Via Vanti’s V.I.Pizzette Contest

When Carla Gambescia first asked me to be a judge for her upcoming Pizzette Contest (details below), I had to admit I’d never been to her restaurant, Via Vanti! in Mount Kisco. The eatery, located in the train station, celebrates its five-year anniversary this year. Slipping under my radar isn’t an easy thing, but before I could commit to tasting the entries from “culinary mentalists,” I had to experience the eatery myself.  (Because, come on, what judge would pass up the opportunity to eat their research.)

There are several signature “pizzettes” ($12-14)—miniature pizzas with the thinnest crust I’ve ever seen—with creative names (part of the fun of the pizette contest), like the Carla made with pesto, mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh mint. The Dante, one of my favorites, has artichoke, speck, goat cheese, mozzarella and basil.

{IntoxiKate Tip!}

With such a thin crust to house up to the contest’s max of eight ingredients, contest applicants should be aware of the weight of the toppings. 

While I loved Gambescia’s creative style, I also couldn’t help but notice her appreciation towards the Italian culture, sharing images and facts that extend way beyond the kitchen. While the food is nothing short of amazing (expect those traditional Italian dishes to have a modern twist that allows them to be a bit lighter in fare), dining at Via Vanti! is truly a cultural experience.

Try their house made hummus that pairs flavors from white beans and rosemary. Another one of my favorites? The meatball (usually housed in a sea of red sauce on most menus) seemed much more at home in a light oil and garlic sauce surrounded by farfalle pasta and diced fall vegetables.

The perfect ending to any meal? Gambescia’s gelatos (she creates the flavor combinations, but the gelato is made outside the restaurant).

{Via Vanti!,  2 Kirby Plaza (Mount Kisco Train Station), Mount Kisco, 914-666-6400, ViaVanti.com}

Create a Winning Pizza, in your Head!
(NO cooking necessary)

Calling all foodies, Food Network junkies, aspiring chefs, or simply “culinary mentalists” (whose who dream of—and dream up—intoxikating dishes without having to actually make them)! Stacyknows & Via Vanti! have cooked up the perfect contest for you!

WHO can enter?

Anyone 18 or older (as of Oct. 1, 2013) who resides in Westchester County, NY or Fairfield County, CT.

HOW do I enter?

It’s easy: just submit the simple electronic Entry Form on which you’ll present the special combination of ingredients (between 3 and 8, excluding the crust) that top your perfect Via Vanti! thin-crust pizza. That’s it! We suggest you visit Via Vanti! Restaurant (located in the landmark Mount Kisco train station building) to experience first-hand its delicioso thin-crust, personal-sized Pizzette with highly original gourmet topping combinations.

Entries will be judged (by a group of food judges including yours truly!) based on three factors: Great Taste (40%) – consisting of flavor balance, color, texture, aroma, and compatibility with the famous Via Vanti! thin crust (there’s also a tasty gluten-free crust option); Originality (40%); and Feasibility (20%) – for instance, shaved white truffles (costing around $4,000 / lb.) would sadly be a non-starter!

WHAT can I win?

Fame & freebies!

FAME: The winning pizza will be offered at Via Vanti! up to Valentine’s Day 2014 and named after its creator … hence “V.I.Pizzette”. Almost all the Pizzette at Via Vanti! are named for famous Italians – but of course we each have an “inner Italian” full of creativity and inspiration!

FREEBIES: The winner and three runners-up will receive Via Vanti! gift cards ($100 for the winner and $25 for each runner-up), gelato certificates, and copies of the witty and informative book How Italian Food Conquered the World by national food critic and columnist John Mariani.

WHERE and BY WHEN do I need to enter?

Your entry must be received electronically by midnight of Oct. 31, 2013. Winners will be announced Thursday, Nov. 7, and an award ceremony—open to anyone who entered—will occur the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 12 with complimentary winning Pizzette for all!