From Italy to Bailey Power Plant: The Fiery Heart of True Neapolitan Pizza Arrives

There's a certain buzz, isn't there, when something genuinely special arrives in a place as iconic as Winston-Salem's Bailey Power Plant? And this week, well, the air is thick with the scent of woodsmoke and possibility, because Cugino Forno, a name already whispered among serious pizza aficionados, has officially opened its doors. It’s not just any pizzeria, you see; this is a place dedicated, almost religiously, to the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Now, for anyone who hasn’t yet had the sheer pleasure of a true Neapolitan pie, allow me to paint a picture. This isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill pizza; oh no. We're talking about a culinary tradition that stretches back centuries to the sun-drenched streets of Naples itself. What sets it apart? It's that crust, for one thing—a marvel of textures: soft and wonderfully chewy, yet with just the right kiss of crispness on the outside. And the ingredients? They're non-negotiable, honestly, a sacred trust: fine Caputo 00 flour, vibrant San Marzano tomatoes, and mozzarella that’s nothing short of fresh. All of this, mind you, is introduced to the ferocious embrace of a wood-fired oven, blistering at an astonishing 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

And the magic of that scorching heat? It means your pizza, a true work of art, is ready in what feels like mere moments—about 90 seconds, give or take. You'll find a crust that’s delightfully airy, often sporting those beautiful, slightly charred "leopard spots" that connoisseurs adore, all cradling toppings that burst with freshness and life. Cugino Forno, in truth, isn't just making pizza; they’re upholding a legacy. They adhere to these stringent, time-honored standards with an almost unwavering commitment, even going so far as to import much of their essential pantry directly from the very heart of Italy.

Now, this isn't Cugino Forno’s first rodeo, as they say. Their initial venture, which has already captivated taste buds in Greensboro, set the stage for this new chapter. And, for once, it really is a family story—a brother and sister, driven by a shared, palpable passion, leading the charge to bring these unmistakably authentic Italian flavors to our beloved Piedmont Triad. Their vision? Well, it stretches far beyond simply dishing out delicious food. It’s about crafting an atmosphere, an experience, truly, that transports you, even if just for a meal, straight to a sun-drenched piazza in Italy.

Stepping into the Bailey Power Plant spot, you're immediately struck by an energy that’s both lively and welcoming. It's an open-concept kind of place, where, honestly, half the fun is watching the skilled pizzaiolos work their magic right before your eyes, the flames dancing behind them. The vibe? It’s wonderfully casual, very communal—a space designed, you could say, for friends to gather, for families to share, and for conversations to flow as easily as the wine. And while we're enjoying this latest culinary gift, the folks behind Cugino Forno are already dreaming bigger, with whispers of further expansion. It seems they're truly determined to share their singular Neapolitan dream with even more communities, and for that, we can only cheer.