Brian Lee talks to us about authentic Neapolitan stone baked pizzas at NEAT, and why their partnership with Irish charity, Feed Our Homeless is so close to his heart.
Tell us about NEAT Pizza and the steps you take to create authentic Italian stone baked pizzas.
We’re the new kids on the block; creating authentic Neapolitan stone baked pizzas of the highest quality, using only the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques. Having started off by creating Ireland’s original healthy fast-food retail franchise; Chopped, I came to the realization that pizza is often seen as a treat for many, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be created from fresh, quality ingredients.
The process of how we make our Neapolitan stone baked pizza is truly authentic to the Italian way of preparing the dough right through to the baking process. All our products are sourced from Naples, so our pizzas are authentic, and our recipes are fully transparent.
Our ethos is all about combining great taste with proper nutrition. We use high-quality whole grain flour from Naples and all ingredients we use are natural, there are no preservatives added. Our dough is then mixed for 72 hours, making it light and highly digestible.
For our traditional Neapolitan pizza toppings, we exclusively use Italian sun ripened San Marzano plum tomatoes; a naturally sweetened tomato from Naples and our pizzas are finished off with 100% pasteurized cow’s milk Fior di Latte mozzarella.
We also offer a range of exciting toppings, all of which are listed on our menu, from spicy nduja sausage to tenderstem broccoli and more. We have even included some great vegan options, such as vegan meatballs and vegan cheese.
We’re seeing significant improvements in the quality of Italian food and pizzas available in Dublin. What sets NEAT Pizza apart from the competition?
Our two biggest strengths here at NEAT Pizza are our ingredients and our baking process. All our ingredients are sourced from Naples. Our dough is handmade and masterfully put together in our stores. The mixing, stretching and kneading process has been perfected by our craft pizza chefs, which delivers the finest authentically Italian crafted pizza which is delicious, full of flavour and light.
What inspired the name, NEAT Pizza?
For some time, I searched for a name and a word that authentically described the quality and essence of our products. A word that would encapsulate the character and authenticity of our pizzas. The words ‘rustic’, ‘authentic’ and ‘fresh’ all came to mind but didn’t feel sincere.
When I finally sat down with the team to discuss branding, my mind was made up when we chose to edge towards an 80’s and 90’s style for the brand. We incorporated all that these eras represented, from our in-store décor to the design of our original stone baked pizza oven. The name NEAT Pizza was organically born through the use of the common phrase ‘Neat!’, used to describe something cool and brilliant, back in the 80’s and 90’s.
‘A Slice of Italy To Take Away’… If someone was to order from NEAT Pizza on Just Eat for the first time, what would you recommend?
I would highly recommend our pizzas. A must-try if you haven’t yet experienced the wonder of true authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Our sides have been getting quite a lot of stardom recently too. We have some very exciting options that have been big hits since we opened, such as our original recipe buffalo chicken dough bites, our stone baked bruschetta and our chicken wings.
What’s your own favourite item on the Just Eat menu?
Our posh fries. All our fries are skin-on fries. Our posh fries are just that, topped with lashings of garlic mayo, cheese and bacon. Pair these with any of the pizzas from our menu and you’re in for a real treat.
What areas in Dublin do you deliver to?
NEAT Pizza is available to order for delivery on Just Eat to all the areas surrounding Smithfield and Fairview in Dublin.
What else do you have planned for 2021 and beyond?
We are passionate here at NEAT Pizza and who we are is underpinned by a commitment to improving the lives of those in the communities in which we operate. We are delighted to officially be partnered with the Irish charity ‘Feed Our Homeless’. A charity dedicated to making a difference to the lives of people who are affected by homelessness.
The work that Feed Our Homeless are doing is very close to my heart. My grandmother was born in an orphanage and worked extremely hard her entire life as a cleaner to buy her own home, where she raised my father and his siblings. It wasn’t easy for her, and she often visited soup kitchens around Dublin for a hot meal. I believe that she is the reason I have the work ethic and drive that I have, and why I have been able to get to where I am today. It’s important to me that I don’t forget that and that I give back where I can, and it is why this partnership is such an important element of NEAT Pizza.
Through the use of integrated digital counters in each location, customers can donate a meal to charity in-store and also online. NEAT’s promise is to double all donations to Feed Our Homeless.
We are also very excited by our ‘NEAT Pizza Academy’ which will give people an opportunity to learn a new trade and become certified pizza chefs, restoring their confidence, and providing them with references to get back into the workplace. From dough to door, this really is pizza with purpose.
Is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like readers to be aware of?
If you pop into either of our Smithfield or Fairview locations, you can avail of our €12 Pizza & a Pint deal, available 7 days a week. We also have a really cool outdoor pizza & beer garden in Fairview which is quickly becoming the new ‘place to be’ for locals.
You can now order from NEAT Pizza for delivery to your door on Just Eat.
