The fourth annual Real California Pizza Contest saw a record number of entries from professional chefs and culinary students across the United States. The contest entry period, which took place between March 1st and April 24th, invited chefs to enter signature pizza recipes in one, two, or all three of the following categories – Cal-Mex, the REAL Californian, and Plant-Forward.
Why a record number of entrants in this year’s contest? Simply ask our three expert judges.
Tony Gemignani, 13 Time World Pizza Champion
“The Real California Pizza Contest is one of the most exciting competitions in our industry…the talent, camaraderie, and expertise are amongst the finest.”
Glenn Cybulski, Award-Winning Executive Chef and Certified Pizzaiolo
“The question that I get the most is “I’m just a pizza maker, how could I win a contest like this?” My answer is simple, “The last three winners were ‘just’ pizza makers too!”
Spencer Glenn, 2021 Grand Prize Winner
“Amazing people, spectacular prizes, and an absolutely beautiful venue.”
The live Bake-Off Finals event takes place at the Culinary Institute of America Copia facility in Napa, California, where pizzas, which all will feature cow’s milk cheeses from California, will be prepared and baked onsite for a blind evaluation by judges. Category winners will win $5,000. The Grand Prize Winner, selected from the three category winners, will win an additional $10,000. All remaining finalists will receive $500 each.
The Bake-Off Finals on June 22 will be streamed on Facebook Live at 3 p.m. PST at facebook.com/realcamilkfoodservice.
Stay tuned to see the 12 talented chefs selected as finalists in this year’s contest!
