'Una Bella Pizza'

‘Una Bella Pizza’

7 April 2012 • Eating in Florence, Eating in Tuscany • by

Pizza is not an original Tuscan dish, so eating a good pizza in Florence can be considered a difficult task.  Fortunately for the true pizza lover, the city is home to a handful of Neapolitan ‘pizzaioli.’  And they brought with them one of Italy’s most beloved dishes: ‘Una vera pizza Napoletana.’

After a short drive from Florence, I arrive in San Donato in Poggio: a tranquil and attractive Chianti town.  At Palazzo Pretorio, I meet cheerful pizzaiolo Giovanni Santarpia.  Giovanni has made it his life’s work to perfect his pizza dough.  It seems simple: a mix of water, flour, salt and a little yeast.  So the ‘magic’ might be in the pizzaiolo ‘working’ the dough.  Giovanni carefully kneads, pulls and works every pizza portion until it reaches its desired smooth consistency. A long rising of 24 hours guarantees a perfect ‘lightness’ of the final crust.

Neapolitan pizza in Florence Palazzo Pretorio Giovanni Santarpia 4

I am ready for pizza! We start with a ‘Mastunicola’: ‘lo strutto’ [pig’s lard], fior di latte, smoked provola and basil. We eat with our hands starting at the point [pizza was originally street food]. We continue with a ‘Margherita,’ and end with a pumpkin and pancetta topped variation. Comforting, savory and with a perfect crisp!

‘Una bella pizza’ indeed!

Il ristorante Palazzo Pretorio, Via del Giglio 26, San Donato in Poggio, T: 055 8072928

Further reading about Giovanni Santarpia : lucianopignataro.it

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I am Sofie: a lifestyle and food photographer based in Florence, Italy. I love to show the beauty and light of everyday life. As a freelance photographer I work with restaurateurs, chefs, business owners and designers. I believe working in team creates the best results. My work has also been published in editorials in the US, Italy and Belgium. I think I have the best job in the world!

7 Responses to ‘Una Bella Pizza’

  1. Karen Cox 25 May 2012 Reply

    Hi Sophie! Haven’t seen you in a while, but I stumbled upon your website while trying to find a good autoscuola in town. I’d love to get your articles emailed to me! I’m always looking for recommended restaurants for guests and hubby-dates! Hope you’re doing well
    Karen Cox ( friend of Permjit)

    • Sofie Delauw 26 May 2012 Reply

      Ciao Karen! Of course I remember you :-) … happy to hear you enjoy the blog. Let me know your experiences after you tried a few of the places! Un bacio, Sofie

  2. Karen Cox 25 May 2012 Reply

    :)

  3. Svein 25 June 2012 Reply

    Hi, That’s a beautiful pizza and a beautiful shot! But since I will not have the opportunity to go to San Donato in Poggio when I visit Florence this summer, do you have any thoughts on where to find a good pizza closer to town?

    • Sofie Delauw 27 June 2012 Reply

      Osteria del caffè italiano could be a good option :-)

  4. Frances Ross 11 August 2012 Reply

    Your blog is great! We will be in Florence in October!

    • Sofie Delauw 21 August 2012 Reply

      Great to hear you are visiting Frances … October is a wonderful time! Check out the TCE in September … a few new posts are lined up :-)

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