Hamilton fryer hoping to grab pizza the action in UK finals

Nov 17 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON fryer is hoping to grab a ‘pizza’ the action in the ‘Oscars’ of the pizza industry.

Antonio Macera was on top of the world last month when he scooped the title of world champion in the spicy pizza cookery.

Now the 54-year-old, of Meikle Earnock, is in the running for the title of UK pizza chef of the year.

He is one of four Scots who clinched a place in the final to be held at Lancaster London Hotel on November 24, the final part of the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Industry Awards.

Antonio, known as Tony, told the Advertiser: “I am delighted to reach two finals in a month. It would be a great honour to win the UK title.

“It is a prestigious event and I am looking forward to the final.”

Tony, who works at De Vito’s in Burnbank, clinched in place in the final after winning his semi-final held in Glasgow.

To get to the final, he had to come up with a creative new pizza concept, using a specific sponsor’s ingredient in each category.

The pizzas were also judged on presentation, taste and innovation but with the caveat to be commercially viable and could be sold in a retail or catering environment.

Tony won the Dell’ami Kalamata Olive section with his creation four cheese, Parma ham and olive pizza.

Tony would like to thank sponsors Sainsbury’s Hamilton and takeaway pizza suppliers Henry Colbeck, of Coatbridge, and Di Vito's in Burnbank.