This post is late.. not because I didn’t write it. It just didn’t get published at the time when I scheduled it. (Why? Hints that my computer was DYING.. and eventually it did die.. and then we had another one in the house that died too.) Rather than waste this post, I thought I would share it with you now because Aperol and Pizza make great partners. Chef Gabriele Bertaccini who is the expert featured in this post also provided recipes for various pizzas along with how to make your own pizza dough!! This is one great post. There are FIVE different pizzas you can test drive along with a pizza dough recipe too.
Chef Gabriele Bertaccini with a pizza and an Aperol Spritz!
LA-based Chef Gabriele Bertaccini – star of Netflix’s newest Queer Eye wedding spinoff, “Say I Do.” In honor of National Pizza Month officially
kicking off, the Bertaccini (an Italian culinary expert) created a number of unique recipes for bringing to life the ultimate Italian pairing: Aperol Spritz & pizza.
I am including additional details on the recipes as well as his go-to entertaining tips for the special month, below for your reference.
Additionally, Aperol teamed up with Postmates to celebrate National Pizza Month (October) and invited Postmates consumers across the country to enjoy Italy’s #1 cocktail from Postmates Drinks with a slice from their favorite pizza hotspot. O
Throughout the month of October, Aperol and Postmates’ Civic Labs teamed up to implement Feed Hero Nurses and delivered pizzas to healthcare workers on the front lines at hospitals.
Chef Gabe’s National Pizza Month Entertaining Tips!
The tips listed below are all courtesy of Chef Gabe!
Pizza Prep 101
No matter how many people you are hosting, I always suggest preparing as much as possible the day before. The best part about Italian food is that it’s all about elegant simplicity, pristine ingredients, and simple execution. Pizza is the ultimate Italian dish and a meal that easily allows you to prep in advance. All the ingredients can be cooked, chopped, and ready to go so all you have to do is toss on the toppings. Set the ingredients, sauces, toppings, and garnishes you’ll need to finish your pizza in fun bowls and give guests their personal pizza doughs. It’s a great solution for keeping the process seamless and allows everyone to pick and choose their pizza creations—ideal for the picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions!
At-Home Aperitivo Hour!
There is no better way to embody the essence of Italian culture than through the Aperitivo hour. It’s a la dolce vita lightness that veils a deep respect for the importance of human connection and embraces the three great pillars of Italian life: family, friends, and food. Before introducing the meal, I always serve the iconic Italian cocktail—an Aperol Spritz! With only a few simple ingredients and steps to create, it’s the perfect toast for National Pizza month and will bring a much-needed spark of joy to your at-home Aperitivo Hour.
Set the Bar
I am always looking for ways to keep the experience fun and interactive and there is no better way to elevate your Saturday pizza lunch than with a DIY Aperol Spritz bar. Set up your kitchen counter, side table, or bar cart with a few bottles of Aperol, chilled prosecco and soda water bottles, a chic bucket filled with ice, a platter of pre-sliced oranges, and large stemmed wine glasses. Create fun signage outlining the four simple steps for creating the cocktail to ensure a perfect Aperol Spritz every time!
Make it a Mood
The ultimate Italian celebration and pizza party first starts with setting the mood and creating a narrative that complements the entire experience. Queue up your favorite playlist and choose décor that highlights the theme and food you are serving. If you aren’t leaving home too much these days, create a natural garland from greenery just outside your doorstep or grab a few items you find at your local market like oranges (a lovely complement to an Aperol Spritz) or squash and gourds for the fall season. These simple touches not only reflect the seasonality and sustainability of the dinner table but can also serve as conversation starters over a Spritz and pizza slice.
Don’t Rush!
I always like to remind myself and my guests to take time and not rush through the experience. Italian meals can last for hours if the Aperol Spritzes and conversation are flowing and it’s the best and most memorable times that take place when you slow down and embrace the present. Often times in Italy an evening goes well into the early morning, “non fa niente.” Just remember, dishes can wait until tomorrow!
Chef Gabe’s Pizza Recipes
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Pizza Del Nord: Taleggio, Pistachio & Brown Butter Fried Sage
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Pizza All’Nduja: Spicy ‘Nduja, San Marzano Tomatoes, Fennel Tops, Red Onion, Mozzarella Fior di latte & Fontina
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Pizza Del Boscaiolo: Fontina, Chanterelles Mushrooms, Shaved Truffle, Thyme, Parmigiano-Reggiano
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Pizza Verde: Guanciale, Rapini, Four Onions, Asiago Cheese, Confit Garlic
About Chef Gabe Bertaccini
Born in Florence, Italy, and inspired by his family’s love for food and his native land, renowned Chef Gabriele Bertaccini discovered his passion for cooking as a young boy, landing his first job at a local restaurant washing dishes at age thirteen. Not long after, the natural-born food lover purchased a suitcase of knives and began cooking. He hasn’t stopped since.
Gabriele attended a five-year program at the prestigious Instituto Professionale Buontalenti per Servizi Alberghieri in Florence, where he graduated in regional, Italian cuisine and specialized in Tuscan cooking.
Gabriele worked for numerous restaurants throughout Italy, including
–internationally renowned and awarded Sabatini;
–five-star luxury hotels like Grand Hotel Baglioni and Hotel Astoria;
—Executive Chef at Conquinarius, receiving multiple awards.
Gabriele’s cooking developed into what is now his philosophy: Pristine ingredients, simple execution, and great passion.
Today Gabriele currently travels the world, spending most of his culinary life between Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona. During his career, Chef Gabe and his staff have provided and continue to provide memorable dining experiences for many clients including Oprah Winfrey, Michael Phelps, The Walton family, Jeanie Buss and the Lakers, Brunello Cucinelli, Cher, and more.
Summer 2020, Chef Gabe starred as a Food Expert on Netflix’s new wedding series, Say I Do, appearing alongside interior designer Jeremiah Brent and fashion designer, Thai Nguyen, helping couples make their marriage dreams come true
Thanks to Chef Gabe for all these great recipes along with his tips and tricks. The Aperol cocktails are amazing. The various pizza recipes and the crust recipe sound fabulous!
Find Chef Gabriele Bertaccini via his website (currently in development) http://gabrielebertaccini.com/
Follow Chef Gabe on these social media platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefgabebertaccini/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabeBertaccini/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabebertaccini
Thanks to Chef Gabe for all these great recipes, tips, tricks, and the fabulous Aperol Spritzer!
Stevie Wilson
LA-Story.com
Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Please send an email to stevie.wilson@LA-Story.com
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