Why VPN Certification Matters

For those of you that have had Neapolitan pizza, you know that there is nothing quite like it. From the thin crust to the savory sauce, Racca’s Pizzeria Naploetana takes pride in being the only VPN certified pizzeria in Colorado. What does this mean exactly? It means that every pizza we serve meets strict requirements that respect the traditional art of Neapolitan pizza making from its preparation to its ingredients and wood-fired cooking technique. With only 85 VPN certified restaurants in the country, Racca’s is truly an authentic pizzeria that values tradition and quality.

But what makes Neapolitan pizza different? Started in Naples, Italy, it has been a distinguished and respected product for more than 300 years. The unique style begins with the dough and its ingredients - a high protein wheat flour and natural yeast, mixed with salt and water. Next comes the methodology. The dough must be kneaded and shaped by hand to the proper thickness. Over kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise properly will affect the thickness. The stone oven is the final component, where the dough must be baked for 60–90 seconds at 905 °F for that soft, tender crust.  

This is then topped with shredded Flor di Latte, our Italian San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil and other savory toppings that create that perfect rich flavor. While the toppings are hearty, the thin crust is light so there is always room for another slice. Stop by and try the Neapolitan style that has been a one of the hottest pizza trends in the country.

A Taste of Italy in the Mile High City

It’s no secret that Italians know how to have a good time. From the savory food and wine to the terrific company, Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana was proud to host its fourth annual Meet the Masters event this month. With over 200 guests at the two night event, Denver got a splash of Italian style, zest and flavor.

With restaurants in Italy and New York City, guest chefs Don Antonio Starita and Roberto Caporuscio, along with Racca’s owner Mark Dym, whipped up original recipes separate from Racca’s traditional menu. These fresh tastes included stuffed cerignola olives, mozzerella in corozza and house-made burrata cheese. These zesty bites were followed by an array of specialty pizzas with select ingredients from Italy including stracciatella and cresenza cheeses, oyster mushrooms and cured speck - also known in American terms as a smokey bacon.

While greatly enjoying the food, the guests were just as excited to mingle with the chefs and learn the art of pizza and wine pairing. We guarantee that no other spot in Denver was elate with such authentic flavor and genuine company!  

We talk about our pizza being fired by passion because it truly is. The art of authenticity, quality of our ingredients and taste of the final product drive us to continually serve unbeatable pizza. We are honored to maintain the only VPN certification in the state of Colorado and represent pizza at its finest in authentic Neapolitan style.  

See more photos of the event on our Facebook and Instagram.