Fabrizio Cercatore is a master at his craft, dedicated to providing an exceptional Italian experience. A Maestro Pizzaiolo, Fabrizio was born by Lago Maggiore and grew up in La Spezia (Cinque Terre, Italy), a picturesque village on the Ligurian Coast in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. From a young age, Fabrizio knew he wanted to pursue a career as a Maestro Pizzaiolo. He attended IPAS, the prominent Italian professional culinary school; and, at a regional pizza competition, was one of only five chefs to earn the highest mark of 1,000 points. He opened La Tavernetta on the Italian Riviera and Pizzeria Discovolo in Manarola (Cinque Terre) which quickly rose in popularity with locals and tourists. Fabrizio moved to California in 2008 to pursue his Italian-American dream and share his passion for Italian cuisine. In 2009, he founded HOT ITALIAN, where he was the Maestro Pizzaiolo. In 2012, he introduced his artisan flour mix, and later that same year he officially launched Passione Brands—his most personal project to date—with the spirit of combining the highest quality of United States grown artisan flours and grains, locally sourced products, and the culinary customs of Italy.