Site search
sponsored by
News
ENLARGE
Lefty's chefs John Cammack and Chris Duncan display the award-winning pizza as well as the award they won at the World Pizza Challenge. Lefty's Grill was voted Best New Restaurant of 2008 by The Union readers.
John Cammack and Chris Duncan of Lefty's Grill put Nevada City on the international map when they received two major awards at the World Pizza Challenge, part of the Pizza Expo recently held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The two co-owners/co-chefs entered their attractive, unusual oval-shaped Napa pizza.
“It's made with extra virgin olive oil, grilled flat bread, fresh sliced pears, and gorgonzola cheese. After baking, we drizzle it with balsamic reduction syrup, and top with fresh thyme and oregano,” John explains. “Since it's a vegetarian pizza, we knew we were running a bit of a risk, but we agreed this was a perfect choice for the non-traditional category.”
“I thought our chances were good,” says Chris. “However, I must admit hearing Nevada City, Calif., announced with Chicago, New York, France, Italy, Australia and Canada was a little daunting.”
Two identical pizzas were entered; one for presentation, and one for tasting. The reviewing panel consisted of three ‘blind' judges. The judges changed frequently, so their taste buds were fresh. Many are renowned professional chefs and culinary instructors.
The Lefty's chefs (both are left-handed) scooped first prize in the western division, beating 60 other pizzas. “We then went on to the international contest, where we finished third,” John recalls. “What an honor!”
“The prize money came to $1,500,” Chris adds, “but the praise we got from several world-class chefs, including renowned Master Chef Paul Bartolotta, was even more important.
“Chef Bartolotta, took the pizza from Chris, looked at it, savored its aroma and pinched the crust. He looked him right in the eye, and said, ‘Nice pizza, chef.'
“The funny part is ... when Lefty's opened just over a year ago, we were not going to include pizza on the menu,” Chris says. “When we thought about the restaurant's history, we realized pizza was a traditional part of the menu, so we changed our minds — but we agreed to put some real creativity into our pizzas.”
“We'll have to keep thinking creatively,” John laughs, “because next year we want to win two firsts. Who knows, Nevada City could become the pizza capital of the world.”
The two co-owners/co-chefs entered their attractive, unusual oval-shaped Napa pizza.
“It's made with extra virgin olive oil, grilled flat bread, fresh sliced pears, and gorgonzola cheese. After baking, we drizzle it with balsamic reduction syrup, and top with fresh thyme and oregano,” John explains. “Since it's a vegetarian pizza, we knew we were running a bit of a risk, but we agreed this was a perfect choice for the non-traditional category.”
“I thought our chances were good,” says Chris. “However, I must admit hearing Nevada City, Calif., announced with Chicago, New York, France, Italy, Australia and Canada was a little daunting.”
Two identical pizzas were entered; one for presentation, and one for tasting. The reviewing panel consisted of three ‘blind' judges. The judges changed frequently, so their taste buds were fresh. Many are renowned professional chefs and culinary instructors.
The Lefty's chefs (both are left-handed) scooped first prize in the western division, beating 60 other pizzas. “We then went on to the international contest, where we finished third,” John recalls. “What an honor!”
“The prize money came to $1,500,” Chris adds, “but the praise we got from several world-class chefs, including renowned Master Chef Paul Bartolotta, was even more important.
“Chef Bartolotta, took the pizza from Chris, looked at it, savored its aroma and pinched the crust. He looked him right in the eye, and said, ‘Nice pizza, chef.'
“The funny part is ... when Lefty's opened just over a year ago, we were not going to include pizza on the menu,” Chris says. “When we thought about the restaurant's history, we realized pizza was a traditional part of the menu, so we changed our minds — but we agreed to put some real creativity into our pizzas.”
“We'll have to keep thinking creatively,” John laughs, “because next year we want to win two firsts. Who knows, Nevada City could become the pizza capital of the world.”
