastern Connecticut.

Now, Rosario has opened his own pizzeria in nearby, Westerly, Rhode Island. Known simply as the Pizza Place, he continues to make great pizza.

Now The Pizza place is making the best pizza in Rhode Island.

For me one of the most interesting things he states is about making pizza. He does explain that you need to use only the finest ingredients. You need very fresh high qulaity ingredients.

But then he goes on to explain that unless you have a love for pizza, it just does not turn out right.

Visit the Pizza Place and let us know what you think.

The Pizza Place
43 Broad Street,
Westerly, RI 02891
(401) 348-1803 or Toll Free 1-877-596-7739

Here is something you may find useful, if you are in the Pizza Business or considering the pizza business. Profits in the Pie: Effective Marketing Tactics to Seize YOUR Slice of the $38.1 Billion Pizza Pie

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Most of these have some very original and perhaps what some may call, odd
combinations. Pizzaiola`s menu is a good example of this. Their “Al Tonna” pizza includes tomato sauce, oregano, mozzarella cheese, olives, garlic and tuna. Their “Marinara” is identical to the “All Tonna” but with the addition of prawns and nchovies. However, they also implement more familiar topping combinations such as the Hawaiian with ham, mozzarella, pineapple and tomato sauce and the Pepperoni, or “Meat Feast”.

Cherrybox Pizza has a few more familiar options, although they also have equally less mainstream menu items as well. One that is particularly unique is the “Peking Duck”, topped with shredded cucumber, mozzarella cheese, shredded duck and Chinese hoi sin sauce. Another unique item is the “Moroccan”, made with a hummus base and topped with shredded lamb seasoned with cumin, raisins, mint yogurt sauce, red onions and mozzarella cheese.

While Pasquales is specially known for its excellent garlic bread, Franco Manca is known for its sourdough crust pizzas. Their menus are seasonal and their summer options and pie names, are simpler. Their most distinctive pies include the “Number 3″, with buffalo ricotta cheese, courgettes and basil with their organic specialty “Franco and Lloyd Somerset Pecorino” and the “Number 4″ with buffalo ricotta cheese, home cured Gloucester Old Spot ham and wild mushrooms.

Vesuvio distinguishes its daytime menu from its nighttime menu, with a larger variety of pizzas on the nighttime menu. Unlike the others, they serve a full menu with pasta and side dishes. They share Pizzaiola`s Marinara pie, along with a couple of others that overlap with other distinguished pizzerias. However, they offer a unique “Pizza Vulcano” with mozzarella cheese, tomato, spicy Italian sausage, olives and the option of either dried or fresh chili. The “Pizza Parma” is also unique, featuring prosciutto, wild rocket, shaved Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, olives and fresh basil. There is also the “Pizza Paesana” with tomato, onion, mushrooms and
egg.

As you can see, specialty pizzerias are not limited to Italy. You do not have to go far in the UK for unique or “standardized” delicious pizza.

Those looking to enter the pizza industry can even gather inspiration from these pizzerias, simply by viewing these recipes online, though tasting them is a finer experience. You can even search for a catering equipment supplier online.

Whether you are just a pizza enthusiast or looking to enter the business, finding delicious pizza can be a quick click away.

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I can tell you that your first bite of Tomato Pie is a Pizza Altering Experience! It’s not ‘like’ a NY Slice, it’s not anywhere near a Neopolitan Slice, it’s not similiar to any pizza type you’ve ever had in my experience, it’s it’s own unique style of Pizza and rightfully so. There are now 4 types of Pizza in my Universe, NY Slice, Neopolitan, Brick Oven, and Drum Roll PLEASE……Tomato Pie!

Do Not mislabel Tomato Pie as ‘Pizza’ my friends, no, it’s as distinct as a Ferrari is from a Porsche, both are great examples of great cars. Such are Maruca’s Tomato Pies on the Boardwalk at Seaside Park, NJ where they have been serving up the Ferrari’s of Tomato Pies since 1950. Now, you have to understand that quality ingredients do not come cheap, and Tomato Pies at Maruca’s come in large 18″ for $16, and extra large 24″ for $25.
They offer a standard fare of toppings, but I insist that you try your first Tomato Pie ‘Au Natural’, or ‘Margherita’ to get the whole experience I have described above for you!

Since Maruca’s only has their one location at Boardwalk and Porter Ave in Seaside Park, NJ the Owners are always there making the pies and available to answer your questions on it’s history. Hailing from the birthplace of Tomato Pies, Trenton, they are masters of their craft and know it well. All the way home I kept chastising myself for not ordering an extra large to go….but then again none of it would’ve made it home!!

