The Prima Strada Gang Goes to Italy: Making Fior di Latte

When the Pizzeria Prima Strada gang went to Italy, they learned how to make fior di latte (fresh mozzarella) from an Italian primo! At Prima Strada, we use only fresh mozzarella and fresh buffalo mozzarella on all our pizzas. Ever wanted to know how it's made? Now you can!

The Prima Strada Gang Goes to Italy: Part 3

After a few days of relaxing and eating gelato, the Italy crew has got to work. First up on their agenda, eating the local pizza. They went to Pizzeria Da Franco in Sorrento to begin.

Da Franco's pizza is not Sorrento style. It's not Napoli style. It can only be described as Da Franco style, with a mix of fresh and smoked mozzarella on every pie. From the pictures it looks like they asked the right locals! Next on the busy To-Do list is visit a vineyard (talk about tough work!) And while Andrew is all business it appears his wife Vanessa has the right idea.
And what trip would be complete without a visit to Caputo, the company that makes the flour we use to make our authentic pizza in Victoria! They meet up with Directorre Eugenio Caputo for the VIP tour.

They all get a hands on lesson on the milling process and watch the bags fill with flour. These are the exact same bags we use in Pizzeria Prima Strada.

And it looks like Enzo just got hired! Head to toe in Caputo gear, he's ready for duty!There's more work to be done, the gang is heading out for pizza in Napoli next. My mouth is watering already...

The Prima Strada Gang Goes to Italy: Part 2

As if just the thought of the gang in Southern Italy wasn't enough to make you jealous on this rainy Friday, there's now photographic evidence. Fresh off the plane in Napoli, the crew sat down to enjoy the feeling of jet lag. Some took the flight easier than others (I'm guessing) as there is already a beer on that table.

From Napoli they hopped on a bus headed for their temporary home in Piano di Sorrento. Along the way, Cristen managed to snap a picture of the Italian coastline near the city of Meta. When they arrived, their hosts Anna Maria, Emma, and Maria showed them around and made them a true Italian caffe. The next day they explored the markets and the beautiful city of Sorrento. And after a long day of walking they returned to the Villa Jenny to prepare a pork roast with fresh rosemary from the garden, fennel with honey and walnuts, and some rapini (aka broccoli rabe). And what else is there to do while dinner is in the oven than bring the ping pong table into the living room for a couple games?

There are many more photos to come, so put on your best "I'm not jealous" face and get ready because I'm sure that they are only going to get better from here. Ciao for now.

The Prima Strada Gang Goes to Italy: Part 1

At this very moment, a group of Pizzeria Prima Strada staff (and some very lucky +1's) are on a plane to Southern Italy. The trip is part reconnaissance, part adventure, and a large part fun!
I'd like to invite you all to join my vicarious trip to Italy as we follow Kathleen, Matt, Geoffrey, Cristen, Vanessa, Ben, Andrew, and the children explore the birthplace of pizza. I will be posting updates about their journey (and pretending that I'm the one holding the camera!) I'm excited, are you?

Best Staff Party Ever!

I want to start off this post by thanking Cristen and Geoffrey Dallas for throwing such an amazing staff party! Every member of the PPS team had a great time and it was fun to see everyone together outside of work. Thank you again.The party began with a little socializing at Bridge St. The team suited up in some Prima Strada baseball t-shirts and started mingling. Thanks to some Driftwood beers and the guys at Puerto Vallarta Amigos serving up some Mexican fare, the soiree started on the right foot. After having our fill we all hopped on a bus and headed down to Sidney for some five pin laser bowling! All in all, the night was wonderful. Bowling with buddies is the best way to spend an evening! To see more photos of the evening please check out our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pizzeriaprimastrada

Prima Profile

We've got a great team and they are a big part of what makes Pizzeria Prima Strada special.Over the coming months, we'll ask a few questions of our crew and share the answers with you. Do you have a question you want to be sure we get the answer to? Send your questions to info@primastrada.com

Ms. July is Morgan Rich. To come? Ms. August, Mr. September ... you get the idea.

Q. How long have you been with Prima Strada?
A. 2 years

Q. Where is your hometown?
A. Calgary

Q. What's your favorite restaurant/ food item in your home town?
A. Vegetable Korma at Moti Mahal. I dream about it.

Q. What is your favorite pie?
A. Margherita with olives and extra buf mozz. It never gets old.

Q.What's your ultimate comfort food?
A. My nana's gingersnaps. And toast n jam.

Q. Current favorite wine?
A. Lake Breeze 2004 Pinot Gris. Probably because I have a full glass in front of me as I answer these questions. Deeeelicious.

Q. If you could go one place for a week all expenses paid, where would you go?
A. Oh geez, so tough. Um, at this exact moment I would go somewhere really hot where I could drink wine and eat bread and cheese all day long. (hmm, sounds like Italy)

Q. Best part about being with Prima Strada?
A. The people. The people I work with and the people I serve.

photo: Morgan enjoys a slice of her favorite pie with her favorite guy, husband Royce. photo by deddeda stemler.