In this episode of "Bread For the People," host Jim Serpico sits down with Auggie Russo, the renowned small batch, handmade pizza maker behind Augie's Infamous. With his Neapolitan-ish style pizzas and two portable pizza ovens, Auggie has gained a dedicated following. Auggie's love for baking extends beyond creating delicious pizzas. He thrives on the experience of serving his creations to a group of people gathered for a special event, each bringing their own unique energy. He cherishes the conscious choice people make to shop at Farmers Markets, opting for fresh ingredients over a traditional grocery store. Before his pizza-making journey, Auggie worked as a video editor and graphics artist in the post-production industry for films and commercials. However, he found it to be a lonely pursuit compared to the communal joy of making pizza for large groups of people. Most Monday nights, Auggie hosts a pizza pop-up at Lulu & Po in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. His talent and dedication to his craft have recently gained recognition, earning him write-ups in both the NY Times and the Times of London as a remarkable pop-up pizza maker. During the conversation, Jim and Auggie delve into the topic of raising money for Slice Out Hunger, a charity dedicated to combating food insecurity. Auggie shares his passion for creating simple, yet inspired pizzas that reflect the flavors he enjoyed growing up as an Italian American, such as the unique combination of Salami and figs. He also reveals his love for making candied chilies, which add a delightful twist to his pizzas. Auggie believes that pizza is a versatile canvas that allows endless creativity. He discusses the challenges he faces, including dealing with online trolls and negative commentary. Auggie combines relating to the feel of the dough with scientific measurements, and he emphasizes the importance of a long fermentation process to achieve the desired texture and flavor in his pizza crusts. Listeners gain insights into the intricacies of running a mobile or pop-up pizza operation, including managing the flow of customers and dealing with long lines. Don't miss this episode filled with Auggie Russo's passion for pizza-making, community engagement, and his mission to make a positive impact through his art. Businesses Mentioned in this episode @Gozney @Onnihq @luluandpo #Johnny'sHotTruck @doughandco_pizza @little_vincents Follow Jim Serpico on Instagram: @sidehustlebread and @jimserpico Follow Auggie Russo on Instagram: @tinypizzakitchen