Now that the Summer beach crowds have gone home, street parking is FREE, the boardwalk is OPEN, and most of the stores are too, and it’s easy to walk the length of it contemplating your very own Maruca’s Tomato Pie. I suggest you park and start walking down the boardwalk from the North end. It’s a test to see how strong your Pizza willpower is as you will continue to pass one after another of typical NY style pizza shops trying to entice
you with their wares. Don’t be fooled! KEEP WALKING! Not only is it good for your health, but by the time you arrive at the South end where Maruca’s Tomato Pie’s is located the salt air will have given you the stamina needed to polish off an extra large 24″ Tomato Pie!

If you are looking for great Italain products, here is a resource for you. For example you can find Italian Cheese, Italian Pasta and Italian Truffle Products

You will have conquered the Everest of Pizza challenges, not only did you have to endure all those slice shops along the way, but you sought out, and found, in my opinion, the Best Tomato Pie in NJ this side of Trenton!! If this were 1778 then General George Washington would have stationed his troops around Seaside Park to keep the British from being able to obtain any Maruca’s Tomato Pies!! Yes, they have a website, but don’t take the surprise and enjoyment of the ‘hunt’ out of this expedition…load up your pizza loving friends and drive the whole carload of you down to see for yourselves!!

It’s a COMPLETELY different Pizza Experience then you’ve ever had on the East Coast! I
already crave another Maruca’s Tomato Pie and I was only there YESTERDAY!!

Eugene
in Sandy Hook, NJ

You can find the more Best Pizza in New Jersey at Pizza Therapy

Discover incredible Italian Tomato Sauces, right here.

Maruca's a legendary pizza on the New Jersey Shore

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Maruca's a legendary pizza on the New Jersey Shore

When you stumble upon your first Tomato Pie it’s like getting that first ripe Jersey tomato of the season! So elusive for the first few months of the growing season and then WHAM! You pick one and it’s THE ONE!

Same goes for Maruca’s Tomato Pies, or pizza, if that’s the only vernacular you use to describe this type of delicous food.

It’s a genre in pizza all it’s own, and rightfully so. You’ve heard of ‘Tomato Pie’, maybe, maybe not; certainly if you live in NJ you have.

On the other hand the Tomato Pie purveyours are a cult unto themselves as great as the Neopolitan Brick Oven cult’s are to it’s fans. Tucked away in places in the State like Trenton, Belmar, and Seaside Heights amongst others.

The fact that the places that are exclusively places that sell only Tomato Pies are few and far between is part of the allure of hunting one down. Worth seeking out is an understatement, once you’ve aquired a taste for great Tomato Pie there is only your conscience from keeping you from getting in a car and heading to one every chance you can
sneek away to one.

It’s the ‘Fight Club’ of pizzeria’s to me, elusive, but available for anyone who knows where the places are.

One thing you’ll immediately notice amongst most of the Tomato Pie shop Pizzaiolas is that they are pie purists (for the most part). They respect the ingredients as much as any other Pizzaiola worth their dough. The crust is hand formed then adorned with cheese in copious amounts, sauced with perfectly seasoned tomato sauce and slid into their oven for the bake.

When the Tomato Pie is extracted from the oven the magic begins to grasp your attention because it smells like the best pizza you’ll ever eat (it may ver,well be!). Something about the way the sauce gets cooked on top of the cheese, yet the sauce doesn’t overpower your taste buds.

Rather, the sauce enhances your pizza experience by highlighting the crisp crust underneath, and accents the cheese, which in it’s own right has pockets of crispy cheese and stretchy cheese all on the same pie!

The timid order a ‘trial slice’, unaware that they’ll soon be
wishing they had ordered a whole pie, as had happened to me.

Having been raised on a NY slice from venerable places like Joe’s on 6th Ave and pies from all of the classics like Totonno’s, Lombardi’s, Grimaldi’s, etc I can tell you that your first bite of Tomato Pie is a Pizza Altering Experience! It’s not ‘like’ a NY Slice, it’s not anywhere near a Neopolitan Slice, it’s not similiar to any pizza type you’ve ever had in my experience, it’s it’s own unique style of Pizza and rightfully so.

Maruca’s Tomato Pies
1927 Promenade
Seaside Park, NJ 08752
(732) 793-0707

Albert’s side note: Maruca’s offers franchise opportunities as well.

If you are looking for the Best Pizza in New Jersey, go to Pizza Therapy.

End of Part 1

Submitted Eugene in Sandy Hook, NJ exclusively for Pizza Therapy and Legends of Pizza Readers

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Brothers Thom and James are embarking on an epic 2000 mile “Pizza Pilgrimage” from the southernmost tip of Italy back to their home in London.

