PI(E) DAY

Every year, we know that Pi Day (3/14) is one where a number of pizza eateries have a number of promotions to highlight their offerings! This year, Plugrà, a premium European-Style butter that is also noted as Martha Stewart’s favorite to use when baking, is putting real pie back in the equation with some quantitative evidence. In a recent survey of 2,500 Americans, 93 percent of participants immediately associate "pie" with a baked dessert. Now, Plugrà is on a mission to make Pi Day a definitively pie holiday!

For those who enjoy eating pie, 24% love Apple while Pumpkin and Pecan are enjoyed by 14% of those participating in the survey. Even outside of a holiday, 28% of Americans enjoying a slice of pie at least once a month!

To help inspire home cooks to make everyday Pi Day, Plugrà partnered with celebrity chef and cookbook author Claire Robinson for her baking secrets. “No matter what’s inside, a great pie is all about the crust,” says Robinson. “When it comes to your ingredients, quality is everything. Plugrà’s slow churn process is my non-negotiable secret.”

She suggests that to keep ingredients cold, we should maintain the "golden rule" by keeping the butter and water as cold as possible to create steam pockets during baking, which results in a lighter, flakier texture. We should also prioritize the fat. When you’re baking from scratch, the differentiator is the butter. Plugrà is slow churned to create the right balance of moisture and fat, allowing it to blend smoothly into dough and bake into flaky crusts. For an easier way to incorporate fat, freeze your butter and then grate it directly into the flour using a cheese grater. Don’t discard leftover dough. Robinson suggests rolling out scraps to create decorative leaves or shapes to top your pie for a professional look.

From March 1 through March 21, fans can visit winplugrabutter.com for a chance to win one of 314 instant-win prizes of one pound of free Plugrà butter. 5 Grand Prize winners will receive free Plugrà butter for a year and a scratch-baked pie from New York City’s iconic Little Pie Company delivered to their door, exclusive swag, and six months of curated “Pie of the Month” recipes.

Check out the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | L'ANTICA PIZZERIA DA MICHELE

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele traces its roots back to 1870 in Naples, Italy, and remains a symbol of authentic Neapolitan pizza to this day. The family-run pizzeria is dedicated to perfecting their craft, and continuing the legacy of the founding family. It is referred to as the Sacred Temple of Pizza and is a pilgrimage site for pizza enthusiasts.

Their US restaurants are designed and conceptualized to create a welcoming, home-like ambiance, where guests can savor wine and pizza at their leisure.

Owner/Restaurateur Francesco Zimone was born and raised in Naples, Italy and grew up dining at the 154-year-old pizzeria with his father. He moved to the US in 2002 and was a Financial Analyst for Lionsgate Films and then joined Universal Pictures to work with film producer Dino De Laurentiis (Giada De Laurentiis' father). He would later become the West Coast Italian food ambassador for Academia Barilla which fueled his dream of owning his own restaurants. He opened the first U.S. outpost of L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Hollywood in 2019.

When dining with friends and family, three must-try appetizers are the Gnocco Fritto, which has deep-fried pizza dough, creamy burrata, prosciutto, and arugula; the Meatballs, have Aspen Ridge beef, rich tomato sauce, freshly grated Parmigiano and served with crostino; and the Calamari with sliced zucchini, shrimp, and fennel, all perfectly paired with a zesty homemade arrabbiata sauce.

Salads that we have our eye on include their L’antica Caesar with Romaine, Radicchio, Capers, Parmigiano, Breadcrumb, Caesar-Anchovy Dressing; the Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper; and the Carciofi Salad with Castelvetrano Radicchio, Artichokes, Pistachio, Pecorino Romano, Lemon Dressing.

When it comes to pizza, we recommend the classic Margherita with Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino and Basil; the Diavola with Tomato, Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil and Spicy Salame—a fan favorite; and L'antica standout, the Truffle Pizza with Double Fior di Latte, Pecorino, Basil and Shaved Truffle.

