Melbourne pizzeria crowned best pizza in Oceania in 50 Top Pizza awards
MELBOURNE pizza joint 400 Gradi has done it again, winning best pizzeria in Oceania at a global awards in Naples for its delicious Italian staple. Today the man behind the award-winning fare shares his tips to making a great pizza.
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MELBOURNE’S world-beating Mr Pizza has done it again.
Last night in Naples, Johnny di Francesco’s 400 Gradi restaurant in East Brunswick was named the best pizzeria in Oceania at the 50 Top Pizza awards.
Mr Di Franceso said it was a huge honour to be named as the best in the region in the Naples-based competition that ranks the Top 50 pizzerias in Italy and around the world.
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“It’s known as the Oscars of pizzerias, so when I found out, I said, ‘I have to get the suit out and accept this award!’”
The competition whittles down a list of 1000 pizzerias, which are visited by a team of 100 reviewers to create the Top 50. It’s the second year the competition has been held.
Mr Di Francesco, who won the title of Pizza World Champion in 2014, said the win cemented Australia’s reputation.
“We’ve proven Australia makes amazing pizza. You don’t need to be in Naples to eat the best pizza in the world. We put pizza on the map four years ago, now this cements its position,” he said.
JOHNNY’S TIPS FOR THE PERFECT PIZZA
1. Use quality ingredients, and make sure you choose the right flour. I use 00 Italian flour.
2. Cook from scratch and make your dough a day in advance.
3. Use your hands to stretch the dough. Patience is the key to the perfect dough, and the perfect dough is the secret to the perfect pizza.
4. If you can, use a woodfired oven and cook at 400C for 90 seconds. If you’re using a domestic oven, use a pizza stone.
5. Cook with love — and eat your crusts!
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