3-Day Intensive “Bridging the World of Pizza from Italy to New York” Class with Maestro Leo Spizzirri

Event Date:

January 16, 2023

Event Time:

9:00 am

Event Location:

Pizza University & Culinary Arts Center

JANUARY 16th to JANUARY 18th, 2023

9:00am to 5:00pm for three (3) consecutive days.

INSTRUCTOR: Maestro Pizzaiolo Leo Spizzirri

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Master Pizzaiolo Leo Spizzirri will once again walk the halls of Pizza University and present one of his signature courses.

Start the New Year with this informative look into Italian pizza by learning the differences between true Neapolitan pizza and Classic Italian pizza while understanding the evolution of pizza as it immigrated to the United States through New York.

Students will be taken through the process of mixing dough by hand as well as using a variety of mixers to understand gluten development and the effects of different flour strengths as it corresponds to fermentation and maturation times. Pizzas will be baked in a variety of ovens so that students can experience the effects of different temperatures on different doughs while working with gas, wood, and electric.

This course will be divided into a series of interactive theory demonstrations as well as practical, hands on sessions where students are challenged to stretch dough, top the perfect pizza using a variety of imported and domestic ingredients, then working the oven to achieve the perfect bake.

Open to students of all skill levels, from home bakers to professional chefs!

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE

  • Pizza University Certificate
  • Apron
  • Chef’s Jacket
  • Swag Bag

MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR

“Spizzirri knows pizza like Michelangelo knew marble” – Pat Bruno, Food Critic, Chicago-Sun Times

Maestro Pizzaiolo Leo Spizzirri isn’t just a chef with some good recipes in his repertoire. He’s obsessed with all things pizza and shares his love and knowledge with all who encounter him. Leo’s passion towards pizza and Italian food have earned him the title “America’s ambassador of authentic Italian Pizza and Pasta products.”

As a first-generation Italian-American, the significance of delicious, well-crafted food is part of his DNA. Spizzirri’s love for pizza was fed by his earliest childhood memories.  He spent hours watching, and assisting, his mom and Nana in the kitchen while they created all kinds of traditional Italian dishes. They encouraged his love for food and tolerated his perfectionist manner as well as the messes that came with all his experimentation.

Since then he’s gone on to be trained by Head Master Graziano Bertuzzo and 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani. Chef Leo Spizzirri holds the distinction of being 1 of only 100 worldwide Master Instructors from Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli in Venice, Italy. A Chicago-native, he’s had a hand in local pizza operations like Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza, Francesca’s Restaurant Group, as well as Labriola Baking Company and Bakery Cafe.

Chef Leo has spent a lifetime supporting the pizza and baking industry with his expertise in dough rheology and high speed manufacturing. His responsibilities in commercial artisan bread and frozen pizza have led him to stand in the forefront of dough and pizza innovations where he has supported major national brands across the United States and Canada.

While his expertise has given Spizzirri the chance to travel the world, make regular appearances on television programs like Dr. Oz, and make pizzas for celebrities like Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake, Mr.T, Ludacris, Kevin James, and boxing legend Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, ultimately he’s passionate about teaching people how to source better ingredients in order to eat cleaner, better-for-you food. “I grew up learning to eat the way my parents and grandparents ate in Italy.  We have all heard about the Mediterranean diet and it’s no wonder that people in Italy live as long as they do. This is the way I learned to cook and this is the way that I strive to feed others” says Spizzirri.

Spizzirri is the founder of Spizzirri Media LLC which is known for brands like “Ask Chef Leo”, “The Pizza Garage with Leo Spizzirri”, and a pizzeria consulting company where he helps build new pizza concepts around the United States for both independent and commercial restaurant groups.

His outer tattoo wearing, punk rock loving persona is unmatched by his technical knowledge when it comes to the kitchen. The pizzas that he makes, the dishes that he prepares, all share his one secret ingredient that has been passed down to him for generations: the love that he puts into everything that he makes.

Certificate & Chef Swag

A Pizza University certificate and cool chef swag.

Chef Jacket and Apron

You’ll receive a Pizza University apron and chef jacket.

Networking

Connect with fellow pizzaiolos and restaurant owners.

Networking

Support

Post pizza-class support.

PAST STUDENTS IN ACTION

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Event Location:

Total Seats: 16 (5 Left:)
  • Pizza University & Culinary Arts Center
  • 10310 Southard Drive
  • Beltsville
  • Maryland
  • 20705
  • United States

Class Schedule Details

  • January 16, 2023 9:00 am   -   5:00 pm
  • January 17, 2023 9:00 am   -   5:00 pm
  • January 18, 2023 9:00 am   -   5:00 pm
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