AUGUST 2010 – The Staten Island native is the youngest of 3 children born into a very close Italian family & Sunday dinners together are a must! He has been working in his father’s pizzeria since he was a little boy but always loved to buzz cut his friends hair in his spare time.
“Though pizza making will always be in my blood , having the opportunity to work in the Gatsby Salon (as seen on Style’s Jerseylicious) has been a great learning experience” says Filippo.
One day Filippo would love to own his own Pizzeria or Barber shop, maybe even a chain of both. Every day at the Gatsby is an experience and he credits Anthony Lombardi as his mentor, helping Fillipo to learn his craft.
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An Interview with Filippo Giove, by Loraine Pavich
What do you love most about being an Italian American?
I love that I have a heritage in which I can proudly consider myself a part of and I love being blessed to be able to live in a country that offers the freedom to pursue any dreams I could ever have.
What is one place in Italy you would like to live?
The one place I’d like to live in Italy would have to be Rome. It is one of the most beautiful, historic and greatest cities in the world and I would be lucky to live there.
What’s the secret to making the perfect pizza?
The secret to making the perfect pizza is having it prepared by a perfect pizza man ( myself 😉 )
What is your favorite pizza topping?
My favorite pizza topping is sausage. It adds the right amount of spice to compliment the other ingredients of the perfect pizza.
Who taught you how to make pizza?
My Father Filippo Sr., The Pizza King of Staten Island passed his knowledge and the secrets of making the perfect pizza to me when I was younger.
How is it working with all the ladies at The Great Gatsby Salon?
Working at the salon with all the lovely ladies that both work and visit there is a gift, because I don’t have to go out to flirt with anyone its almost like they come to me and flirt 😉
Do you read any cookbooks?
Surprisingly I do not read any cook books but if I had to choose one to read it would have to be something about secret family recipes of the old country.
Are there any current food obsessions you have?
I am obsessed with anything that I cook or make up in my head to order out. There is just something about food that can be so amazing when it is prepared properly. It’s safe to say that like a true Italian I love to eat.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Over the years I have had many celebrity crushes, I mean who hasn’t had one, haha, but “The One” for me is hands down Anna Paquin as “Sookie Stackhouse” from HBO’s True Blood. She is just beautiful beyond belief and I adore everything about her, besides the mind reading thing haha.
What was the last movie you watched?
The last movie I watched was, and I’m sure you will laugh, “Scooby Doo” the live action version from 2002 with Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Scooby for some reason reminds me of my Boxer “Primo.” he’s such a handsome dog and a bit of a chooch but I love him.
What is your idea of a perfect date?
My idea of a perfect date would be a nice romantic candle lit dinner, well prepared with only the best ingredient and love by my girl/date and then after we would sit in the jacuzzi and star gaze while sipping a nice red wine, that would be my perfect date.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years… I’d say I see myself on top of the world.. haha
5 tips to making the perfect pizza.
Lets see… the 5 BEST tips I have for making the perfect pizza are:
5. You definitely need the proper dough. The wrong dough can ruin the whole pie.
4. After the perfect dough you need the perfect sauce, a nice, tasty sauce that isn’t too spicy or seasoned.
3. When you have the good dough and the tasty sauce, it is very important not to overload the pie with too much sauce or too much cheese. You want to have just the right amount. Too much sauce and you are better off with a soup, too much cheese its bad for the heart.
2. Speaking of the heart, a good Italian meal is always prepared from the heart for the family and the only ingredient that is impossible to add too much of is Tender love and Care.
1. And the number one tip of how to make the perfect pizza is if you have it prepared by The Perfect Pizza Man… Myself, The Pizza Prince 😉
Loraine Pavich has had a diverse career in publishing with several successful magazines.
