ATHLEISURE LIST: NYC, Santa Barbara, Hollywood + Belmont Shore
L'ANTICA PIZZERIA DA MICHELE
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele traces its roots back to 1870 in Naples, Italy, and remains a symbol of authentic Neapolitan pizza to this day. The family-run pizzeria is dedicated to perfecting their craft, and continuing the legacy of the founding family. It is referred to as the Sacred Temple of Pizza and is a pilgrimage site for pizza enthusiasts.
ter become the West Coast Italian food ambassador for Academia Barilla which fueled his dream of owning his own restaurants. He opened the first U.S. outpost of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Hollywood in 2019. When dining with friends and family, three must-try appetizers are the Gnocco Fritto, which has deep-fried pizza dough, creamy burrata, prosciutto, and arugula; the Meatballs, have Aspen Ridge beef, rich tomato sauce, freshly grated Parmigiano and served with crostino; and the Calamari with sliced zucchini, shrimp, and fennel, all perfectly paired with a zesty homemade arrabbiata sauce.
Their US restaurants are designed and conceptualized to create a welcoming, home-like ambiance, where guests can savor wine and pizza at their leisure. Owner/Restaurateur Francesco Zimone was born and raised in Naples, Italy and grew up dining at the 154-yearold pizzeria with his father. He moved to the US in 2002 and was a Financial Analyst for Lionsgate Films and then joined Universal Pictures to work with film producer Dino De Laurentiis (Giada De Laurentiis' father). He would lat-
AthleisureMag.com
Salads that we have our eye on include their L’antica Caesar with Romaine, Radicchio, Capers, Parmigiano, Breadcrumb, Caesar-Anchovy Dressing; the Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomato,
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Issue #105 | Sep 2024