The Pizzaiolo Tradition

The centuries-old Neapolitan pizzaiolo culinary tradition is promoted and protected by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), a non-profit organization that was founded in June 1984 in Naples, Italy. UNESCO recognized their work and the tradition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.

AVPN has delegations throughout the world to provide representation and pizzaiolo training. AVPN students receive history, theory and hands-on training related to the Neapolitan Pizza tradition. At the conclusion of the training, they must pass an examination comprised of an exhaustive written test and demonstration of mastery in the making of a traditional pizza margherita and pizza marinara. Eddie has successfully completed his AVPN training locally in Los Angeles with Pizzaiolo Maestro Peppe Meile, and passed his examinations. Additionally, he has studied in Napoli, Italy at the world headquarters of AVPN with Pizzaiolo Maestro Marco Leone. With the support of Pizzaiolo Maestro Peppe Meile, Eddie will apply soon for his “Vera Pizza - On the Road” certification, an official designation for mobile restaurants and catering companies maintaining strict AVPN traditions.

Images Below: Eddie is demonstrating the making of a pizza margherita and pizza marinara using this Neapolitan method.