Steve's predictions for the TOP 2010 semi-finals
The brackets to this point. (Here's a larger version.)
We're very happy that the Times Union's Steve Barnes -- who writes the Table Hopping blog and column -- has been joining in on the fun of the 2010 Tournament of Pizza. Steve went 3-4 in the second round and is now 10-12 for the tournament. On Wednesday, he'll have a video report from the two shops that make it to the finals.
Here's Steve's look at the semi-final match-ups. Results from this round of veggie pizzas on Tuesday.
Marino's Flying vs. Pasquale's
This should be an interesting round, because Marino's did less well in the sausage round than the first matchup this year, while Pasquale's significantly improved on its score from the opening round to the second.
Pasquale's is the two-time champ, and its broccoli-ricotta edged out Marino's in the semifinals last year, though not by much, and neither pie was stellar. On the other hand, this year's semifinal pizza is vegetarian, not strictly broccoli and ricotta, which seems like it leaves the competition wide open.
Prediction: Marino's Flying
I'm playing the odds here, not basing my guess on the quality of the pizza. Simply put, Pasquale's is due for a fall. The vagaries of pizza creation mean that flaws creep in no matter how professional an operation.
DeFazio's vs. Nunzio's
DeFazio's has been on a roll, clearly dominant in the first two rounds, and it received high praise for crust, sauce and toppings in both rounds. Nunzio's wins weren't nearly as decisive.
Prediction: Defazio's, easily.
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Thanks again to Steve for his predictions! Results start back up Tuesday.
The 2010 Tournament of Pizza is sponsored by Sunmark Federal Credit Union, which now offers banking from mobile devices. They even have an app for iPhones and Android phones.
Earlier:
+ Results from Round 2 in the Albany bracket
+ Results from Round 2 in the Troy bracket
+ Results from Round 2 in the Schenectady bracket
+ Results from Round 2 in the Saratoga bracket
+ Steve's picks for Round 2
+ Results from Round 1 in the Albany bracket
+ Results from Round 1 in the Troy bracket
+ Results from Round 1 in the Schenectady bracket
+ Results from Round 1 in the Saratoga bracket
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Comments
The best pizza in Albany isn't even represented.
Which isn't surprising, since you won't find it in the phone book.
This contest is flawed from the get go.
... said DJdubJay on Oct 18, 2010 at 1:44 PM | link
I live in Albany, but grew up in Saratoga, and I have to say that if I had a choice of any pizza that I have tried in the Capital Region, I am going with Nunzio's vegetarian! Admittedly, I have never tried Defazio's, but don't sleep on the pink house!
... said Chester on Oct 18, 2010 at 2:42 PM | link