We suggest adding Truffle Fries topped with Parmigiano and Shaved Black Truffle! Pair it with the classic Italian cocktail with a twist: the Alpine Spritz made with Alpe Amaro, Giffard Pamplemousse, Prosecco, Grapefruit, finished with sparkling water. Enjoy their Tiramisu—coffee soaked sponge, marsala cream and cocoa.

For brunch enjoy Italian classics such as their iconic Italian Omelette, Ricotta Bruschetta, Pizza Carbonara, and the Frittata Dell’orto. Pair with a refreshing La Primavera with Stray Dog gin, aperol, lime, foam, chartreuse mist.

L'ANTICA PIZZERIA DA MICHELE

81 Greenwich Ave

NY, NY 10014

Check out additional locations at damicheleusa.com

IG @damichelenyc

PHOTO CREDIT | L'anitca Pizzeria Da Michele

Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele in mag.

BRINGING THE HEAT | UBAH HASSAN

As many of you know, we're in the midst of Fashion Month with the beginning of Sept kicking off with New York Fashion Week, which makes us think of a number of our favorite models, shows, campaigns, and more.

Somali-Canadian model, Ubah Hassan, who lives here in NY has worked with a number of top fashion designers including Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Oscar de la Renta to name a few! In addition, she is a business woman who launched her own brand of hot sauce, UBAH HOT, a few years ago! She recently partnered with one of our favorite eateries in the city, Serafina with a pizza that includes her sauce that will be on the menu over the next few months.

We wanted to talk about her background in fashion, creating her hot sauce line, being long time friends with the founders of Serafina, and of course being part of the cast of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York with a rebooted cast that definitely gives us the taste of the city with these women who blaze trails in their industry and with one another!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Ubah, we have been fans of yours for years from your photoshoots, campaigns and extensive modeling career! When did you realize that you wanted to be a model and what do you love about it?

UBAH HASSAN: I didn’t realize I wanted to be a model, a photographer approached me and it kind of came to me naturally. After I started I realized it had everything I loved – working with different people, traveling around the world, my industry is like the United Nations in one little basket and I love that different diversity, different culture, etc.

AM: We've also love seeing you in the cast of Real Housewives of New York, not only is the cast great, but we always love how you bring your style every time you're on screen. Why did you want to be on this show and how has this season been for you?

UH: Bravo is an incredible platform and I thought it would be good for me and my branding to gain a different audience. It has also been amazing because I have bonded with the other girls and displayed myself really well. Seeing yourself on TV makes you learn a lot about yourself.

AM: What did you learn or love the most on being on this show?

UH: I learned that whatever you say has been recorded so you better remember everything you said. I loved bonding with the girls and understanding people in depth and understanding you should never judge a book by its cover.

AM: We also love that you're always sharing your love of food and glad to see you talking about UBAH HOT! We've yet to try this, but tell us about it and why you wanted to create it.

UH: I was so frustrated of always having to eat healthy food without flavor. I needed something to spice up my steamed vegetables so I would make different hot sauces to spice up the flavor.

AM: Before we get into your collaboration, what do you suggest that we should put UBAH HOT on?

UH: Anything you don’t want to eat. Putting hot sauce on your steamed veggies can taste like lasagna real quick.

AM: We love Serafina and have a number of favorites and have been going there for years! What do you love about Serafina and what do you enjoy eating when you're there?

UH: The pizza of course! I also enjoy their salads, their Foccacia Alla Nutella, Gnocchi and Lemon Pasta with Shrimp.

AM: How did your partnership between UBAH HOT and Serafina come about?

UH: Vittorio and Fabio have been longtime friends of mine. My favorite restaurant is Serafina and I eat there all the time. I am selective about the collaborations I take part in but felt that this would be a natural fit. Vittorio and Fabio are very selective about their ingredients flying to Italy to find the perfect tomatoes, olive oil, etc. As well as great to their employees that remain loyal to the Serafina brand.

AM: Tell us about this pizza that will be at Serafina locations as well as the soon to open Serafina Restaurant & Wine Bar which we can't wait to go to!

