Ardolino's Pizza Owners Place Second at International Pizza Challenge
The Upper St. Clair couple's non-traditional entry earned honors.
There were pizza makers from New York, from Italy, from all over the world, but it was Tammy Ardolino's non-traditional creation that captured the attention of the judges at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas.
Tammy and Rodney Ardolino, owners of Ardolino's Pizza in Upper St. Clair, entered their "Pizza Freako" into the non-traditional category last week and placed second in the region and 10th in the world.
Their "Pizza Freako" was inspired by Tammy's Italian grandmother's egg-in-a-piece-of-toast breakfast she'd always serve the family.
The Ardolinos used quail eggs and "all kinds of different cheeses" to make the award-winning pie. Tammy said it was sort of similar to a frittata—without the eggs being scrambled.
They also entered the traditional pizza category, but their pizza fell on the ground, and it was hard to recover with the time remaining.
This was the Ardolino's first time competing.
"I always tell my kids to step out of the box. That you have to be a risk-taker," Tammy said.
Her sons told her she had to take her own advice.
"I was so impressed with all the people. It was really an eye-opening experience," she said.
Pizza Freako is not on the Ardolino's Pizza menu—yet. Tammy said they may experiment with some breakfast pizzas in the future.
Share your congratulations with the Ardolinos! Tell them in the comments.
Staci Rothchild
12:41 pm on Friday, March 23, 2012
I went to elementary, middle and high school with the Ardolino's and now I live in one of the pizza capitals of the US - Chicago.
I am a Pittsburgh girl - no matter where I live and it is nice to see USC/Pittsburgh representing in pizza.
Congrats Tammy and Rodney - I wish you could ship your pizza to Chicago!
Staci Rothchild staci@soundart.us
tammy ardolino
5:35 am on Saturday, March 24, 2012
Thank you Staci! It was incredibly exciting for us, as a small pizzeria, to compete globally and have the opportunity to meet some of the world's most respected pizzaiolis for ideas and recipes! : ) btw... NO problem with delivery (just reheat on 375 for 10 min).... LOL!
>>
>> Tammy : )
Patricia Palazzolo
2:28 pm on Friday, March 23, 2012
Congrats to Tammy and Rodney (and Joey and Nolan, too)! Music, engineering, business, amazing pizza --obviously, the whole family is gifted and talented! :-)
Pat Palazzolo
tammy ardolino
5:47 am on Saturday, March 24, 2012
Pat, Thank you for your kind comment! : )
Veronica Guarino
6:19 pm on Friday, March 23, 2012
Congratulations!
Lou, Vee, Geeg and Vanessa