Jaycees discover the best pizza in Palatine
The Palatine Jaycees hosted their annual Best Pizza in Palatine competition Dec. 6.
With pizza-lovers casting their votes throughout the evening in eight different categories, Pizza Bella, 100 W. Northwest Hwy., came out on top with three wins.
The Jaycees host the event every year to bring out the community and raise money for a local charity.
Funds raised from the entrance fee was donated to the Youth Center at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. The Youth Center is a residential substance abuse program for adolescents.
“Because we are a community organization, we want to give back to the community. They [the Youth Center] are with the community,” said Palatine Jaycees co-chairman Gerard Iannuzzelli, who, along with his wife Jennifer, organizes the best pizza event.
When the event kicked off at Durty Nellie’s there was standing room only, as those in attendance plucked pizzas from the tables and began the judging.
The slices were categorized by topping and crust-style. Instead of being told the name of the restaurants participating, the pizza plates were color-coded so participants had a
blind tasting.
Some in attendance claimed they could easily tell the difference between the slices.
“I can tell by the crust, by how you hold it,” Brita Higgins said.
For attendees, it was an inexpensive way to try a lot of pizza, and a way to enjoy spending time with others in the community. About a dozen people showed up just to establish a cheering section for Pizza Bella.
“This is our third year coming,” said Higgins, who brought her two young sons and nephew. “It’s a family affair. The kids love going out to stuff like this.”
After sampling the different pizzas, attendees voted on a scoreboard and the Jaycees
tallied the results.
Pizza Bella took top honors with three category wins, while Vinny’s took second with two category wins. Artistic Cuisine, Sarpino’s and JJ Twig’s all won a category each.
Artistic Cuisine Chef Zee Otero entered first in 2007 and has since won several categories, including this year’s win for best thin crust sausage pizza.
“We’re a pretty new place, people don’t know about us,” Zee said. He added that after the competition each year, he has new customers come in and order pizza they discovered at the competition.
Pizza Bella owner Tony DeFilippis was also in attendance to grab up his prizes.
“Winning makes it feel like all the hard work and the all-day-long days are worthwhile,” DeFilippis said. “What I want to do, people appreciate it.”
DeFilippis took over Pizza Bella two years ago and this is his first year entering the Jaycees’ competition.
The results
Pizza Bella won best thin crust cheese, best thin crust pepperoni and best thick crust specialty. Vinny’s won best thick crust sausage and thin crust specialty. Sarpinos won best thick crust pepperoni. Artistic Cuisine won best thin crust sausage. Twiggs won best thick crust cheese. Vinny’s won best thick crust sausage.
