Hello friends! Today I want to talk about a topic that combines two of my great passions: pizza and pop culture. There is nothing better than relaxing on the sofa, watching a good movie or TV series, with a slice of steaming pizza in his hands. But have you ever noticed how often pizza becomes a real protagonist on the screen? Well yes, pizza is not just a delicious dish, but also an undisputed star of many memorable scenes. Ready to take a journey through dough, pizzerias and iconic moments from cinema and television? So make yourself comfortable and let's go!

Pizza in movies

“Mamma, I've missed the flight” (Home Alone)

Who among you doesn't remember little Kevin McCallister, left alone at home for Christmas, who treats himself to an evening of junk food, with a giant pizza all to himself? The scene where Kevin orders a double cheese margherita pizza has become a classic. Not only does it showcase her independent spirit, but it makes our mouths water with that perfectly golden pizza. Cooking pizza in the neighborhood pizzeria is a fundamental element of the scene, which makes everything even more authentic and appetizing.

“Saturday night fever” (Saturday Night Fever)

John Travolta, as Tony Manero, walking the streets of Brooklyn with two slices of pizza folded on top of each other, it's another unforgettable scene. This image went around the world and made that pizzeria a true place of pilgrimage for fans of the film. The preparation of the dough and the cooking of the pizza in a wood oven are details that make us understand how pizza is an integral part of Italian culture, even overseas.

“Eats, pray, or” (Eat Pray Love)

Julia Roberts, on her journey to discover herself, he finds himself in Naples, where you can enjoy a traditional margherita pizza. This scene not only celebrates the goodness of Neapolitan pizza, but it takes us inside a typical Italian pizzeria, where the preparation of the dough is an art handed down for generations. Julia's joy while biting into pizza is contagious and makes us want to book a flight to Italy immediately.

Pizza in TV series

“Friends”

Who can forget the evenings of the six most famous friends in New York, often accompanied by a nice pizza? The pizza shop “Joey's” becomes a gathering place where Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe relax and discuss their lives. The pizza is always there, ready to unite the group in moments of joy and difficulty. The simplicity of preparing dough and cooking pizza is the backdrop to many of their adventures, making the pizzeria almost a seventh protagonist of the series.

“The Big Bang Theory”

Even nerds have a passion for pizza! Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Raj are often seen eating pizza while discussing quantum physics and comics. Pizza becomes a comfort food for these eccentric scientists, who find the local pizzeria the ideal place to relax and recharge their batteries. The ritual of preparing the dough and the perfect cooking of the pizza are elements that add a touch of normality to their extraordinary lives.

“Breaking Bad”

In “Breaking Bad”, one of the most iconic scenes is when Walter White throws a whole pizza onto the roof of his house. This scene has become so famous that the house used for filming has become something of a tourist attraction, with fans trying to replicate the gesture. Also here, pizza becomes a powerful symbol, representing Walter's frustration and desperation at a crucial moment in his transformation.

The magic of pizza: between tradition and innovation

Pizza is not just a food, but a true cultural phenomenon that crosses the boundaries of time and space. Its preparation, from the choice of ingredients to the processing of the dough, until cooked in the wood oven, it is a ritual that is passed down from generation to generation. Pizzerias are places of meeting and conviviality, where people come together to share moments of joy and relaxation.

If you too are passionate about pizza and want to discover all the secrets of its preparation, I invite you to sign up for our pizza chef courses that we organize in our Silvio Cicchi pizza school. Our courses are designed for everyone, from beginners to experts, and will allow you to learn the traditional techniques of preparing dough and cooking pizza, directly from the best pizza masters.

And don't forget to visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel, where you will find more of 300 videos of pizza recipes prepared by pizza chef students who enroll in our courses. Each video is a journey into the world of pizza, among fresh ingredients, fragrant doughs and steaming ovens. An experience that will make you fall in love even more with this extraordinary dish.

Thanks for reading this post! See you soon for more culinary adventures.

Greetings from Silvio Cicchi

Pizza by the slice or Round Pizza: The Great Challenge between Tradition and Modernity.

A Delicious Dichotomy

In the vast and delicious world of pizza, two styles emerge as major contenders: pizza by the slice and round pizza. This dichotomy represents more than just a culinary choice; it is a real challenge between tradition and modernity. But what distinguishes these two styles and why they are both so loved? Let's find out together, exploring the unique characteristics of each and how the dough is prepared, catering and pizza cooking play a fundamental role.

The Round Pizza: Tradition on the plate

The History of Round Pizza

The round pizza, often associated with the classic Neapolitan pizza, it is a culinary icon that has its roots in the heart of Italy. Its history dates back centuries, with its legendary beginning in the streets of Naples. This pizza is famous for its perfect circular shape, with a high and soft edge, known as cornice, and a thin, soft center.

