An Immersive Gastronomic Adventure: From Somerset

West to the Apex of South Africa’s Pizzeria Scene with Corlie’s Italian

Corlie’s Italian, a pizzeria in Somerset West, was named the seventh-best pizzeria in South Africa at the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge. They are known for their unique white pizza variants and are already preparing to compete in the competition again next year. The owners credit their success to their diligence and patrons’ affection, and they are committed to upholding their high standards and groundbreaking food offerings. With pizzerias like Corlie’s Italian pushing culinary boundaries, the future of South Africa’s pizzeria sector appears to be more thrilling than ever.

Corlie’s Italian: A Notable Player in South Africa’s Pizzeria Scene

Corlie’s Italian, located in Somerset West, was named the seventh-best pizzeria in South Africa at the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge. Known for their trademark Margherita pizza and unique white pizza variants, Corlie’s Italian is already preparing to compete in the upcoming year’s competition with an ambition to attain an even higher rank in 2024.

A Remarkable Achievement

Established in the tranquil scenery of Somerset West, Corlie’s Italian, a modest yet exceptional pizzeria, has recently gained a notable recognition that has been reverberating amongst pizza enthusiasts nationwide. This year, Corlie’s Italian was named the seventh-best pizzeria in South Africa at the respected Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge. This recognition is a significant achievement for the eatery, particularly since it was their first time competing in this notably challenging contest.

The inception of this distinct gastronomic venture traces back to 2015, when founders Attie and Corlie Esterhuyse, turned their affection for homemade pasta into a flourishing enterprise. With humble beginnings of vending homemade pasta at the Slow Market in Stellenbosch, their imaginative flair and unwavering commitment led them to expand their menu in 2017 by incorporating pizzas.

The Unique Culinary Offerings

Corlie’s Italian boasts about their trademark Margherita pizza, but their true standout feature is their novel choice to include ‘white pizzas’ in their offerings. This avant-garde pizza style, which is uncommon in South African dining establishments, substitutes the customary tomato sauce base with a totally unique foundation. As Esterhuyse elaborated to News24, ‘pizza bianca’ or white pizza, typically contains pizza dough, olive oil, garlic, cheese, salt, and a variety of additional toppings.

Their menu features three exclusive white pizza variants – the Bacon, Brie and Onion Marmalade, the Salsiccia (a captivating mix of mozzarella, spinach, caramelised onions, and house-made Italian fennel and chilli sausage mince), and the Coppa, Gorgonzola and Green Figs. Each of these culinary creations provides a distinctive fusion of flavors that tantalize the palate and ensure a memorable gastronomic journey.

The Winning Team and Future Plans

The success at the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge was a collective triumph of a team that includes owners Attie and Corlie Esterhuyse, Greg Denman, Lee Phiri, Jean Mari Kasselman, Bandile Magoxo, and Ivan Belotti. Expressing their joy post-victory, the Esterhuyses credited this accomplishment to their diligence and their patrons’ affection, viewing it as evidence of their pizzas’ genuine appreciation.

Despite the contest’s relatively low profile, the Esterhuyses recognized their steadfast patrons’ support in securing them a place in the top ten. They expressed profound gratitude to Porcupine Ridge for facilitating the competition and praised the event management team’s professionalism. They further extended their heartfelt gratitude towards their patrons for their unwavering support and their team for their tireless efforts.

Corlie’s Italian, not one to bask in past glories, is already preparing to compete in the upcoming year’s competition, with an ambition to attain an even higher rank in 2024. As their gastronomic voyage progresses, they remain committed to upholding their high standards and groundbreaking food offerings that continue to delight their customers. Their recent win is not only a testament to their culinary prowess but also a stepping stone towards a promising and tasty future.

Anticipation and the Future of Pizza in South Africa

Meanwhile, as the culinary sphere buzzes with anticipation, the 2023 Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge winner’s crown has been bestowed upon Gino’s in Robertsham, Johannesburg, raising the stakes for the contenders in the forthcoming competition. Still, with pizzerias like Corlie’s Italian resolved to push culinary boundaries, the future of South Africa’s pizzeria sector appears to be more thrilling than ever.

1. What is Corlie’s Italian known for?

Corlie’s Italian is known for their unique white pizza variants, including Bacon, Brie and Onion Marmalade, Salsiccia, and Coppa, Gorgonzola and Green Figs.

2. What recognition did Corlie’s Italian recently receive?

Corlie’s Italian was named the seventh-best pizzeria in South Africa at the Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge, a notable achievement for the eatery.

3. How did Corlie’s Italian get started?

Corlie’s Italian was established in 2015 by founders Attie and Corlie Esterhuyse, who started by vending homemade pasta at the Slow Market in Stellenbosch and later expanded their menu to include pizzas.

4. Who makes up the team at Corlie’s Italian?

The team at Corlie’s Italian includes owners Attie and Corlie Esterhuyse, Greg Denman, Lee Phiri, Jean Mari Kasselman, Bandile Magoxo, and Ivan Belotti.

5. What are Corlie’s Italian’s future plans?

Corlie’s Italian is already preparing to compete in next year’s Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge with the ambition to attain an even higher rank in 2024. They remain committed to upholding their high standards and groundbreaking food offerings.

6. What is the future of South Africa’s pizzeria sector?

With pizzerias like Corlie’s Italian pushing culinary boundaries, the future of South Africa’s pizzeria sector appears to be more thrilling than ever. The recent win of Gino’s in the 2023 Porcupine Ridge Pizzeria Challenge raises the stakes for contenders in the forthcoming competition.