STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Frank Sinatra is credited with saying, “You better know your pasta if you’re going to sit at my table.” At Bethel Lutheran Bretheren Church in Westerleigh inaugural Great New York Lasagna Showdown, dozens of home cooks and professional chefs proved they knew their way around lasagna while raising money for a good cause.
The congregation’s inaugural fundraiser raised more than $8,000 for the Pregnancy Care Center of New York, with the final tally expected to climb as organizers wrap up sales for a Casale Jewelers-sponsored trip raffle.
Red-and-white checkered tablecloths, basket raffles, trays of homemade desserts and rows of steaming lasagnas helped transform the church hall into something resembling an old-school Italian feast.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Andrea Devito said the idea for the event emerged during a board discussion about launching a new fundraiser. Inspired by church pasta dinners of years past, organizers turned a friendly “Nonna vs. Chef” competition into a lasagna showdown.
Pans of pasta included traditional tomato sauce, ricotta-and-mozzarella layered versions, as well as Bolognese-style, béchamel-finished entries and one layered with eggplant, 24 specimens in all.
“We just started talking and came up with the Nonna versus the Chefs contest and ran with it,” DeVito said of the idea, which was born during a board meeting about a year ago.
Attendee Ken Imbriale said the best lasagnas struck a careful balance between ingredients.
With names concealed from the judges, entries were evaluated solely on taste, texture and presentation. One especially memorable lasagna skipped the pasta entirely, substituting layers of eggplant between rich béchamel, sausage and beef. The decadent creation stood out among a field that ranged from traditional red-sauce recipes to classic Bolognese interpretations.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Judging duties fell to Executive Chef Mike DiLeo, restaurateur Joseph Scarlotta Sr. and this reporter, who sampled and scored 24 lasagnas. Entries ranged from traditional red-sauce recipes to béchamel-topped Bolognese versions and other inventive interpretations.
Imbriale offered his own benchmark for a winning tray.
“A great lasagna must consist of high-quality ingredients and possess balance,” Imbriale said. “No part should overwhelm any other, with aromatic and flavorful sauce and spices and exceptional cheese. The pasta itself should be stout but not too al dente, and the meat should be present but not disproportionate. It’s lasagna, not a burger!”
Judges Joseph Scarlotta Sr., left, and Executive Chef Mike DiLeo sampled and scored lasagna entries during the competition.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)How it went down
It took a small army to stage the lasagna showdown.
Alongside a roster of home cooks competing for Nonna bragging rights, Staten Island restaurants from across the borough supplied chef entries.
The kitchen crew at Bethany Lutheran Brethren Church worked behind the scenes to prepare samples, organize service and keep the lasagna tasting moving during the inaugural Lasagna Extravaganza fundraiser.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The lineup included Basil Cucina in Port Richmond; Da Damaso in Great Kills; Gino’s Villa Monte in New Springville; La Piazza Pizza & Tap in Bulls Head; Mangia Pizza and Patricia’s of Tottenville in Tottenville; Monte’s Pizzeria and Patrizia’s Tavern in New Dorp; Mona Lisa Pizzeria in Annadale; Mr. Pizza’s Pasta House, with locations in Rossville and New Springville; and Frank & Sal Italian Market.
Local merchants filled raffle and prize tables with donations, while Bella Bacci Bakery supplied the bread and Annadale Bakery brought the cannoli.
With restaurant names hidden from the judges, the lasagnas were identified only by numbers. In the front row sat the eventual winner from Pizza Parlor, while second-place finisher Gino’s Villa Monte was positioned to the left. Just behind it stood the tray from Patricia’s of Tottenville, which earned an honorable mention.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
When the tasting was complete, top honors went to Pizza Parlor, whose lasagna earned first place among the 24 entries. Second place went to Gino’s Villa Monte, while home cook Annmarie Mercaldo claimed third. An honorable mention was awarded to Patricia’s of Tottenville.
Many of the evening’s raffle baskets were assembled using donated items collected through the organization’s semiannual flea markets, volunteer-driven fundraisers that help support the center’s mission.
Located on Dongan Hills Avenue, the church’s self-funded Pregnancy Care Center of New York has served Staten Island families for more than 40 years. It operates through private donations, church sponsorships and grassroots fundraising efforts. The center offers free sonograms, counseling and grief support for mothers and fathers, as well as a “baby boutique” stocked with necessities including diapers, formula, clothing, cribs and car seats for children up to age 3.
“We’re Staten Island’s best-kept secret,” Devito said. “Nobody gives us funding. We’re very much a grassroots organization.”
From neighborhood pizzerias and Italian restaurants to bakeries, retailers and individual contributors, the board reflected the many hands that helped bring the inaugural fundraiser to life.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)