Anthony Mangieri, owner of Una Pizza Napoletana, spent his day off visiting various New York City eateries as part of the "Chef's Day Off" video series [1].
The tour provides a rare look at the culinary preferences of one of the city's most influential pizzaiolos when he is not behind the oven. By stepping away from his own establishment, Mangieri highlights the diversity of the U.S. dining scene through the eyes of a professional.
During the outing, Mangieri visited Veniero's Pasticceria e Caffé, where he sampled Sicilian cheesecake [1]. The tour continued at Hearth, where he ate a burger that he described as "the best burger on earth" [1].
Mangieri has spent 30 years [1] making pizza at Una Pizza Napoletana. Despite his lifelong dedication to the craft of Neapolitan pizza, his day off focused on a variety of flavors, and textures found outside the pizza category.
The series aims to humanize high-profile chefs by showcasing their personal tastes and the local businesses they support. Mangieri's selections range from traditional Italian pastries to modern American fare, reflecting a broad palate that informs his professional work.
Throughout the video, Mangieri said he appreciates the specific quality of ingredients found in these establishments. He said the authenticity and execution in the dishes he chose to highlight are important [1].
“"the best burger on earth"”
This feature highlights the intersection of professional expertise and personal taste, demonstrating that even specialized culinary masters rely on a diverse ecosystem of local eateries to maintain their palate and inspiration.
