Franco Pepe
About
In 1931, Franco Pepe’s grandfather, Ciccio, laid the foundation for a culinary legacy when he opened a humble bakery in Caiazzo, Caserta. Little did anyone anticipate that this small establishment would evolve into the epitome of Neapolitan pizza excellence, drawing diners from around the globe to the rural enclave.
Culinary Heritage and Learning from Tradition
Under the tutelage of his father, Stefano, Franco imbibed the essence of pizza craftsmanship from an early age. With an unwavering commitment to the “kilometro zero” movement, Franco embraced the ethos of sourcing ingredients locally, honing his skills in the art of dough-making and topping selection.
Pepe in Grani: A Culinary Destination
In 2005, Franco realized his culinary vision with the inception of Pepe in Grani, a beacon of gastronomic excellence nestled in the heart of Caiazzo. Transforming the culinary landscape of the region, Franco’s collaboration with agronomist Vincenzo Coppola elevated local artisans and producers to international acclaim.
The Essence of Perfection: Crafted Dough and Fresh Ingredients
At the heart of Franco’s culinary mastery lies his unparalleled dough-making technique, a legacy passed down from his father. With an intuitive understanding of variables like humidity, flour quality, and kitchen temperature, Franco eschews traditional recipes, relying instead on tactile intuition to create dough that is light, fluffy, and exquisitely chewy.
Wood-Fired Artistry: Charred Perfection in Minutes
Central to the pizza-making process is Franco’s ferocious wood-fired oven, capable of churning out pizzas in under two minutes. The intense heat imparts a delicate char to the crust, enhancing the flavor profile of each meticulously crafted pie.
A Culinary Legacy Continues
Franco Pepe’s unwavering dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation has propelled his pizzeria to iconic status, earning acclaim as the epitome of Neapolitan culinary excellence. With each pizza crafted with precision and passion, Franco continues to redefine the boundaries of gastronomic perfection, ensuring that Pepe in Grani remains a destination for discerning diners worldwide.