Due to their proximity to New York City, pizza makers from New Jersey have long had a chip on their shoulder. This April, they’ll get a chance to channel that energy into the “Jersey Shore Pizza War,” a competition arranged by local chef, restaurant owner and YouTuber Umberto Turelli.
As first reported by Asbury Park Press, the competition will be held April 8 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Toms River, New Jersey. The event is the brainchild of Turelli, who owns and operates Zi Marie’s Original Pizzeria-Trattoria in Toms River. Turelli recently launched a YouTube show, “What’s Cookin’ Jersey Shore.” After a year of sampling local pizza, Turelli felt the “pizza war” was the next logical step.
“It started out as a little Jersey Shore thing,” told the Asbury Park Press, speaking of his YouTube channel. “It’s blown up. It’s really growing into something big.”
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According to the Asbury Park Press, the event will host an impressive list of sixteen area pizzerias, which were handpicked by Turelli based on his travels around the state. The list of participants from around New Jersey includes Manzano’s, Frankie Fed’s, Joe Dianos Tomato Pies, DeCaro’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery, Calabria Pizza & Italian Grill, Brooklyn Original Pizzeria and Filippo’s Pizzeria & Grill.
Turelli said the winners of the throwdown will be determined by a combination of attendees, a local pizza reviewer and a panel of chef judges. He hopes to sell 300 tickets to the event, the proceeds of which will go toward Cookin’ for a Cause, a nonprofit organization that works with local charities.
The event already has its own website for those who are looking to attend.