Preparation of the dough

The magic of round pizza begins with the preparation of the dough. This process is a time-consuming art, passion and precision. The doughs are usually prepared with simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast and salt. However, the secret lies in the leavening process, which can last from 24 a 48 hours. This time allows the dough to develop a unique consistency and flavor, making every bite a true sensory experience.

The Perfect Cooking

The round pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven, which reaches extremely high temperatures, often higher than 400 degrees Celsius. This quick cooking, that only lasts 60-90 seconds, creates a pizza with a slightly burnt crust and a perfectly cooked center. The result is a combination of flavors and textures that is unmatched.

Pizza by the slice: Modernity in a Bite

The Innovation of Pizza by the Slice

On the other side of the culinary spectrum we find pizza by the slice, a more recent and innovative concept. This variant was born in Rome and stands out for its rectangular shape and the way it is served: it is cut into pieces and sold by weight. Pizza by the slice is perfect for a quick and informal meal, often consumed standing or walking through the city streets.

The Preparation of the Dough

Even in pizza by the slice, the preparation of the dough is crucial. However, here the approach may vary slightly. Slice pizza doughs tend to be more hydrated, which gives them a softer and more airy texture. This type of dough requires longer leavening, often up to 72 hours, to best develop the gluten and flavors.

Versatile Cooking

The cooking of pizza by the slice takes place in electric or gas ovens, at lower temperatures than wood-fired ovens. This slower cooking allows the dough to develop a uniform crunchiness on the base, while maintaining internal softness. In addition to, pizza by the slice offers great versatility in toppings, with a wide range of ingredients ranging from classics such as mozzarella and tomato to more innovative and gourmet combinations.

The Challenge between Tradition and Modernity

The choice between round pizza and pizza by the slice is often a matter of personal preference. Some love the tradition and ritual of the round pizza, while others appreciate the convenience and innovation of pizza by the slice. However, both styles offer a unique and delicious dining experience.

Catering and Pizzerias

Pizzerias that offer these two types of pizza often reflect their culinary philosophy. Traditional pizzerias, which focus on round pizza, they tend to place emphasis on the quality of the ingredients and the skill in preparing the dough and cooking. On the other hand, pizzerias that serve pizza by the slice focus on innovation and variety, offering a wider range of flavors and combinations.

Conclusion

Whether you are a lover of round pizza or pizza by the slice, One thing is certain: Pizza is a dish that unites everyone, despite the differences. The preparation of the dough, catering and pizza cooking are key elements that make each style unique and special. If you are passionate about pizza and want to learn the secrets of both techniques, we invite you to sign up for our pizza chef courses that we organize in our Silvio Cicchi Pizza School.

Greetings from Silvio Cicchi! Don't forget to visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel, which contains more than 300 videos of pizza recipes prepared by pizza chef students who enroll in our courses.

Hello to all, pizza lovers! Today I want to talk to you about a topic that is very close to my heart: how technology is transforming the world of pizza, from preparation of the dough to delivery. It's incredible to see how technological innovations are changing the way we live and work, and the restaurant sector is no exception.

The Revolution in Dough Preparation

Let's start with the preparation of the dough. Anyone who has ever made a pizza knows how important it is to get the right texture and rise. Thanks to technology, we now have access to advanced machinery that can mix ingredients perfectly, ensuring superior quality dough every time.

Modern mixers are equipped with functions that allow you to adjust the speed and mixing time, replicating the manual technique but with unparalleled precision. In addition to, there are also tools to monitor the temperature and humidity of the environment, fundamental conditions for optimal leavening. Technology is therefore making it possible to standardize a process that was traditionally artisanal, while maintaining the authenticity of the flavors.

Cooking Pizza: Tradition and Innovation

Let's now move on to cooking the pizza. Also here, Technology has made great strides. While on the one hand the wood-fired oven remains the symbol of tradition, on the other hand, the latest generation electric and gas ovens offer advantages in terms of temperature control and cooking uniformity. Some modern ovens are even equipped with convection systems that ensure even cooking, reducing preparation times without compromising quality.

Another interesting innovation is represented by combined microwave ovens, which use both traditional heat and microwaves to cook pizza quickly and evenly. This type of oven is particularly useful in pizzerias that have to handle a high volume of orders, still guaranteeing a crunchy and tasty pizza.

