The premiere of Season 10 of the culinary television show 4 Ristoranti had audiences buzzing as it highlighted the quest for the best contemporary pizza in Italy. Hosted by the charismatic chef Alessandro Borghese, the episode aired on December 22, 2023, featuring four pizzerias from various regions: Cambia-Menti, La Cascina dei Sapori, Impastatori Pompetti, and Palazzo Petrucci.
After months of anticipation, this launch was not just about culinary delight; it marked the celebration of 10 years of 4 Ristoranti with special episodes focused on iconic Italian dishes. The competition, fierce as always, brought unique interpretations of the beloved pizza margarita to the forefront, showcasing how chefs blend tradition with innovation.
Leading the contest was Ciccio Vitiello, owner of the acclaimed Cambia-Menti pizzeria located in Caserta. His win was no surprise to pizza connoisseurs, as his establishment already ranked 11th among the best pizzerias according to 50 Top Pizza Italia, and 24th worldwide.
Vitiello’s approach to pizza emphasizes authenticity and sustainability, stemming from deep-seated culinary roots. “Pizza contemporanea vuol dire tornare alle origini,” he stated, indicating his philosophy of returning to traditional practices. With his extensive experience starting at nine years of age, Vitiello infuses creative twists alongside classic techniques to develop pizzas featuring vegan options and audacious flavor combinations.
Notably, the competition also featured Antonio Pappalardo from La Cascina dei Sapori, who anchored his effort on precision, akin to pastry-making. Despite excellent reviews, Pappalardo finished third, with his pizzeria known for its beautifully crafted pizzas.
The stakes were high, with Vitiello competing against Francesco Pompetti from Impastatori Pompetti, who has roots entrenched over three generations of pizza-making. Pompetti expressed the challenge of breaking away from traditional expectations, reflecting on how his culinary quests outside the pizzeria have shaped his contemporary approach.
Completing the lineup was Davide Ruotolo from Palazzo Petrucci, representing Naples—often regarded as the birthplace of pizza. Ruotolo’s creations are intrinsically tied to Neapolitan heritage, demonstrating how he marries innovation with classical techniques, crafting pizzas intended for true devotees of the craft.
The judging criteria adhered to the hallmark principles of the show, where each chef evaluates their peers on location, menu, service, and overall dining experience, plus one special category pertinent to the theme of the episode. The scores remain confidential until the climactic reveal at the end of the episode. This time, the reveal took place at the picturesque location of Santa Giulia, setting up the perfect backdrop for tension-filled moments before the final ratings unfolded.
Vitiello’s victory symbolizes more than just culinary prowess; it's indicative of the shifting paradigm within the pizza world. Each contestant’s presentation showcased the balance between sapere (knowledge) and sapore (flavor) within this revered dish. Notably, the fusion of sustainable practices and traditional recipes emerged as a focal point, validating the evolution of culinary arts.
Each episode of 4 Ristoranti serves as both entertainment and education, acting as a platform to explore Italy’s rich culinary heritage. The episode—particularly focused on pizza—implores viewers to understand the narrative behind every slice and every dough ball.
Beyond the cooking competition, there's a significant takeaway for foodies: pizza, with its beloved universal status, is subject to constant redefinition, especially as younger chefs push the envelope and embrace contemporary interpretations. The dynamic landscapes within which these chefs operate illuminate how they are not just preserving their traditions but also innovatively reimagining them.
So as Vitiello lifts the trophy, enthusiasts of this culinary staple across the world are invited to savor the changing flavors, knowing there's always more to discover. Every pizza has its unique tale, and as he aptly puts it, Cambia-Menti isn’t just about the menu—it’s about crafting experiences sustainably, authentically, and innovatively.
