Customer of the Month: Adam
At Authentic Pizza Ovens, we believe that our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Every month, we highlight a special customer whose passion for food, craftsmanship, and family mirrors our own values.
These are the people who inspire us to keep doing what we love—creating top-quality wood-fired ovens that bring people together.
Whether it's the joy of cooking a delicious meal for loved ones or the pride in owning a beautifully crafted oven, we are constantly reminded of the powerful connections that food can create.
This month, we’re excited to spotlight one of our incredible customers, who has truly embraced the spirit of wood-fired cooking and made it an integral part of their home and lifestyle.
Their story is a testament to how a love for food and family, combined with a passion for craftsmanship, can transform an outdoor space into a place of warmth, connection, and unforgettable meals.
We are deeply grateful to each and every one of our customers, as it is your enthusiasm and creativity that fuels our continued passion for making exceptional pizza ovens.
Thank you for being a part of our journey, and for letting us be a part of yours. We can’t wait to see what delicious dishes you cook up next!
Where are you from and a little background information on you?
Hi, I’m Adam. I grew up in Boston and moved to Scottsdale in my late 20s. My family has always been passionate about food, and growing up, meals were a time to bond, try new things, and appreciate the flavors of the world.
I was fortunate enough to travel a lot, which sparked my love for exploring different cuisines. One of my most memorable food experiences was discovering the simplicity and perfection of pizza in Italy—there’s nothing quite like it.
I have two wonderful daughters, and I’m thrilled that they’ve both inherited my love for cooking and exploring new foods. It’s been amazing to watch them grow into little food enthusiasts who enjoy spending time in the kitchen just like I do.
For me, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to connect with others, create lasting memories, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I’m excited to share that love with them!
Which oven did you choose and why did you choose an Authentic Pizza Oven?
I’m fortunate enough to own both the Maximus and a custom Pizzaioli oven, which I adapted to suit the style of my backyard.
I use the Maximus at my vacation home due to space limitations, and it’s been a game-changer. The Maximus heats up quickly and is incredibly easy and fun to use, making it perfect for busy weekends.
Despite its compact size, it performs surprisingly well, doing everything my traditional oven can—except for low-and-slow overnight cooking. It’s fast, efficient, and truly versatile.
That said, nothing beats the look, feel, and performance of a traditional pizza oven. I absolutely love my custom Pizzaioli, which exceeded all my expectations in terms of quality and craftsmanship.
The ability to customize it to my exact specifications was a huge selling point. This oven holds heat beautifully, and I can really taste the difference when cooking slow-roasted dishes, thanks to the rich, smoky flavor that comes from wood-fired cooking.
While I originally thought I’d use it exclusively for pizza (due to my love of travel and pizza), I’ve found myself cooking a variety of other foods in it as well.
From roasted meats to vegetables, the oven adds an incredible depth of flavor to everything I cook. I’m honestly surprised by how much I use it for non-pizza dishes.
Overall, I’m beyond happy with both ovens. They’ve made cooking an even more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Related: Beyond Italy: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of International Pizza Styles
Did you build a set up or have someone else do it?
For the Maximus oven, the setup was incredibly straightforward. Fortunately, it comes with a custom stand, which fits perfectly in my space.
I absolutely love the sideboards and the handy shelf—it makes prep work and storage so much easier. The oven also has two wheels, which means I can move it around like a cart whenever I need to, which is super convenient.
As for my traditional oven, well, that one required a bit more effort. This oven is heavy and requires professional installation. Since I opted for the custom model, I had my contractor handle the setup while he was also installing custom bricks to match the design of my backyard. I believe he used an engine hoist to lift the oven onto its platform.
When I reached out to Authentic Pizza Ovens for advice, they were incredibly helpful. They suggested using cinder blocks as a base, so we built a U-shaped structure using five cinder blocks stacked high, which worked perfectly.
We then stuccoed over the blocks to give it a clean, finished look that matches the aesthetic of my outdoor space.
Overall, I’m really happy with both setups. The Maximus was easy and convenient, while the traditional oven was a bit more involved but totally worth the effort. Both ovens work beautifully and have added so much to my outdoor cooking experience.
Related: The Best Pizza Ovens for Your Home and Family
What is your favorite thing to cook in your oven? And have you tried other foods besides pizza?
While pizza will always be my first love, I’m thrilled to have branched out and tried so many other dishes in my wood-fired pizza oven.
As someone who loves to entertain, especially in my backyard, the oven has made cooking much more interactive and enjoyable for our guests. The smoky, rich flavors from the wood-fired heat bring a unique depth to everything we cook.
One of my absolute favorites is a Pork Roast Covered in Bacon, which turns out unbelievably tender and flavorful. Here’s how I make it:
Pork Roast Covered in Bacon
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lb pork roast (bone-in or boneless)
- 12 strips of bacon
- Fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- 1 cup white wine or stock
Instructions:
- Preheat your wood-fired pizza oven to about 450°F.
- Season the pork roast generously with salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. Rub with olive oil.
- Lay the bacon strips over the roast, securing them with kitchen twine.
- Place the roast in a cast iron skillet or on a roasting rack in the oven.
- Roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, basting with white wine or stock every 30 minutes. The bacon should crisp up beautifully, and the pork will stay juicy and tender.
Another dish I love making in the wood-fired oven is roasting chestnuts. Here's the recipe:
Roasting Chestnuts
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh chestnuts
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to about 400°F.
- Cut a small "X" on the flat side of each chestnut with a sharp knife.
- Place the chestnuts directly on the oven floor or in a cast iron skillet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the chestnuts halfway through. Once the shells open up, they’re ready!
- Let them cool slightly, peel, and enjoy.
Roasts like these pair perfectly with a nice bottle of red wine, and nothing beats the flavors from the wood-fired oven. It's the ideal way to cook hearty, comforting meals in the winter!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING FEATURED AS CUSTOMER OF THE MONTH - please email Amber@authenticpizzaovens.com
- Penny Warring
