West Haven's popular "Pizza Wars" event, which is open to the public, is returning with a new feature this year.
WEST HAVEN, CT — The West Haven Italian American Civic Association’s Ladies Auxiliary’s popular “Pizza Wars” event is returning with a new feature this year.
The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Cielo Banquet Hall at 85 Chase Lane in West Haven. The entry fee is $10 and doors open at 11 a.m. with tasting from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year, organizers said they proposed a friendly “war” with neighboring Milford, and have a total of 10 participating pizzerias.
“The pizzerias representing West Haven this year include favorites and past Pizza Wars winners: Lorenzo’s Ristorante, Zuppardi’s Apizza and Mike’s Apizza and restaurant,” organizers wrote in a news release. “We are also happy to include returning West Haven staples: Cappetta’s Italian Imports and Pizza, and Casa Bianca Pizza. Representing Milford we have Bella Napoli, Honey Spot II, Nautilus, New Haven Pizza Place and Silver Sands Pizza.”
There are two categories: The People’s Choice and West Haven vs. Milford's Best. West Haven vs. Milford's Best is a blind tasting by a panel of experienced culinary judges.
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“Please note: all participating pizzerias receive guidelines and a blank copy of the scoring sheet prior to the competition,” organizers wrote. “For the People's Choice award, each person is given a token upon entry in which they can vote for their favorite pizzeria.”
Read more from the news release below:
Dancers from West Haven's Top Hat Academy will be opening the event with the Tarantella at 11 a.m., a traditional Italian Folk dance, followed by tasting and voting from 11:30 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. Italian music will be played by DJ Terry and will be hosted by Christian F. Lawrence, better known as Opus along with a special guest TBA.
Born in Rome, Italy but raised in New Haven, Christian (Opus) is a full-time professional touring international musician who plays in several bands including "Dead By Wednesday," "Earth" (Black Sabbath Tribute USA), & has a solo career as well. Opus formerly played in David Ellefson's solo band as well as "Gargantua Soul" in the 90s. He has performed live on drums with Frank Bello of "Anthrax", "Bumblefoot," Daryl of "Run DMC," John Bush, Woodstock '99 and many more!
Our judges this year include the Italian American Civic Association's Women's Auxiliary member, Caprice D'Aurio who has 20+ years’ experience in the food service industry and foodie, men's club member, Scott Bisighini, former food service director at Yale University and current Co-Owner of Water's Edge Deli & Catering in Woodmont.
Among the judges panel is also Bruno Cenicola owner of Piu Facile Imports and past owner of Bruno’s Pizza from 1996-2006, Rich Goulart a Center for Culinary Arts graduate, Chef/Owner of Simply Elegant Catering, and current bakery manager for Shaw's Supermarkets. Another judge we are proud to present is Allison Carasone who started her Instagram page "Food of CT" in 2017 as an outlet for her restaurant and food adventures. She has grown her community to nearly 90K followers across her social media platforms, with her most recent accomplishment being the opportunity to serve on the panel for the Annual CT Restaurant Association Awards.
Last but not least, West Haven’s very own celebrity chef, Jeff Lamberti, recipient of over 20 CTNOW readers’ poll awards, awarded #1 in Connecticut in a 2017 piece for insider food called “The Best Burger in every State” and was featured on Food Network, for his Pizza Donut in an article called “Six Foods That Think They’re Pizza But Aren’t.” Featured on the Cooking Channel episode of Cheap Eats with Ali Khan “Hungry in New Haven,” and recently nominated for Marquis Who’s Who Magazine, you can find him whipping up specialty dishes at Moby Dicks Oyster Bar & Grill on Campbell Avenue.
Let's talk about raffles. This year attendees have a chance of winning two pizza ovens, an OONI and Bertello (patent pending from Shark Tank) whom have each graciously donated an oven to our event, along with Pizza Steels by Steelmade USA and Pizzori. Of course, our raffles wouldn't be complete without a one-on-one class to the New Haven Pizza School and one of CT's best local food tour, DVD and book from Taste of New Haven.
The Auxiliary is very excited to once again hold this event during Italian Heritage Month.
This year the Women’s Auxiliary will be donating a portion of the proceeds to WHEAT (West Haven Emergency Action Taskforce) and the Purple Pantry to help our two communities fight food insecurity for the upcoming holiday season.
The West Haven Italian American Civic Association’s Ladies Auxiliary is looking forward to making this event as enjoyable as it has been in the past.
We hope to get the support of the community. Please come out and support this!
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