Lou Malnati's and Pizzeria Uno Pitted Against Each Other on Travel Channel's Food Wars Episode
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Lou Malnati’s and Pizzeria Uno went head to head for the title of “Best Deep Dish Pizza on the Planet” on Wednesday night’s episode of Food Wars, a weekly Travel Channel series. Lou Malnati’s won the battle by sweeping all three judges’ votes.
Pizzeria UNO, which opened in 1943, was the home of the original deep-dish pizza. However, Lou Malnati and his father were the original operators of UNO’s and were instrumental in the creating of the original recipe. In 1971, Lou decided to make his own way by opening a pizzeria in the northern suburb of Lincolnwood. Currently, Lou Malnati’s has 31 locations across the Chicago land area.
The episode highlighted the rich and intertwined history of deep-dish pizza and the long standing rivalry between Pizzeria UNO and Lou Malnati’s. The challenge concluded in front of loyal fans from both pizzerias with judges sampling each pizza before voting. Judges included Bill Daley, a food and wine critic for the Chicago Tribune, Tony Gemignani of San Francisco’s International School of Pizza, and series host Camille Ford. As the final vote was unveiled, Malnati fans erupted in cheers.
One of the memorable statements on the show came from Lou Malnati’s owner Marc Malnati. “Even a dead guy can tell the difference,” he joked. In truth, today’s relationship with Pizzeria Uno and Lou Malnati’s is one filled with respect. Malnati referred to Pizzeria Uno as, “The Mecca,” to which homage should be paid. He later said, “Walk through, pay homage, and then come and eat at our place!”
Food Wars is a weekly Travel Channel series hosted by Camille Ford. The show features restaurant rivalries in cities around the United States, with loyal fans cheering for one of two restaurants that serve one of the city's signature dishes.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is a family-owned company that stresses consistency in quality, service, and food, offered in a unique environment by a staff that is committed to one another, the customer, and the community.
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