Via Cuma pizzeria opens in Valley Stream
- Via Cuma opened in August 2024 in Valley Stream, New York, featuring Neapolitan cuisine.
- Chef Luca Schiano Di Cola uses a natural sourdough starter for his artisanal pizza dough, with pizzas priced between $16 and $22.
- The restaurant combines traditional and contemporary Italian elements, making it a significant addition to the local pizza scene.
In August 2024, a new pizzeria named Via Cuma opened in Valley Stream, New York, showcasing the culinary traditions of Naples, Italy. Chef-owner Luca Schiano Di Cola, hailing from Monte di Procida, emphasizes a contemporary Italian approach to his dishes, which reflects current dining trends in Italy while honoring traditional methods. His pizza dough is crafted without commercial yeast, utilizing a natural sourdough starter, resulting in a unique texture and flavor. The menu features a variety of 12-inch pizzas, including classic options like Margherita and more elaborate choices such as Capricciosa and Patate, Porchetta e Provola. Prices for pizzas range from $16 to $22. Additionally, the restaurant offers a selection of Campanian specialties, such as house-cured anchovies, eggplant Parmesan, and various pasta dishes, with prices for these items ranging from $15 to $25. The ambiance of Via Cuma is modest yet well-decorated, with a theme inspired by the Cumean Sybil, an ancient oracle. This reflects Schiano Di Cola's interests as an amateur historian and classics scholar. The restaurant aims to provide a genuine taste of Neapolitan cuisine while adapting to modern palates, making it a noteworthy addition to the vibrant pizza scene in Southeastern Nassau County. Overall, Via Cuma represents a blend of tradition and innovation, appealing to both pizza enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of contemporary Italian fare in a welcoming environment.