Ep 9. Artichoke In San Francisco

In the ninth episode of Pizza Masters season 2, titled Artichoke In San Francisco, viewers are taken on a culinary tour of San Francisco's vibrant food scene. Hosts Sal Basille and Francis Garcia meet up with local pizza expert Tony Gemignani to explore the city's unique take on pizza and other local delicacies.

The episode begins with Sal and Francis visiting the famous Ferry Building Marketplace, where they sample some of the local cheeses and meats. Tony joins them and takes the Pizza Masters on a tour of the different shops, explaining the history and significance of each product. The trio then heads to a local bakery, where they learn to make San Francisco's famous sourdough bread.

After their baking lesson, the group heads to Tony's own pizzeria to create their own unique pizza using local ingredients. Sal and Francis opt for a classic Margherita pie while Tony goes with his signature clam pizza, a San Francisco favorite. As they enjoy their creations, the Pizza Masters discuss the importance of using fresh, local ingredients in their cooking.

Next, the group heads to the Castro district to visit a local favorite spot, Hot Cookie, where they indulge in some of the shop's famous cookies, including a unique Artichoke cookie. Sal and Francis are skeptics at first, but are surprised by how delicious the savory cookie is.

The Pizza Masters then visit Italy in San Francisco, a classic Italian restaurant known for its homemade pasta and hearty meat dishes. The trio samples some of the restaurant's specialties, including a hearty meatball dish and a pasta with a spicy tomato sauce. As they enjoy their meal, they discuss the importance of tradition and family in Italian cuisine.

Finally, the episode concludes at the famous Golden Gate Park, where Sal and Francis join a group of locals for a game of Bocce ball. They learn about the history of the game and its significance in Italian culture, while enjoying a fun afternoon in the park.

Throughout the episode, the Pizza Masters emphasize the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and exploring the unique flavors and traditions of the places they visit. Viewers are sure to be inspired by the vibrant food scene and warm hospitality of San Francisco, as well as the enthusiasm and passion of Sal, Francis, and Tony.