Restaurateurs Hugh H. Connerty (founding principal of Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill) and Johnny Carrabba recently stopped by Antico Pizza Napoletana to congratulate owner Giovanni Di Palma and his son Johnny for recent accolades.
Johnny Carrabba proclaimed, “This is the best pizza and crust I’ve ever tasted…even better than my mother’s!”
Known the city over for its unrivaled quality, flavor and ambiance, Antico Pizza Napoletana is very good, indeed. Recognized across the Southeast for its unique Italian offerings, the Atlanta favorite is quickly becoming known globally. In fact, Italy’s own Festa Della Pizza, held annually in the birthplace of pizza near Naples, has recognized Antico for its award-winning take on tradition.
A worldwide, two-day festival, the Festa Della Pizza in Salerno, Italy has chosen Antico to receive its Top in Class award for the United States. The organization’s Top in Class honor is bestowed among certified entities the world over that best represent the Italian region’s flavors, colors and traditions. Furthermore, Antico has obtained the European Commission’s Traditional Specialties Guaranteed certification for Neopolitan pizza, given by the Instituto Mediterraneo di Certificazione. IMCERT is the institution for the certification of agricultural and food quality, and it awards the STG certification to restaurants committed to preparing only the best and most quintessential Italian Neopolitan pizza. As a certified pizzeria, Antico uses authentic ingredients, including Molino San Felice, one of the designated Italian flours for STG certification.
Among its many accomplishments, Antico is thrilled to be recognized by such a prestigious organization.
“To even be considered to receive this award – the highest international pizza certification for the United States – from Italy is a tremendous honor for me and my family. This recognition for pizza in Naples is like winning an Oscar in Hollywood.” said owner Giovanni Di Palma. And ever the innovator, Di Palma invited the city to celebrate with him.
On Friday, September 10, Antico broadcasted the real-time ceremony, streamed live from Salerno, Italy, at its outdoor event – and into the Antico kitchen. Echoing the charm of the Old World, Antico transformed its outside streets into a veritable Italian piazza for a refreshing al fresco experience. At the future site of Antico’s outdoor Piazza San Giovanni, eatery enthusiasts enjoyed a taste of Antico’s awardwinning pizza and several other in-town favorites. Partners Westside Creamery, King of Pops and Perrine’s Wine Shop offered a sampling of the city’s best refreshments at a European-style celebration at Piazza San Giovanni, across from Antico.
At a press conference, streamed live from the Festa Della Pizza, Antico was named the best STGcertified pizza in the United States – or Top in Class for the country. As the crowd erupted in cheers, revelers were showered with champagne by a celebratory di Palma. “So from no on,” the owner said, “when you eat pizza anywhere else, you’re allowed to pay with fake money. And you can tell them I said so.”
With a healthy appetite for tradition – and a deep respect for pizza crafters everywhere, Di Palma looks forward to leading Antico toward even more growth.
Located in Atlanta, GA, Antico Pizza Napoletana opened its doors in October 2009 and has quickly gained a passionate following the city over as a refreshing addition to the thriving west Midtown area. The brainchild of Italian visionary Giovanni Di Palma, Antico offers a unique experience. The restaurant is heralded by regulars, newbies and members of the media alike as unrivaled. Inspired by the flavors of his grandparent’s village near Naples, Italy, Di Palma combines his rich heritage and New York City know-how to realize his vision in Atlanta.