Technology and Catering: a Winning Combination

Technology isn't just transforming the way we prepare and cook pizza, but also the entire restaurant experience. Let's think, for example, of online ordering systems and delivery apps that have made it possible to order a pizza with just a few clicks and receive it directly at home in record time. Thanks to these tools, pizzerias can reach a much larger audience and manage orders more efficiently.

But that is not all: integrated management systems allow restaurateurs to keep every aspect of their business under control, from ingredient supplies to staff management, up to the sales analysis. This means being able to offer a better service to customers and optimize operating costs.

The Training of Future Pizza Chefs

With all these innovations, It is essential that the training of pizza chefs is also updated. Because of this, in our school of Silvio Cicchi's pizza, we organize pizza chef courses that cover all aspects of pizza preparation and cooking, including the latest technological developments. In our courses, students have the opportunity to learn both traditional and more modern techniques, ensuring complete and updated training.

I invite all pizza enthusiasts to sign up for our pizza chef courses that we organize in our Silvio Cicchi pizza school. It is a unique opportunity to learn from the best and discover all the techniques and secrets to prepare a perfect pizza.

The Future of Pizza: What awaits us?

Looking at the future, we can only imagine what other innovations await us in the world of pizza. Robotics, for example, it is already making its entry into the kitchen with machines capable of rolling out the dough and adding the ingredients. In addition to, Artificial intelligence could soon be used to optimize recipes and predict customer preferences, making the culinary experience even more personalized.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Technology is revolutionizing the way we prepare, we cook and deliver the pizza. From advanced machinery for preparing dough to latest generation ovens, up to management and ordering systems, every aspect of catering is benefiting from these innovations. And with the right training, like the one offered in our school, Tomorrow's pizza chefs will be ready to make the most of these technologies to offer increasingly good and high-quality pizzas.

I greet you with affection and invite you to visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel, where you can find more 300 videos of pizza recipes prepared by pizza chef students who enroll in our courses.

Warm greetings from Silvio Cicchi.

Pizza e social media: the viral trends that are conquering the web.

Hello to all, lovers of pizza and good food! Today I want to talk to you about a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly popular: pizza on social media. Yes, you got it right! Pizza is not just a delicious dish that we all love, but she also became a web star. From dough preparation videos to photos of the most creative pizzas, our beloved pizza is conquering the digital world. But what are the viral trends that are becoming popular?? Let's find out together!

Viral pizza trends on social media

1. Dough preparation video

One of the most popular trends on social media is dough preparation videos. These videos have gone viral due to their ability to enchant and relax viewers. Watching a master pizza chef masterfully manipulate the dough, seeing the fresh ingredients mixing and almost smelling the flour rising is an almost hypnotic experience. Our Silvio Cicchi pizza school regularly organizes dough preparation courses, and our pizza chef students share their progress on social media, contributing to this fantastic trend.

2. Photos of creative pizzas

Another trend that is dominating the web is that of photos of creative pizzas. Pizzerias around the world are experimenting with ingredients and shapes, creating real works of art. From heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day to pizzas with exotic ingredients, These images are a real treat for the eyes. Let's not forget the rainbow pizzas, which with their bright colors manage to capture attention and make your mouth water. If you are curious to learn how to make these spectacular pizzas, I invite you to sign up for our pizza chef courses that we organize in our Silvio Cicchi pizza school.

3. Tutorial style pizza recipes

Who doesn't love a good tutorial? Videos that show step by step how to prepare a perfect pizza are among the most shared contents on social media. From choosing the ingredients to cooking the pizza, these tutorials offer valuable advice and tricks of the trade. In addition to, they are perfect for those who want to improve their cooking skills. Our Silvio Cicchi pizza school is renowned for its practical and detailed courses, which help pizza enthusiasts to become real pizza chefs.

4. The DIY pizza challenge

Another trend that has conquered the web is that of do-it-yourself pizza challenges. Influencers and cooking enthusiasts challenge each other to create the most creative and tasty pizza using unusual ingredients or innovative cooking methods. These challenges are not only fun to watch, but also to participate. And why not take inspiration from these challenges and test your skills? Our pizza chef courses offer the perfect opportunity to experiment and improve your pizza cooking techniques.

The importance of social media for pizzerias

Social media isn't just a way to share recipes and photos, but they also represent a great opportunity for pizzerias. Through platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, pizzerias can reach a large audience and interact with their customers in a direct and immediate way. Share photos of your creations, promoting special events and responding to customer comments helps create a loyal and passionate community.

In addition to, social media is a great marketing tool. Pizzerias can use the platforms to launch promotional campaigns, collaborate with influencers in the food sector and exploit positive customer reviews to attract new customers. Our Silvio Cicchi pizza school also uses social media to promote pizza making courses and share the successes of our students.

