The votes are in, and in a piping-hot pronouncement, local Democrats named Bay Ridge Pizza the best pie in Yellow Hook at a gluttonous gastronomical “doughraiser” on June 2.
The blind taste test, held at the Pour House at Third Avenue and 79th Street, was conducted by the Bay Ridge Democrats, who spent the evening sampling pies from seven local pizzerias.
Contestants had a tough job winning over the hearts and stomachs of the judges — political animals who live in a neighborhood known for its food — and each had their own opinion on how pizza should be made.
“I like a crust that’s chewy but not too thick and fresh tasting sauce that’s a little sweet with a little spice,” explained Josephine Beckmann, district manager of Community Board 10.
Judge Judy Gramaldi had her own take on taste.
“I like the sauce when it’s sweet and the contrast when the topping is salty,” she said.
And politics may have played a role in the outcome: Republican Tom Quigley submitted a sampling of a homemade pizza, but his GOP pie didn’t make the cut.
That wasn’t a problem for the boys at Bay Ridge Pizza, who wouldn’t say what thier political affiliation was. And it didn’t seem to matter, because their fresh vodka sauce pie wowed the crowd, swept all three categories: best sauce, best crust and overall best slice.
Tummenello said there’s no secret recipe — just good ingredients.
“We don’t skimp on product,” he said, who runs the business with his father and uncle. “There’s really no trick to the magic.”
Bay Ridge Pizza [7704 Fifth Ave. between 77th and 78th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 680-5405]. Open Monday to Thursday 11 am to midnight; Friday and Saturday 11 am to 1 am and Sunday 11:30 am to midnight.
