The Jon F. Interview: The Other Pizza Tapes

Jon F. Noted pizzaiolo, installed a Sky Light to get a higher toss...

I was pleased to interview noted pizzaiolo, Jon F.

Here is what Shelley said: "This is GREAT. Thanks so much!".

Jon gives his take on Pepe's Pizza, and Sally's Pizza. Jon gives his take on why the pizza on Wooster Street is so special.

Jon also traveled to Italy and explains the difference between American Pizza and Italian Pizza.

He is on a quest to find extraordianry pizza. He traveled to Portland to discover some of the greatest pizzas avialable in that city. He got a first hand look at Brian Spangler as he made pizza at Apizza Scholls. He noted that Brian has his hand on every pizza that is served.

Jon also reveals another great up and coming legendary pizzeria, called Tastebuds.

He finishes up this interview by giving some incredible advice for the home pizza maker.

He explains the most important thing is not the toppings. Use all of the high quality toppings you have, he says, but they take a back seat.

The cust is very important, but that is not the most important element when you cook pizza.

He states emphatically, if you don't get this one thing right, you may as well not bother to make your own pizza.

You can discover the secret, right here. Listen to the entire Jon F. interview at this page.

If you would like to download this interview to your ipod, mp3 player or computer,
you can find it here.

Please feel free to share this audio with anyone who may be interested in pizza.

This is a wonderful interview.

Please fell free to comment.

pizza everywhere,
Albert Grande
The Pizza Promoter


Here is what I use to download all of my pod casts, videos and music.
I could not leave home without it.
I love my iPod touch

First Stop: V Lounge, Honolulu, Hawaii

For the first stop of The Pizza Therapy Hawaiian Pizza Crawl, we stopped at V Lounge.

We were there a little early and had a chance to meet Aker, master pizzaiolo and Blaine one of the owners.

Aker stretching the dough.

It's always great to speak with people who share your own passion for pizza. Aker and Blaine have the passion. We talked about Chris Bianco,   wood fired pizza ovens, New York pizza and also discussed Pepe's and Sally's Apizza (located on Woooster Street in New Haven, Connecticut.)

 Aker explained that he was born in New Haven.  Hmm, I wonder if that had something to do with how the pizza turned out.

Honestly, I was astounded at their extensive knowledge about pizza. These guys know their stuff.

Aker, is a classically trained Chef who only recently started to make pizza. His last job was as a pastry chef at a famous Japanese Restaurant. As a matter of fact he never made pizza commercially until he started making pizza at V Lounge.

Aker explained that he mixes all of his dough by hand.

Albert's side bar: That's how Chris Bianco makes his dough. By hand. Every bit.

 He makes it the day before and allows it to proof before being ready. He also makes all of his own mozzarella. He was proud of the fact that all of the pizzas contain locally grown ingredients.

 He only makes enough dough for 72 pizzas. So you need to put your order in early if you don't want to be left out.

The wood fired oven uses kiawe wood from Molokai. Kiawe burns very hot, which is important. There really is an art to using a wood fired oven.

After much discussion, our pizzas were ready.

The verdict: in a word: amazing. The crust is light with a slight burn. The tastes of the ingredients melded together to create a wonderful pizza.

Without a doubt this is Artisan pizza. Delicate, tasty with the boldness of the dough shining through.

Without a doubt this is some of the finest pizza in Hawaii. I predict a long future for Aker and his pizzas.
Given the fact that he has been doing this for such a short time, I am confident his pizza will just get better and better.

Here is the video of our visit:




And yes, we will be back.

V Lounge

1344 Kona St.
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-953 0007

More on The Pizza Therapy Hawaiian Pizza Crawl, soon.

pizza all over Honolulu,
Albert Grande
The Pizza Promoter

You can find the Best Pizza in Hawaii at this page.


If you are interested in making pizza, I recommend, The Pizza Therapy Pizza Book

Also, I urge you to check out his book: