I ask some other pros for their take on the quintessential New York slice I get questions about this all the time. Can it be an 18-inch cut into six slices? Or should it be a 20-inch cut into eight slices? Maybe even a 22-inch cut into four slices? I asked a few of...
The final chapter of Tony’s discussion on pizza peels In the September issue, I began a discussion on pizza peels and how I use them in my pizzeria. I followed up last month by taking a look at a few different types of peels. This month I’ll complete the discussion by...
Part II of Tony's discussion on pizza peels Last month, I began a discussion on peels and how I use them in my pizzeria. Let’s continue by taking a look at some different types of peels (I covered out peels and perforated in peels last month). • Epicurean peel or...
Which pizza peel is right for your pizzeria? First off, peels are often referred to as paddles. And based on their look, I get that. However, the reason they are called 'peels' is because they help you peel the pizzas off of the stones in your ovens or off your...
A reduction can surprise guests by amplifying your pizza’s flavor profile Last month I talked about liquors, aperitifs and Amaros. I mentioned that this month I’d add digestives to the mix and then tell you how you can use all of these in a surprising way to improve...
You’ve probably seen those bottles that are behind that bar you were drinking at and are behind almost every bar in the world. What are they for? Does anyone drink them? Beautiful bottles, timeless logos and colors that shine so bright. Most of them are from Italy and...
Last month I told you about my introduction to the little-known “Old Forge” style of pizza that originated in Pennsylvania. After my first stop at a homey establishment that really tempted my taste buds, we headed to a pizzeria called Arcaro & Gennell. Let me tell...
I was on an East Coast book tour and headed to Old Forge, Pennsylvania, with fellow pizzeria owner Scott Anthony. I told Scott that Old Forge was the pizza capital of the world and we were going! Old Forge has a rich history of Italian immigrants who settled there....
Creativity can help bring in new customers I received an e-mail from a pizzeria operator in Arkansas recently. He reached out and asked me a simple, but disturbing, question: do you ever lose your inspiration? This operator disclosed to me that business has “been in...
Adapting to your environment pays dividends Last month I talked about our effort to succeed with a Tony’s Slice House on quirky Haight St. in San Francisco, where the clientele will either embrace you or quickly run you off. This month I’ll finish the two-part series....
Opening a new restaurant in an iconic area can be tricky Here I was in a new remodel for a Slice House right on Haight Asbury in San Francisco. If you don’t know Haight Ashbury, it’s an iconic corner that became historic in the 60s (and it’s still very popular today)....
In my various pizzerias I actually use three to four different sausages instead of sticking with just one. Many pizzerias just have one type, which is fine. But, for me, sausage is such an important ingredient and one of the most popular in our industry. There are so...
