Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse arrived in a horse-drawn carriage to help cut the "grapevine" ribbon today on the newest restaurant at the Walt Disney World Resort. Via Napoli is the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in Epcot. Located in the Italy pavilion at Epcot World Showcase, Via Napoli is operated by Patina Restaurant Group and sits adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, also operated by Patina. A trio of wood-burning ovens are a unique feature at Via Napoli, named for the three active volcanoes in Italy -- Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic island of Stromboli. Each oven is sculpted with a giant "face of the volcano" -- reflecting the gods whose mythology surrounds each volcano's history. Restaurateur and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his travels in Southern Italy. "I have always loved the beauty of a simple Neapolitan pizza," Valenti says. "It's a perfect food, something beloved by both Italians and Americans. At Via Napoli we will make pizza the traditional Neapolitan way: with a textured, soft and charred crust." Via Napoli will feature a selection of classical Neapolitan pizzas, ranging from pizza bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, ortolano and a traditional margherita. Famed Pizzaiolo Charlie Restivo serves as executive chef at Via Napoli, crafting pies with San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo flour, handmade fresh mozzarella, Parma Cotto, crumbled sausage and water calibrated specifically to the pH and mineral content found in Naples and Italy's Campania region.
