Customer of the Month: James Berger & Family

Where are you from and a little background information on you?

Featuring the Pizzaioli Oven & 38 Years of Flavorful Entrepreneurship

If we can first just say that we are beyond excited to be recognized as Authentic Pizza Ovens’ Customer of the Month for June!

Our journey is one rooted in faith, family, and a dream that began many years ago in a small town called Bundibugyo, near the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.

Today, we live in Glen Burnie, Maryland. I work in safety management for the DC Metro (WMATA), and my wife is the mission team leader at our church. We have three wonderful daughters and are also foster parents, so our house is always full of life.

Our story takes a special turn when we talk about my wife’s time in Uganda. She recalls how a team leader there had a brick pizza oven, and they would host "bring your own topping" pizza nights under the stars.

Ever since then, she dreamed of having her own wood-fired oven—one that would serve as the center of connection and community in our home. After years of planning and prayer, that dream finally came true.

Why did you choose an Authentic Pizza Oven?

Choosing an Authentic Pizza Oven was an easy decision for us. I first connected with the team through the live chat on the website, and they were incredibly helpful—answering all my questions with care and detail.

We were especially drawn to the Ventura Preto Premium model because of its generous size, handcrafted beauty, and versatility. The quality of the materials, the brand’s Portuguese heritage, and the excellent customer service really stood out to us.

When our first oven arrived with a small issue, Amber Kennedy and the team went above and beyond—sending out a replacement within a week. That kind of care and responsiveness is rare and really solidified that we chose the right company.

Did you build your setup or did someone else do it?

We built the entire setup ourselves—and it’s been one of the most rewarding projects we’ve done as a family.

We took an old cinder block shed in our backyard and completely transformed it into a warm, welcoming outdoor space. We added a custom counter for the oven and wood storage, built an 8-seat dining table, and installed a pergola with soft string lighting to bring it all together.

It’s now our favorite spot to gather, reflect, and enjoy good food and great company. It feels like an extension of our home—and a dream fulfilled.

Related: The Benefits of Using an Authentic Pizza Oven

What is your favorite thing to cook in your oven? Have you tried anything aside from pizza?

Of course, the very first thing we made was pizza—and it was hands down the best we’ve ever had. There’s something magical about the crispy crust, the smoky flavor, and the joy of making it yourself.

Since then, we’ve hosted six gatherings in just a month and a half, and every event has brought neighbors and friends closer together. We’re still getting used to the rhythm of wood-fired cooking, but we love experimenting and learning.

So far, we’ve focused mainly on pizza nights, but we’re excited to try fire-roasted vegetables, homemade bread, and desserts next. The oven has truly become the heart of our home.

Spicy Sausage & Roasted Pepper Pizza

Ingredients:

• Sauce: Tomato sauce with red chili flakes
• Toppings: Italian sausage (pre-cooked), roasted red peppers, mozzarella, caramelized onions

Directions:

1. Heat your woodfired pizza oven to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Assemble your dough with your choice of tomato sauce and red chili flakes (Optional)
3. Add your toppings: Pre-cooked Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and caramelized onions. 
4. Place the pizza in your oven and cook, rotating the pizza for about 3 minutes or until done. 

Serve and Enjoy!

Related: Beyond Italy: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of International Pizza Styles

Woodfired Chicken

Ingredients: 

• 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

Directions: 

1. Fire up your woodfired pizza oven to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Prepare your chicken by patting dry and rubbing the chicken with olive oil.
3. Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme in a bowl. Once mixed, rub the seasoning all over the chicken. 
4. Stuff the chicken with the lemon halves and garlic cloves. 
5. Place the chicken into a cast iron skillet or roasting pan and set it in the oven. Rotate every 15-20 minutes for even cooking. 
6. Once the internal temperature is 165 degrees Farehenheit then remove from the oven. 

Allow to rest for 10 minutes to keep the chicken juicy. Serve with sides like roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or fresh herb salad. Enjoy! 

A Final Word from the Berger Family

We just want to thank the Authentic Pizza Ovens team for being part of this journey. This oven isn’t just a cooking tool—it’s a symbol of something bigger. It’s about connection, hospitality, and carrying forward a dream that began halfway across the world.

Thank you for helping us bring Bundibugyo to our backyard.

– With gratitude,
Kim, James, Evy, Olive, and Bri