Introduction to One Bite Pizza Festival
Dave Portnoy, founder of One Bite Pizza Fest, brought the event back to New York City for its third year on Saturday. The festival, referred to as the “world’s greatest gathering of pizzerias” by the event’s official website, featured over 40 of the city’s most notable pizza restaurants. The event transformed Randall’s Island Park into a “pizza heaven,” welcoming about 10,000 attendees.
The Power of Pizza to Unite
“Pizza is the only food that brings everybody together,” said Dominic Morano, one of the owners and founders of Prince St. Pizza, New York City. Prince St. Pizza has been in operation since 2012 and was originally Morano’s father’s idea. The family opened the pizzeria with the goal of “feeding the neighborhood” and running a good old-fashioned Italian-American family pizzeria. Morano added, “It’s just a beautiful thing to see so many people coming out…from all different races, religions, backgrounds…for a festival like this, it’s just a beautiful thing.”
Unique Pizza Establishments
Prince St. Pizza is also unique due to the establishment’s creation of the Sicilian pepperoni pizza. “We were the inventors of it!” Morano said, pointing to the camera. “Once you have a bite of it, you can tell that it’s handled with care, it’s handled with love.” All of their recipes came from Morano’s grandfather, who also used to own a restaurant.
Attendee Reactions and Experiences
Kevin Jackson, the general manager at John’s of Bleecker Street, one of the oldest continually operating pizzerias in the United States, said, “Just look outside and you’ll see how important this day is.” Mark Lacono from Lucali’s Pizza expressed his appreciation for the event, saying he wishes he had more time to connect with the community of pizza-lovers, but his time is filled mostly by making the famous pies. He also enjoys trying other slices that he is normally too busy to get to.
The Influence of Dave Portnoy
Portnoy’s internet-famous “One Bite” pizza reviews have led him to have great power in the world of pizza over the past few years. While this online bit started small, these videos are now known by hundreds of thousands of individuals across the country. Giovanni Lanzo, founder of Luigi’s Pizza, referred to Portnoy as “the pied piper of pizza.” Lanzo and his pizzeria have attended the festival since its beginning three years ago. “You could say the most dedicated pizza makers are here,” Lanzo said. “The most dedicated in the country.”
New Concepts and Milestones
This year’s festival included several new concepts, including a Chef’s Tasting VIP Table that offers a continuous buffet with slices from 10 of the best featured pizzerias. Most notably, the buffet featured slices from Ceres Pizza, known to receive Portnoy’s highest pizza rating since 2019. The event also marks a chance for some of these long-standing businesses to celebrate big milestones with some of their most loyal customers. Frank Pepe Pizzeria is celebrating 100 years in business at this year’s One Bite Pizzafest.
Featured Pizzerias
Kevin Gagliard, who runs the operations for the Frank Pepe family, said, “This is the pizzamaker’s Super Bowl…this is the ultimate place to be.” Frank Pepe’s grandchildren currently run the business and have for the past 25 years. They now have 17 locations so that everyone can enjoy the family pizza. Sally’s pizza was one of the other featured restaurants located outside of New York City. This pizzeria originally opened in Connecticut in 1938 and has been making pies the same way ever since, according to Executive Chef Brett Lunsford. Di Fara Pizza is also celebrating a big milestone – their 60-year anniversary. Maggie Mieles’ father started the business in 1965 after immigrating from Italy.
Conclusion
Each of the vendors brings their own unique flavors, background, and story to this event. It is safe to say that Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Festival unites pizza lovers for the best day of the year. With its diverse range of pizza establishments, new concepts, and celebrations of milestones, the festival is a must-attend for any pizza enthusiast.
FAQs
Q: What is the One Bite Pizza Festival?
A: The One Bite Pizza Festival is an annual event that brings together over 40 of the city’s most notable pizza restaurants for a day of pizza, community, and celebration.
Q: Who founded the One Bite Pizza Festival?
A: The festival was founded by Dave Portnoy, who is also known for his internet-famous “One Bite” pizza reviews.
Q: How many attendees did the festival welcome?
A: The festival welcomed about 10,000 attendees.
Q: What is unique about Prince St. Pizza?
A: Prince St. Pizza is unique due to its creation of the Sicilian pepperoni pizza, and all of their recipes came from the owner’s grandfather, who also used to own a restaurant.
Q: What new concept was introduced at this year’s festival?
A: This year’s festival included a Chef’s Tasting VIP Table that offers a continuous buffet with slices from 10 of the best featured pizzerias.
Q: Which pizzerias are celebrating milestones at this year’s festival?
A: Frank Pepe Pizzeria is celebrating 100 years in business, and Di Fara Pizza is celebrating its 60-year anniversary.
