INTERNATIONAL PIZZA EXPO & CHALLENGE
Cory and Gavin Return to Las Vegas (Feb. 28 - Mar. 4, 2011)
For the fifth year in a row, Two Guys And A Pizza Place from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, was a competitor in the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas, Nevada Mar 1-3, 2011.
This is the 6th time that the owner, Cory Medd, has attended the convention and the 5th time he has competed. This year he brought along Gavin Dowell, his general manager of 8 years!
The International Pizza Expo is known as the biggest food show in the world! It is designed for pizzeria owners and operators, whether you're a veteran or just opening your first store. When the 2011 show closed on Thursday, March 3, more than 10,000 pizza professionals had visited nearly 1,000 exhibits and attended more than 70 educational sessions. Rounding out the experience were numerous culinary competitions, contests, demonstrations and other special events. And, there was more pizza to sample than you can imagine.
The main reason of this trip was to compete in the ‘non-traditional’ category of the International Pizza Challenge. Cory decided to compete with an ‘advanced’ version of the HONEY ALMOND CHICKEN. It was extremely popular among other patrons of the convention and other competitors.
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'VEGAS' HONEY ALMOND CHICKEN took about 3 hours just to make two pizzas!
The dough was a 60% whole wheat crust using a Honey Brown Lager beer, and mixed with chopped almonds.
The sauce was honey garlic sauce.
The 'organic free-range' chicken was crusted with a almond/ paprika/ cilantro/ brown sugar mix.
We used good old fashion Canadian bacon.
The pineapples were cut from fresh on-site, and were very juicy and delicious.
The cheeses included mozza, provolone, goat, white & sharp cheddar.
We put a few more sliced almonds on top, and we finished the pizza off with fresh cilantro and some garlic butter on the crust! We served the pizza with a little Honey Brown beer (to suck up to the judges!)
The greatest advantage this pizza had was the uniqueness compared to most of the competitors in this division.. but of course, the Italians always make very delicious pizzas so it will be tough!
Two Guys Pizza ended up 4rd place in a very tough ‘open division’ featuring international chefs (8 Italians + others from Sweden, France, and Canada!). They were only 7.55 points back of 1st place Luigi Vianello from Jungle Pizza in Italy, who went on to win the 'non-traditional' category! Two Guys And A Pizza Place also finished only 2.65 pts back of Canada's Best Pizza Chef for 2011! Check out Pasqualino Oliveri from Ottawa, Ontario.
http://www.canadianpizzamag.com/Oliveri captures silver in Vegas
Pasqualina and his brother from Italy, Carmelo, finished 1st and 2nd in the 'traditional' category! Great work guys! Needless to say, it is always great to be in the presence of these other great chefs from around the world! It is so much fun to chat about pizza with other restaurant owners that have lots in common with each other.
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'VEGAS' HONEY ALMOND CHICKEN took about 3 hours just to make two pizzas!
The dough was a 60% whole wheat crust using a Honey Brown Lager beer, and mixed with chopped almonds.
The sauce was honey garlic sauce.
The 'organic free-range' chicken was crusted with a almond/ paprika/ cilantro/ brown sugar mix.
We used good old fashion Canadian bacon.
The pineapples were cut from fresh on-site, and were very juicy and delicious.
The cheeses included mozza, provolone, goat, white & sharp cheddar.
We put a few more sliced almonds on top, and we finished the pizza off with fresh cilantro and some garlic butter on the crust! We served the pizza with a little Honey Brown beer (to suck up to the judges!)
The greatest advantage this pizza had was the uniqueness compared to most of the competitors in this division.. but of course, the Italians always make very delicious pizzas so it will be tough!
Two Guys Pizza ended up 4rd place in a very tough ‘open division’ featuring international chefs (8 Italians + others from Sweden, France, and Canada!). They were only 7.55 points back of 1st place Luigi Vianello from Jungle Pizza in Italy, who went on to win the 'non-traditional' category! Two Guys And A Pizza Place also finished only 2.65 pts back of Canada's Best Pizza Chef for 2011! Check out Pasqualino Oliveri from Ottawa, Ontario.
http://www.canadianpizzamag.com/Oliveri captures silver in Vegas
Pasqualina and his brother from Italy, Carmelo, finished 1st and 2nd in the 'traditional' category! Great work guys! Needless to say, it is always great to be in the presence of these other great chefs from around the world! It is so much fun to chat about pizza with other restaurant owners that have lots in common with each other.
Here is our pizza getting served to the spectators and other competitors.
The gentlemen representing Two Guys And A Pizza Place took a lot away from the convention. They checked out hundreds of exhibits, networked with people, took in the World Pizza Games, and gained valuable information by watching the pizza competitions.
Attending the International Pizza Expo shows how Two Guys Pizza strives to be the industry leader in service, value, and most importantly – great tasting pizza! Their ever-changing menu reflects a passion for translating the world’s favourite flavours and tastes onto a delicious hand-tossed crust!
Thanks for reading,
Enjoy your pizza!
