A team of local chefs from Slight of Hand Pizza has made a powerful impression at this year’s International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, returning home with impressive accolades. Their wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, The Bee’s Knees, took fourth place in the highly competitive Best Traditional Pizza category. The pizza, which features a unique combination of locally made pepperoni, red chili flakes, and a delicate drizzle of white truffle oil, stood out among numerous entries, showcasing the culinary creativity and craftsmanship of the local team.
The owner of Slight of Hand Pizza, Justin Wadstein, also earned major recognition at the expo. A seasoned veteran and a 14-time world pizza tossing champion, Wadstein made a triumphant return to the competition after an eight-year break, securing first place in the dough acrobatics category. “To come back eight years later and win it was pretty huge for me,” Wadstein said. “I didn’t expect actually to win because of the level of competition being so much higher now. But I beat out some really, really tough competitors from all around the world, so it was a huge surprise.” Wadstein’s victory is a testament to his enduring skill and passion for pizza-making, solidifying his position as a world-class pizza artist.
Wadstein’s triumph wasn’t the only highlight for Slight of Hand Pizza. Nate Santarini, one of the skilled chefs on the team, also earned a spot in the top ranks by securing fourth place in the Best Traditional Pizza category alongside Wadstein. Santarini, who was overwhelmed with the outcome, shared his excitement, saying, “I didn’t really expect to go this far, but when I found out I got fourth, I was like, shocked. It was a really awesome feeling. To see all the hard work pay off in such a big way was just amazing.”
The International Pizza Expo is one of the most prestigious events in the pizza world, attracting top pizza chefs from around the globe. The competition is fierce, with participants showcasing their skills in everything from pizza tossing to the creation of the perfect pie. Slight of Hand Pizza’s achievements this year are a significant accomplishment, not only for the chefs but also for their local community. Their innovative approach to pizza-making and dedication to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients has earned them recognition on the world stage.
As the expo continues to be a proving ground for pizza-making talent, Slight of Hand Pizza’s victories highlight the importance of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion in the culinary world. With Wadstein’s return to the top and Santarini’s unexpected ranking, the team has proven that with hard work and dedication, local chefs can compete with—and beat—the best in the world. Their wins have brought pride to their community and further solidified their reputation as pioneers of the pizza world.
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