They will be tackling this journey at a top speed of 40mph in their newly acquired Piaggio Ape van (the 3 wheeled one) and therefore, Very much sticking to the back roads, they will be hunting down the best produce and techniques that go into making the ‘perfect pizza’.

They will then bring all this knowledge back to England to serve traditional Italian pizzas to the people of London.

I support this journey, This is a scared journey for pizza! What could be more spiritual than that. This is a spiritual quest….

albert grande
Hawaii Businesss Videos and Hawaii Internet Service
Discover The Best Pizza in the World

Of course my old friend Peter Reinhart went on a similar journey…
American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza

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In the following interview Tony discusses his newest pizza adventures.

Tony was extremely busy and tired at the Pizza Expo, in Las Vegas. He explains his recent pizza adventures. He has opened a number of very successful pizza restaurants in San Francisco. His latest project is Tony’s Pizzeria Napoletana.

He started with just one wood fired oven. He has now added a coal fired oven and is working on a gluten free concept.

Tony explains his respect for Pepe’s Pizzeria on Wooster Street  in New Haven. He has been a long time fan of New Haven Pizza.

In The Legends of Pizza Volume 2, Tony explained how his love of Italian Food changed his life:

Yeah, you know I grew up in Fremont, California on a farm actually.  My grandpa was a big Italian farmer.  We lived with our grandpa; a typical Italian family.  I never knew I was going to get into pizza.  Food was a big part of our life.

We were on apricot orchards, cherry orchards, and fava beans.  Italians call them horse beans.  I grew up around food all the time especially watching my mom cook.  That was a pretty big part of my life.  I always tell everybody about that.

Like if it had garlic in it, then it had a lot of garlic.  If it was spicy, it was really spicy.  In the taste of the kitchen, your taste really comes from someone usually and that came from my mom.

 

The following interview was done at the Pizza Expo, in Las Vegas:

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
1570 Stockton Street
San Francisco
415-835-9888

You can learn all of Tony’s secrets, here, Pizza: More than 60 Recipes for Delicious Homemade Pizza

pizza on earth,

Albert Grande
The Pizza Promoter
Pizza Therapy shows you The Best Pizza in the World

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Pizza Snobo Reviews pizza

Pizza Snobo is a pizza review site. They review all types of pizza the good, the bad and the not so good.

In the following interview, Al the creator of Pizza Snobo reveals all of his favorite pizzerias.

He explains:

• What is behind the concept of Pizza Snobo
• Why he decided to review pizza
• Pizza Snobo’s unique pizza review rubric
• The best pizzerias in New York
• The best pizza in Washington D.C.
• How health departments rate and review pizzerias
• The pizza in Paris
• How he decides what is good pizza
• And so much, much more…..

This is truly a fascinating interview. You will discover the truth about great pizza. And what makes pizza not so great.

Pizza Snobo grew out of a great love and passion about pizza.

You can visit PizzaSnobo for more pizza reviews.

If you want to find more about The Best Pizza in the World visit Pizza Therapy.

Listen to the Pizza Snobo Interview, below:
(You may also download this interview for later listening. Look for link below player.)

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Mystic Pizza
is a fun movie. It’s not a great pizza movie. It may not be totally factual, but it is totally fun!

Mystic Pizza
was somewhat of a cult movie in that it launched the career of Julia Roberts, who had a leading role in the film. Also featured was Anabeth Gish, and Lili Taylor.

The film is less of a pizza movie and more of a coming of age movie analyzing the cultural and female struggles of three high school friends who work at a pizza place. While pizza is featured in the movie, pizza is more of a backdrop for the relationship story. It really is an innocent movie.

And I did enjoy it…
Although, I give Mystic Pizza, an honorable mention, I may have to re-think my position after uncovering an article published in The Day Newspaper (New London, Connecticut) on Sunday October, 19, 2008. The story written by Kenton Robinson, was an eye opener.

Mystic, itself has a piece of my heart because I grew up and went to high school in Southeastern Connecticut. I recognize where the scenes were filmed. The area is quite beautiful with lots of New England charm.

My brother lives in Mystic.

I have countless friends who have remained in Southeastern Connecticut. Although I haven’t lived there for many years, I can’t deny it is still part of my life.

But the facts surrounding the film is what really amazed me.

Here’s what I learned from Kenton’s story:

• Mystic Pizza’s original name was Ted’s Place. The Zelepo’s family bought the pizzeria from Ted and changed the name. (“There’s no Ted here. Let’s call it Mystic Pizza.”)
• A 19 year old Julia Roberts, Anabeth Gish (16), and Lili Taylor (20), tried to buy beer at Mystic Pizza but were turned down because they did not have an ID.

