Hamilton pizzerias competing at three-day international expo in Las Vegas
Local pizzerias are competing at a three-day international pizza expo in Las Vegas, Nevada - a hub of independent and chain pizzerias, Italian restaurant owners, and pizza lovers.
The 38th International Pizza Expo and Conference, which runs from March 22 to 24, is hosting pizzeria owners from at least 45 countries, with 250 to 350 Canadian attendees at the event.
We are the largest gathering of pizza professionals in the entire world," show director Bill Oakley told The Spectator in an email.
Speaking to The Spectator moments after turning in his Mala Honey pizza for the pan category, Salar Madadi, owner of MaiPai pizzeria on Barton Street in Hamilton, said it was his first time at the competition.
More than 40 participants are competing in the pan category.
While awaiting results on his pizza, Madadi shared his delight to be at the expo. I was happy with the way my pizza turned out, exactly how I wanted it to."
A Detroit-style pizza with mozzarella and rich cheese, Madadi explained that he used MaiPai special spice that adds a spicy touch to his pizza, alongside chili crisp and pickled peppers, green onions, scotch bonnet, honey, and basil.
Cowabunga, another Hamilton pizzeria, is also competing at the expo in the International Pizza Challenge.
Oakley said in the International Pizza Challenge, we'll name world champions in styles (including) traditional, non-traditional, pan and Neapolitan."
Winners of the traditional and non-traditional divisions will receive a trophy and $7,500, while winners of the pan and Neapolitan divisions will receive $4,000.
Oakley said that the 2021 Pizza Maker of the Year and the Best of the Best - which has four past champion pizza makers competing for this prestigious title - will also be named at the expo.
The winner of the Pizza Maker of the Year competition will claim the title of World Champion, a trophy, and an additional $5,000 prize.
Ritika Dubey is a reporter at The Spectator. rdubey@thespec.com