Here’s Who Won The Jersey Shore Pizza War In Toms River
Who Won The Jersey Shore Pizza War? Keep reading to find out.
Last night I was happy to attend the maiden voyage of the Jersey Shore Pizza War Competition.
The event took place Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center on Route 37 in Toms River. Hosted by my long-time friend, chef Umberto Turelli, owner of Toms River restaurant, Zi Marie’s Original Pizzeria Trattoria.
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To create a list of competitors, chef Umberto spent the last year sampling pizza at dozens of New Jersey restaurants across the Garden State for his YouTube channel, “What’s Cookin’ Jersey Shore.”
Who Were The Competitors?
Frankie Fed’s in Freehold Township, Zoni’s Brooklyn Brick Coal Oven Pizzeria in Middletown, Tramonto’s Pizza in Ocean Township, Peel in the Oakhurst, Slice House in Toms River, Verace’s Pizza in the Silverton section of Toms River, Joe Diano’s Tomato Pies in Point Pleasant Borough, Paci Dough in South Toms River, Manzano’s in Waretown, Romeo’s Pizza in Freehold Township, DeCaro’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery in Brick, Capricci Pizzeria & Restaurant in Howell, Calabria Pizza & Italian Grill in Absecon, Red Star Pizza in Southampton, and Filippo’s Pizzeria & Grill in Glassboro.
How Did The Scoring Process Work?
40 percent of the score was determined by audience participation and the remaining 60 percent was determined by a panel of 5 expert judges.
Who Were The Judges?
Chef David Burke, Certified Pizzaiolo Enzo Ferrante, Chef Geoff Johnson of Ott’s Good Earth Garden in West Creek, chef Eddie Goldberg of Slices of Hope Pizza & Restaurant in Little Silver, and local pizza reviewer and social media star John Crisafulli aka Johnny C the Pizza Guy.
Runners-Up
3rd Place – Verace’s Pizza on Hooper Ave in Toms River
2nd Place – Manzano’s Brick Oven Pizza on Route 9 in Waretown
The Winner
Zoni’s Brooklyn Brick Coal Oven Pizzeria on Highway 35 in Middletown
Congratulations to Robert Tarzia aka Rob Brooklyn, owner of Zoni’s.
Personally, I didn’t taste a pizza at this event that I didn’t like and I tasted them all.
What made Zoni’s stand out for me, was the use of fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, an incredible sauce, and the crust, which was light and airy. This was my favorite pizza in the competition. My husband really loved the pizza from Tramonto’s in Ocean Township.
A portion of ticket sales will benefit chef Umberto’s nonprofit organization, Cookin’ for the Cause. The event raised between $5000 and $6000.