(“But we’re in the movie,” they explained. John Zelepos, who waited on them, said: “Well I’ll see you on the Big Screen”. They never did get their beer.)

• The number of pizzas served during peak Summer hours: 600.
• Number of menus stolen each year: 30,000.
• In 1987, there were the three Zelepos who worked there (John, his mother and father) and three waitresses. Now there is a staff of 65. My how things have changed.
• The owners of Mystic Pizza never received a penny in compensation for allowing film producers to use the name Mystic Pizza.
• As a matter of fact John Zelepos, owner of Mystic Pizza, stated: “We let them use our name. We didn’t charge them any money for it. We didn’t think it was going to be big or nothing. We said ‘As long as it isn’t a porno movie or nothing like that’”.
• Originally the producers wanted to rent Mystic Pizza for six months, during the course of the filming. The owner said: no way. People may forget about us in six months.

The producers filmed elsewhere.

How is the pizza at Mystic Pizza? Some locals and visitors claim it really is “A Slice of Heaven”.

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the film, the State of Connecticut Tourism Bureau created a document, which will allow you to visit all of the actual locations used in the movie. It’s a great resource with lots of behind the scenes information. You can download the “Mystic Pizza 20th Anniversary Movie Trail” pdf. here.(Right click and save)

You can also visit with me as I explore Southeastern Connecticut. Connecticut videos at my Connecticut Page at pizzatherapy.comOf special note is Abbot’s Lobster. One of my favorite lobster places of all time, located in Noank, Connecticut, the next town over from Mystic.

So if you get a chance, see Mystic Pizza
again. And if you haven’t seen it, you are in for a treat!

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Post tags: "A Slice of Heaven"., Kenton Robinson, mystic pizza, pizza movies, pizza therapy

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I told them I was not leaving until they gave me their best pizza tips.

They had no idea what I was talking about: they do not speak any english.

They just nodded and waved. Nodded and waved.

I decided to find an Italian translator.

I needed to know the secret. I had to know their best advice. I had to discover what made great pizza, great!

I needed to have the best pizza advice, from Antonio Stariata and Adolpho.

Don Antonio Stariata and Adolpho, two master pizza makers from Naples, share their best pizza tips. This interview was conducted at the Pizza Expo, in Las Vagas.

And you need great pizza tools to make great pizza. Check out this pizza peel:

Epicurean Cutting Surfaces 21×14-in. Pizza Peel Series Pizza Peel The Pizza Peel won’t necessarily help you to hand toss the dough, but it just might make you want to. It works great with frozen pizzas as well. The beveled front edge helps to scoop the perfect pie from the oven and the hole in the handle makes for a convenient hanging option.

Epicurean Cutting Surfaces 21×14-in. Pizza Peel Series Pizza Peel

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Post tags: Antonio Stariata, best pizza advice, how to make pizza, how to make pizza dough, pizza peel, pizza tips, pizzaioli

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I did sample some Mama Mia’s Pizza Beer and I must admit I really liked it. The taste was bold but not overstated. There is a hint of pizza taste with every sip. And believe it or not that is a good thing.

Pizza Beer is the brain child of Chef Tom. He was experimenting with some home brews in his own kitchen when he made the discovery.

He shared it with some Friends and they shared it with their Friends. He knew he had a hit on his hands.

As a matter of fact, one pizzeria in California (Portino’s) actually uses pizza beer as the basis for all of their pizza.

And it’s good. chef Tom uses basic beer ingredients and then adds: basil, oregano , tomato and garlic.
I was able to do an interview with the creator of Pizza Beer, Chef Tom and Frank of Portino’s.

Chef Tom explains the entire history of Mama Mia’s Pizza Beer and Frank explains how he uses Pizza Beer in his pizza.

Here is the story:

You can learn to make your own beer. Who knows where that will take you?

Coopers Brewery DIY Beer Kit (See all Beer Brewing)

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Post tags: beer, home brew, home made beer, how to make pizza beer, pizza beer

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Abate’s makes great pizza on Wooster Street, also.

When you are in the shadows of two pizza heavy weights, like Pepe’s and Sally’s, you definitely try harder.

In the following interview, Louis Abate explains what makes his pizzeria special. He shares his pizza secrets. He has been on Wooster Street for over 20 years, so he is no fly by night. Louis is here for the long haul…

You can visit Abate’s yourself.

Abate Apizza and Seafood Restaurant129 Wooster St
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 776-4334

Here is one of my favorite books:

pizza

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Post tags: Abate Apizza and Seafood Restaurant, abate's pizza, pepe's pizza, pizza in new haven, sally' apizza, wooster street pizza

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