"What is the purpose of preparing Italian pizzas if it is not done the authentic Italian way?" asks Armando Pizzuti, the man behind Barbados’ newest Italian concept restaurants - IL Forno.
Pizzuti is not paying lip service with that question. Il Forno, which is Italian for 'The Oven', has set itself apart from every other pizzeria and Italian restaurant on the island by being the first to boast a Pompeii Oven in its kitchen.
The Pompeii Oven is named in honour of the wood-fired brick ovens that survived the volcanic ravages of Mount Vesuvius in ancient Pompeii and Naples to remain in wonderful shape, and able to start baking today with only minor renovations.
In modern Italy, the basic Pompeii Oven design is the model for the brick ovens that are visible in pizzerias. The oven is great for cooking pizza, roasts, focaccia and bread. It heats up quickly and is efficient at holding the high heats required for perfect cooking in as little as three minutes. In recent years, this concept has spread beyond the shores Italy driven by those wanting to add that authentic Italian taste to their diners’ experience. Now, Barbados is home to the concept with the opening of IL Forno Restaurant and Pizzeria in the former Caribee Hotel in Hastings, Christ Church.
Imported directly from Naples Italy, the 750°c oven is in keeping with investor Armando Pizzuti's own demand to ensure high quality pizzas within two to three minutes for all customers.
The body cast is a 4 to 6 inch thick advanced high temperature refractory material with an 80% Alumina content to form a durable and efficient oven. To reduce the possibility of stress cracks due to normal heat expansion and contraction, both the body pieces and floor tiles are cast were assembled individually to allow for continuous joints throughout the entire oven. In addition, this will allow the ovens to be serviceable thus extending their usable life.
"When you visit IL Forno you will get the true taste of Italy," says Pizzuti. "Quality authentic Italian food at an affordable price is what we offer at IL Forno, and we are just thrilled to have the oven in place to give the truest sense of the Italian cuisine."