From Rome to Petaluma: Pizza alla Pala with Lars Smith
February 2, 2027 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
If you’ve never made Pizza alla Pala before, prepare to fall in love!
Join internationally award-winning pizza maker Lars Smith of State of Mind Hospitality Group for a hands-on day exploring one of Italy’s most exciting pizza styles. Originally baked in Roman bakeries and sold by weight, Pizza alla Pala is celebrated for its light, airy crumb, crisp crust, long fermentation, and incredible versatility.
In this class, you’ll mix high-hydration dough by hand, learn the fundamentals of fermentation, stretch and par-bake pizzas, then finish them with thoughtfully layered toppings inspired by the seasons.
We’ll spend the day making, baking, tasting, and talking pizza in a relaxed, hands-on environment, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way.
Meals: A light breakfast will be served. You’ll enjoy a working lunch featuring the pizzas you create and leave with the confidence to recreate Pizza alla Pala in your own kitchen.
Instructor Bio
Lars Smith is the chef and co-owner of State of Mind Hospitality Group in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, where he oversees three award-winning pizzerias known for their scratch-made food, artisan pizza, and commitment to seasonal California ingredients.
Lars has worked in the restaurant industry since 2002 and has been competing in pizza competitions since 2013. Over the years, he has earned numerous awards in both the United States and Italy, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading artisan pizza makers while continually refining his craft through international competition.
In addition to operating his restaurants, Lars enjoys teaching and consulting, sharing the techniques, philosophy, and craftsmanship that have shaped his approach to pizza. Whether working with professional pizzaioli or passionate home bakers, his goal is to help students understand not just how to make great pizza, but why each step matters.
Categories: Baking Class, Beginner, Bread, Cooking Class, No Experience Necessary, Pizza