The Pizza Show Season 2 Episode 7 Naples, the Birth Place of Pizza
- TV14
- February 27, 2018
- 22 min
In season 2 episode 7 of The Pizza Show, viewers are taken on a journey to the birthplace of pizza – Naples, Italy. Host Frank Pinello delves into the history, culture and traditions that have shaped the beloved dish, and follows in the footsteps of the pioneers who first made pizza in Naples.
The episode begins with Pinello visiting a local pizzeria, where he is greeted by the owner, Enzo Coccia. Coccia is a renowned pizzaiolo who has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Neapolitan pizza. He takes Pinello through the pizzeria's history and philosophy, explaining the importance of using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques in order to create the perfect pizza.
Next, Pinello visits the famous Piazza del Plebiscito, where he meets up with a group of young pizza enthusiasts who are eager to learn how to make authentic Neapolitan pizza. They are taught how to knead the dough, top it with San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, and cook it in a wood-fired oven. Pinello even gets a chance to try his own hand at making a pizza, under the watchful eye of the experts.
The episode then takes a deeper dive into the history of pizza, with Pinello visiting the Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba, which is widely considered to be the oldest pizzeria in the world. He learns that pizza was first made in Naples in the late 18th century, and was initially sold by street vendors as a cheap and filling meal for the city's poor. However, over time, pizza became more popular and eventually spread throughout Italy and the rest of the world.
Pinello also visits other famous pizzerias in Naples, including Sorbillo and Di Matteo, where he samples different styles of pizza and speaks with the pizzaioli about their craft. He learns about the various regional variations of pizza, such as the deep-dish pizza in Chicago and the New York-style pizza, and how they differ from the Neapolitan version.
In addition to exploring the world of pizza, Pinello also takes time to learn about the culture and traditions of Naples. He visits the bustling Pignasecca market, where he samples local delicacies like fried seafood and fresh figs. He also visits the famous Piazza Dante, where he learns about the city's rich history of art and literature.
Throughout the episode, Pinello provides a lively and informative commentary on the sights and sounds of Naples, sharing his infectious passion for pizza and Italian culture. The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the birthplace of one of the world's most beloved dishes, and will leave viewers hungry for more. Whether you are a fan of pizza or simply interested in learning more about Italian culture, The Pizza Show season 2 episode 7 is a must-watch.