You know what makes everyone happy? PIZZA NIGHT.
The last time Simone hit the states we were lucky enough to have him make pizza for us. It was quite the experience.
Simone makes his own pizza dough, but if you feel like going the easy route you can always purchase from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. What really makes the difference is using imported 00 flour, specifically for pizza and pasta, when you roll your dough out. The light as air flour that lines the corners of your Neapolitan pizza? It’s 00.
After the dough has been perfectly flattened, Simone’s hands dip into the toppings, with input from the eaters, of course. Here are a few of Simone’s toppings:
broccoli rabe
mushrooms
tomatoes
parmigiano
zucchini
brussels sprouts
red peppers
red onions
cured meats
ground beef
With all these options, there were a few standouts from the night. Simone gamely played along as we argued over who got to generate the ideas for the next pizza. Here are some we loved:
The Kelsey
Zucchini, olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, parmesan
Sprouting Pizza
Olive oil, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, shredded mozzarella
Rossa Rossa Rossa
Marinara sauce, red peppers, pepperoni, mozzarella
Each of Simone’s pizzas only took about five minutes in a wood burning pizza oven, but if you’re working with an oven, pop yours in for 7-12 minutes on 450 degrees.
Of course, we pair our pizza with Birra Perugia Classic IPA.
Wish you could get in on the fun? You can! Simone is returning in the spring for four nights of merriment. Here are your options:
Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 PM – Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting
On Thursday, there will be a wine tasting at the home of Sue Cimbricz, in Bethesda. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria. Simone will be preparing tasting pairs for the wonderful wine. You can get your tickets for $50, here. For any questions, and for payment over the phone, contact Suzy Menard at 202.333.3904 or suzy@viaumbria.com.
Saturday, May 30th 5:00 PM – PBS Dream of Italy series premiere
Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria in Georgetown to celebrate the premiere of the travel series Dream of Italy on PBS. Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m.
Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. To attend the Dream of Italy party, free of charge, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com.
Private Dinners for 10 guests, Friday May 29 and Sunday, May 31
Simone is available to cook a private dinner in your home for you and up to ten guests. Friday, May 29 and Sunday May 31, you can host up to 10 guests for $1,250. Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com for more details about this exciting opportunity.
Seated Dinner with Simone, Monday, June 1st at 7:00PM
You can book a seat at the Menard’s on June 1st where Simone will be working his magic for $125 a plate. This four course dinner, paired with his favorite Montefalco wines, is sure to he a hit. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
