First Triple Crown Winner in Pizza History

Castro Valley, CA, October 22, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Tony Gemignani from World Famous Pyzano's Pizzeria in Castro Valley, California accomplished what no other pizza maker has done before. Win first place in three categories at an International Pizza Competition earning him the Triple Crown. At the International Pizza Makers Challenge - 2 Mari Trofeo Internationale Pizza Per Tutti 2008. Tony won first place in Classic Italian Pizza, Pizza in Teglia (pan) and Free Style Acrobatics. With over 50 competitors competing from countries such as, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Tunisia, Albania, Romania, Shri Lanka, Switzerland and the US the competition was stiff but the Americans won outright. Both of Gemignani's winning pizzas had a combination of Pendleton Flour from the US blended with 5 Stagioni flour from Italy, Stanislaus Tomato Products and Grande Mozzarella Cheese from the US. Gemignani incorporated regional ingredients from Italy and the Puglia region which included - Sun Bathed Tomatoes, Marinated Zucchini, Puglia Olives, Salumi Picante, Pugliese Extra Virgin Olive Oil DOP, and specialty cheeses from the region such as Pecorino and Burrata. World Champion Joe Carlucci also received second place in the Classic Pizza Division and Gemignani earned second place in Largest Pizza and Carlucci earned Third Place in Largest Pizza as well.

"This was one of my biggest wins... My pizzas cooked and tasted perfect. I was told this was a first time someone has ever gold medaled in 3 categories at the same competition. I spoke with Enrico Fama organizer and founder of the World Pizza Championships in Italy and he mentioned to me that he has never heard of someone doing this. I couldn't believe it, I made pizza history..." -- Tony Gemignani

"My oven and table skills judge was Luciano Passeri famous for making pizzas for Pope John Paul II and is a true master in the craft.. I was a little nervous like any competitor, but I was confident and he scored me very well..." -- Tony Gemignani

"It was a pleasure and honor to have had the Americans participate in our competition, Trofeo dei 2 Mari in Lecce Italy, World Pizza Champions Tony Gemignani and Joe Carlucci. The pizzas that Tony presented were of premium quality, not only in taste and presentation but with the harmonization he composed his masterpiece. Fantastic!" -- Massimo Stamerra

The organizers of the event where headed by Giussepe Lucia president of A.PI.Sa. Associazione Pizzaioli Salentini.

Mr. Lucia is also the captain of the Salento acrobatic team which won first place at the World Pizza Championships in Salsomaggiore, Italy and The World Pizza Games in Las Vegas early this year.

"I have had the pleasure to judge Tony Gemignanis’ pizzas in past events at Salsomaggiore, Italy. I was most impressed of the skilled way he is able to adapt to the region and compose a pizza utilizing the specific products of Puglia.. This demonstrates his expert ability as a true master in the Art of Pizza." -- Enrico Bianchini (International Pizza Judge)

Pictures of the competition will be posted on the World Pizza Champions web site later this week.

For more information contact:

Nancy Puglisi - eliopizza@optonline.net

Tony Gemignani - tony@worldpizzachampions.com
(510-427-6979)

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