October is National Pizza Month in Canada, and what better way to celebrate than at Pizza Fest MTL? Throughout this month, food lovers can explore the best pizzas in Montreal and Quebec City, showcasing the skills of local culinary artisans.
Featured restaurants at the festival include Elio Pizzeria Ristorante, Bevo Bar + Pizzeria, and more. A key event is the Pizza Fest Challenge, held at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth’s Marché Artisans on October 15 and 16.
Professional pizzaiolos competed in Canada’s largest pizza-making contest. A panel of judges determined who would take home the title of pizza champion. Competitor Gianluca Compagno expressed his excitement. “For me, it’s the first time. I’m really excited, and I think ‘excited’ is the word that best represents how I feel right now,” he said. He emphasized the importance of passion in making good pizzas.
All participants prepared two Margherita pizzas and one specialty gourmet pizza. They were required to bring their own tomato sauce, dough, and any other ingredients they wished to use. Saputo Food Service provided all the cheese on-site.
“This competition is special because we have pizzaiolos from all across Canada,” said Valerie Smyk, Chef Marketing Manager at Saputo. “They came from Vancouver to Nova Scotia, and everywhere in between.” Mathieu Fortin, Founder of the Pizza Fest Challenge, added that the event helps create a network of pizza enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Judges closely evaluated the pizzas based on appearance, taste, and cooking quality. Fabrizio Iocco, one of the judges, noted the criteria included dough, sauce, creativity, and fermentation quality. “There are many good contestants, and it’s very close, but there’s always one that stands out,” he said.
The competition featured five categories: Neapolitan style, Roman Style Pizza (Al Taglio), New York Style Pizza, Detroit Style Pizza/Pan Pizza in Margherita style, and a Special Creation/Non-Traditional. Each category had its own winner.
Erick Mandracchia from Giulietta Pizza won first place in the Neapolitan style category. Other winners included Non Solo Pane for New York Style Pizza, Salar Madi from Maipai for Detroit Style Pizza/Pan Pizza and Special Creation/Non-Traditional, and Francis Lorrain for Roman Style Pizza (Al Taglio). Lorrain said, “It feels great; I’m happy. It’s a great competition.”
Special guests included Chef Roberto Caporuscio from Kesté in Manhattan and Chef Diana Cline from Diana’s Cucina & Lounge in Winnipeg, both serving as judges. Montreal chef Chuck Hughes also made an appearance. “I’m a pizza lover. In my restaurant, we don’t necessarily make pizzas, but pizza-making has become one of my passions at home. I’m happy to be part of this great Saputo event and learn a couple of tricks along the way,” Hughes said.
Related Topics
- Anto’s Pizza Romana Celebrates Grand Opening with Free Tasting Event
- Former Spokane Bakery Owner Wins Pizza-Baking Competition in California
- Katie’s Pizza & Pasta to Sell Frozen Pizza at Walmart Nationwide
