New Artisanal Pizza Opens Doors In South Orange County

DANA POINT, CA — A new artisanal pizzeria is holding a grand opening in Dana Point, and residents can get a taste of Truly Pizza on Thursday, June 22.

The pizzeria is the first of its kind, and residents who take part in the grand opening celebrations Thursday will enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony, a ceremonial pizza cutting, champagne toast and a special appearance by artist Napkin Killa, who will provide personalized cocktail napkin portraits for guests from noon to 3 p.m.

The long-awaited pizzeria is the brainchild of World Pizza Champions Chris Decker and John Arena of Metro Pizza in Las Vegas and newly-minted World Pizza Champion Michael Vakneen.

The three virtuosos worked alongside Dana Point residents Steve Muller of D&S Partners LLC and Donna Baldwin-Muller — a developer and hospitality veteran duo.

Residents can expect award-winning five-day-fermented pizza dough that offers a "rich flavor and a cloudlike, yet crisp airy texture with each bite," and sandwiches at the new pizzeria.

Highlights of the menu include the American Artisan round 12" Umami Mushroom — made with creamy onion, garlic sauce, smoked mozzarella, marinated wood roasted mushrooms and toasted sesame oil — and the Supreme Dream — made with house-made vodka sauce, fresh and aged whole milk mozzarella, spicy giardiniera, cup & char pepperoni and grated romano.

“I’m thrilled to be opening Truly Pizza with such a passionate team who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with pizza and hospitality” said Decker, who recently established permanent residency in Dana Point. “Dana Point is a community that we believe will appreciate the quality and craftsmanship that goes into our pizzas. We’ve dedicated ourselves to perfecting our dough which is the foundation for quality pizza, and we can’t wait to share it with the people of Dana Point and beyond.

Truly Pizza's Grand Opening Ceremony starts at 11 a.m. in the Dana Point Town Center at 24402 Del Prado Avenue.