UH: This new pizza collaboration is a spicy take on a margherita pizza using habanero infused san marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, finely sliced habanero and basil julienne. The pizza will be available at all 13 of Serafina’s NYC locations. Serafina Restaurant Group is opening their first ever restaurant + wine bar concept. The restaurant is set to open in early October and will be located at 110 University Place, New York, NY. Similar to its traditional restaurants located throughout NYC and the world, the menu will offer Serafina classics such as their beloved pizza and pasta dishes. Making this wine bar location unique, the bar will offer over 100 hand selected wines by owners Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato from all the regions in Italy and around the world. The wines will be high-quality but affordable for Serafina’s diners. With an extensive wine-pairing menu, guests will be able to learn and try about the different wines that compliment Serafina’s classic menu items. Think wine-tour without the hefty price of a plane ticket to Italy.

AM: Will this pizza be available for a limited time or will it be something that will stay on the menu?

UH: The pizza will remain on the menu for a few months!

AM: What are other projects that we should keep an eye out for that you're working on that you would like to share with us?

UH: Working to create a mocktail – more to come soon!

IG @ubah

@ubahhot

@serafinanewyork

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 52 + PG 53 Serafina | 9LIST STORI3S Bravo/Real Housewives of NY |

Read the SEP ISSUE #93 of Athleisure Mag and see BRINGING THE HEAT | Ubah Hassan in mag.

5 ICONIC ITALIAN FOODS THAT CAN TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO ITALY

As an Italian myself, I can say with the utmost certainty that Italians love their food. Each bit of cuisine is a combination of different flavors that blend together in harmony. There are Italian restaurants everywhere, but few make you feel like you’re inside grandma’s kitchen. You know a good Italian restaurant when those are the words that leave an Italian’s mouth. Between the sauces and spices, the pasta, the meats, there is something unique in every dish that would please even the harshest of food critics.

Journey to Italy?

You don’t need to take a trip to Italy to experience the art of true Italian cuisine. Some of the best Italian food can be found right here. The authenticity of these different dishes can take you on a journey. You may even feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy.

1. Focaccia Bread

The Focaccia al Rosmarino, or rosemary focaccia bread, is a simple, Italian classic. This baked flatbread resembles pizza, without the sauce and cheese. It is flavored with delicious herbs and is delicious dipped in olive oil. If you aren’t a fan of tomatoes, this table favorite is an excellent choice.

2. Burrata

You can never go wrong with the Burrata Pugliese. This lovely antipasti starter takes a few of the foods we love and combines them into a dish that will dazzle your taste buds. The burrata cheese is served with juicy cherry tomatoes, micro arugula, dried cranberries, and white balsamic dressing. This is a dish that pairs wonderfully with crispy Italian bread.

3. Lasagna

If you’re looking for the meat, lasagna has it. This take on a traditional lasagna dish combines homemade spinach pasta with a meat-based Bolognese sauce and béchamel, a white sauce derived from milk. The two sauces are combined between each layer of the pasta for an intricate blend of flavor. If you would like an additional flavor trip, try it with Parmigiano cheese.

4. Ravioli

Ravioli is a personal favorite, a very simple dish of pasta stuffed with cheese. However, the Ravioli alla Bergamasca takes the simple and intensifies it into a delicious blend of ricotta cheese, mild Italian sausage, fennel, and garlic. It is topped with a cherry tomato sauce and shaved Pecorino cheese. By this point, I’m sure you’re seeing a trend. We Italians love our cheeses.

5. Pizza

Pizza is probably one of the most iconic Italian foods. Though Americanized, pizza was actually invented in Naples centuries ago, and it exists to this day. It is like the focaccia, a flatbread, though it is covered with a tomato base and mozzarella cheese. There are a variety of toppings that have been added to pizza over the years. Still, you cannot get anything more authentic than a Napoli pie.

Welcome Home

With Italian dishes you get both quality and quantity from any chef. Why? Honestly, because we love food. It reminds us of home, and we would like to welcome you into it. So join us for an Italian journey and enjoy the food. Just make sure you’ve saved room for dessert!

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag