Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria to open in Ayrshire this week

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Pizza perfected in the historic streets of Naples is coming to Ayrshire this week.A new pizzeria dedicated to the Italian staple will open in Kilmarnock tomorrow with the owners of the venue aiming to bring authentic slices to the town.A joint venture between experienced hospitality manager Simonas Griauzde, 33, and professional chef Carmine Barretta, 26, the pair are eager to bring something different to the table with their Titchfield Street takeaway that they've called 'A Slice Pizzeria'.Carmine grew up making pizza on the streets of Naples — the spiritual home of authentic pizza — with Simonas saying it was likely his business partner learned to make dough before he kicked a football.Simonas, from Stewarton, said: "Carmine and his grandma used to sell pizzas on the streets of Naples.

He's Naples born and bred. He probably knew how to roll a pizza ball before he knew how to kick a football or anything else."The technique and recipe he uses has been passed over from generation to generation."I've met loads of pizza chefs in my life but I've never seen anyone do what he does; from recipe knowledge to the quality of product."Carmine is very well known in this world.

If he walks into any pizzeria, any Italian working will know him."The business partners met while working in a restaurant and their mutual passions for pizza led them to setting up on their own.Simonas has spent years as a front of house general manager working in venues in Arran and Glasgow while Carmine has been a pizza chef in American and Australia before eventually moving to Scotland.The venture has a huge focus on quality ingredients with tomatoes, fior di latte (mozarella-like cheese), flour and meats all being flown in from Italy.