Eighteen pizza makers from around Spain came to compete in Málaga at the 4th Pizza d’Autores competition. The event was organized by Antonia Ricciardi, President of the University of Italian Pizza in the World.
Competitors vyed for best Pizza Classica at the H&T (Hospitality and Tourism) show in Andalucía’s capital city. First place winner was Alfonso Monaco, Co-owner of MADÌ Pizza Bar in Málaga.
Monaco has been in the pizza business for over 25 years and says he was inspired by Italy's regional food diversity. "I tried to represent different regions of Italy with my pizza. The burrata represented Puglia, the Mortadella showed Bologna, and the cheese – a beautiful smoked provolone and fresh mozzarella – were from Campania."
Monaco's pizza was created in the Neapolitan tradition and also had tomato pesto, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, chopped pistachios, extra-virgin olive oil and basil on top.
Other winners include (not pictured):
- Alfonso Monaco
- Marco Bianchi
- Salvador Antonio Morales Reyes
- Luciano Grigolato
- Matteo Barelli
The University of Italian Pizza in the World is an institution based in Granada, Spain. Their mission is to promote respect and tradition for Italian pizza through education, charitable events and friendly competition. To find out more visit http://upim.es/
