Pizza Express signs up top chef Francesco Mazzei

7 February, 2010

Pizza Express has secured the services of Francesco Mazzei, chef-patron of the acclaimed L'Anima restaurant in London, to be the chain’s latest guest chef. His influence is already being felt with a new selection of pizzas, pasta and starters bearing his imprint appearing on the menu.

The tie-up has also been linked into PR activity for the brand. While the likes of the Guardian covered the press launch at Pizza Express’s Greek Street branch in Soho, the chain has also put together a consumer offer in the Sunday Times, including free recipes from Mazzei and a 2-for-1 offer.

His has created an exclusive Calabrian pizza recipe for Sunday Times readers, which can be accessed from the papers website, see Exclusive Pizza Express recipe

The Guardian reported that Mazzei landed the six month guest chef stint after a phone call from food critic and restaurant consultant Fay Maschler, see Pizza Express signs up top chef

Pizza Express’ last partnership was with another reputed chef, Theo Randall. Mazzei's roots are in Calabria, and brings a touch of Southern Italy to the new menu. His dishes include the Calabrese pizza, with slices of hot Calabrese sausage, roquito peppers, fresh green chillies and spicy soft n’duja sausage. For more details see www.pizzaexpress.com

See also www.lanima.co.uk