2010 Pizza Pizzazz competition

The North America Pizza Pizzazz Competition attracted entrants from around the country to compete for a cash prize of $7,500 each in gourmet and traditional categories.

More than 100 contestants (50-plus in each division) competed in first-round bake offs with the top six in each category continuing to the championship round where they again prepared their original entry. Ohio pizzerias took four of the top six spots.

David Smith II of Pizza Palace Plus, Emporium, Penn., out baked other national contestants to take top honors in the Gourmet Division. Smith’s award-winning “Meat Eater” pizza combined pepperoni, ham, sausage, bacon, salami, sliced prime rib, mozzarella, provolone and parmesan cheeses, and red sauce to sway the judges.

Joe Carlucci of Tortora’s, Owens Cross Roads, Ala., also managed to beat out national contestants vying for first-place honors in the Traditional Division. Carlucci baked the “Sydney” pizza featuring chorizo, sautéed cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, bacon and fresh basil to impress the judges.

Second prize and $500 in the Gourmet Division went to Frank Baird, Pizza Plus of Ohio, Avon Lake, Ohio, while third place and $250 went to Jill Zinn, Jilliano’s Pizzeria Amherst, Ohio.

After Carlucci in the Traditional Division, second prize and $500 went to Dominic DeFelice, DeFelice Brothers Pizza, Inc., Shadyside, Ohio. Third place and $250 went to David Zadnik, Carsonie’s Stromboli & Pizza Kitchen, Columbus, Ohio.

Each contestant brought their secret ingredients and baked their finest creations in front of a gallery of industry critics. A panel of 30 judges each day ruled on appearance, marketability and taste.
 

Thank you to our 2010 sponsors!