How to participate in Silvio Cicchi's pizza chef courses

If you are passionate about pizza and want to deepen your knowledge and skills, I invite you to sign up for our pizza chef courses that we organize in our Silvio Cicchi pizza school. We offer a wide range of courses suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts. During the courses, you will learn all the secrets of dough preparation, the choice of ingredients and cooking pizza, all under the expert guidance of our instructors.

It doesn't matter if your goal is to open a pizzeria, improve your cooking skills or just have fun, Our courses are designed to offer you a complete and fulfilling experience. And don't forget to share your creations on social media! You could be the protagonists of the next viral trend.

In conclusion

The world of pizza on social media is constantly evolving and offers endless possibilities for fans everywhere. Whether it's dough preparation videos, photos of creative pizzas or detailed tutorials, there is always something new to discover and share.

I greet you with affection and invite you to visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel, which contains more than 300 videos of pizza recipes prepared by pizza chef students who enroll in our courses. Have fun and good pizza everyone!

With love,
Silvio Cicchi

The Pizza Trends of 2024: What Customers Love Today.

The New Frontiers of Pizza in 2024

The pizza, a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, it is constantly evolving. Every year, Customer tastes change and new trends emerge in the restaurant world. In 2024, pizza is not just a dish, but an art form that combines tradition and innovation. Let's see together what customers love today and how these trends are transforming the way we prepare and enjoy pizza.

The Preparation of the Dough: The Base of Every Great Pizza

The preparation of the dough is essential to obtain a perfect pizza. In 2024, customers are increasingly looking for light and digestible doughs, often based on wholemeal flours, multigrain or gluten-free. This trend responds to the growing attention towards well-being and health. In addition to, the use of sourdough, which requires longer rising times, it is highly appreciated for its contribution to a more aromatic and nutritious dough.

High Quality Ingredients: The Heart of Pizza

The quality of the ingredients is crucial. Today's customers are very attentive to the origin of the products used. Fresh ingredients, local and organic are at the top of the list of preferences. Buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes and high quality extra virgin olive oil make the difference in a pizza that wants to keep up with the times. The use of seasonal ingredients is also a practice that is gaining ground, offering customers authentic and sustainable flavors.

Pizzerie Gourmet: A Complete Sensory Experience

Gourmet pizzerias are becoming more and more popular. These places offer creative pizzas, often inspired by international cuisine or enriched with fine ingredients such as truffles, smoked salmon, and artisanal cheeses. Gourmet pizzerias are not just a place to eat, but a complete sensorial experience that involves all the senses. Attention to detail, from presentation to flavor combination, makes every visit unique and memorable.

Cooking Pizza: Innovation and Tradition

The cooking of the pizza is another fundamental aspect that significantly influences the final result. In 2024, the use of wood-fired ovens continues to be highly appreciated for the unique flavor it gives to the pizza. However, New cooking technologies are emerging, like the latest generation electric ovens which guarantee uniform and personalized cooking. Some pizzerias are experimenting with coal or gas ovens to offer different and appealing flavor variations.

Digital Experiences: Online Orders and Deliveries

Digitalization has revolutionized the restaurant sector, and pizza is no exception. More and more pizzerias offer online ordering and delivery services, with dedicated apps that allow customers to personalize their pizza and receive it comfortably at home. This convenience is much appreciated, especially from the always connected young generations. Online reviews and social platforms play an important role in choosing a pizzeria, making a curated and active digital presence essential.

Sustainable Pizza: Respect for the Environment

Another important trend in 2024 is the attention to sustainability. Pizzerias are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as the use of biodegradable packaging, renewable energy, and the reduction of food waste. Customers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their food choices and reward pizzerias that are committed to a greener future.

Pizzaiolo Courses: Learn the Art of Pizza

If you are passionate about pizza and want to learn how to prepare it like a true professional, sign up for our pizza maker courses that we organize in our Silvio Cicchi pizza school. We offer comprehensive training programs that cover all stages of pizza preparation, from the selection of ingredients to perfect cooking. Our courses are suitable for everyone, from beginners to experts who want to refine their techniques.

Join the Pizza Community

In conclusion, the world of pizza is constantly moving and the trends of 2024 reflect a growing attention to quality, to health and sustainability. Whether you are a lover of traditional pizza or an explorer of new flavor combinations, there is always something new to discover and enjoy.

I invite you to visit our YouTube channel, where you will find more of 300 videos of pizza recipes prepared by pizza chef students who enroll in our courses. Sign up to not miss any updates and to become part of our large community of pizza enthusiasts.

Greetings from Silvio Cicchi!