Pizza, a Love Affair: A conversation with Thomas Benham

Born and raised in Bakersfield, Thomas Benham has always loved good food. While attending UC Berkeley, Thomas landed a summer job at Chez Panisse. He started as a wine runner and eventually made his way up the ranks in the kitchen.

After five years at Chez Panisse, he traveled east to Gloucester, Massachusetts, where he became head chef at The Market.

After four seasons, Thomas and his wife, Alicia Didio, relocated to Sonoma County, where he led the food program at Martin Ray Winery. Eventually, the pull of his hometown, neighborhood, and family drew them to Bakersfield.

Tommy’s pizza specializes in New York-style thin-crust pizza with simple premium ingredients. Thomas‘ philosophy is to do only a few things but do them exceptionally well.