The story of Francesco Pone, the master pizza chef who "conquered" the Swiss

The story of Francesco Pone, the master pizza chef who "conquered" the Swiss because

The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.

The history of pizza is made up of people. I am in Zurich, and with the cameras of Positanonews I interviewed the good Neapolitan pizza chef Francesco Pone of the pizzeria da Pone "I Figli di Napoli" associated with AVPN, (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana).

I often go to Zurich to spend a few days with my granddaughters so for these Easter holidays, I took advantage of it and went  to find Francesco Pone, who successfully manages a pizzeria in Zurich.

We met in various competitions in Naples and many times he invited me to his pizzeria, knowing that he had my loved ones who live in Zurich, and so I surprisingly went to visit him.

The pizzeria has a spectacular view of the Limmat river, a beautiful trendy area, full of clubs and outdoor gatherings where many young people live.

Arriving at the restaurant, I won't tell you about the very affectionate welcome, like when you meet the Neapolitans abroad in the series: - "I'm not Italian but Neapolitan" - and in front of an excellent Neapolitan coffee, she begins to tell me the story of her life.

Francesco was a driver in Naples and then decided to change his life at the age of 25, finding the courage to quit, leaving his job, to dedicate himself to the world of pizza when the spark towards white art struck, thanks to a natural talent , but also of great motivation, he follows many training courses with great sacrifices, especially economic ones, to learn the secrets of artisanal bread-making. Fundamental was his acquaintance with the maestro Diego Vitagliano, who marked his life path, with whom he shared years of experience and learning, who later became his point of reference.

Francesco Pone has won many competitions: Premio Emergente Sud 2018, third place Premio Emergente Italia, in the same year he received 2 Gambero Rosso segments, subsequently third place at the AVPN 2022 Olympics in the "Gourmet" category.

Since 2019 it has been present in the prestigious guide, edited by Luciano Pignataro, Albert Sapere and Barbara Guerra, 50 Top Pizza. In the year 2021, with the management of the San Gennaro pizzeria, he was already in 24th place in the 50 Top Pizza Europe.

In 2022 it was 20th in the 50 Top Pizza Europe and came 80th in the 50 Top Pizza World.

Then in the year 2023 it came 24th in the 50 Top Pizza Europe and 98th in the 50 Top Pizza Word

Francesco Pone quickly established himself in the scene of pizza masters, with his own style, and offers a pizza from the Neapolitan tradition with a contemporary touch, known as the wheel of canotto, and the result of this combination is recognizable by the high quality of the his work on doughs.

The culture of healthy hospitality reigns in the restaurant, you can feel the whole soul of the south, on the walls the writing: "See Naples and then die" is precisely what the phrase wants to express: anyone who ends up in Naples will never be able to forget it because Naples transforms people and improves them, in a magical context that combines the wonders of the places with the warmth of its people.

Now they are working hard on a special restyling of the terrace, which will give the venue an even more welcoming space with its spectacular view of the Limmatt River.

A dream fulfilled fills the heart, the most real dream of a lifetime, because good things come to those who believe, best things come to those who are patient and extraordinary things come to those who don't give up.
CONGRATULATIONS!

Dora Chiariello (photo Dora Chiariello)