Some of the best pizza chefs in town threw down at this year's North Branford Pizza Wars on April 25.  When the flour dust settled, a new winner for best mozzarella pizza was named: Pasquale's Apizza, serving up thin-crust, New Haven-style pizza at 280 Branford Road (North Branford) in Central Plaza.

The tastefully-done, friendly annual North Branford Pizza Wars competition brought six local pizza restauranteurs to the table this year, all to benefit programs of North Branford Senior Citizens. As the 2017 winner of Pizza Wars, the name of Pasquale's Apizza will be forever etched beneath the Golden Pizza Cutter on the permenant plaque on display at the town's Stanley T. Williams (STW) Community Center.

In addition to Pasquales, participating pizzerias included Giovanni's Pizzeria & Ristorante, Tony Z's, Sandy's Deli & Pizza, Anthony John's Pizzeria and La Monaco's Pizza and Pasta.

"We want to thank all the restaurants who participated in this epic showdown," said Kerry Haynes, North Branford Senior Program Coordinator.

The community event was hosted by North Branford Parks and Recreation and Seniors.  Community members pitched in by buying a ticket for the chance to taste some serious slices and vote for their favorite. The night's entertainment was provided DJ Anthony Esposito and delicious desserts were offered by another local favorite, Pastry Fusions.

In addition to awarding Pasquales Apizza first place for best cheese pizza of the night, other crowd favorites heating the up competition were Giovanni's Pizzeria & Ristorante (second place) and Tony Z's (third place).  In addition, a panel of Pizza War judges picked Sandy's Deli & Pizza for serving up the night's Best Specialty Pizza. Speciality pizza judges were New Haven Restauranteur Tony Marchitto, North Branford Park & Recreation Supervisor Shawn Keogh and North Branford Town Councilman George Miller.

In addition to thanking each of the participating restaurants for supplying slices and pitting their pizzas against one another in the spirit of community, Haynes also sent out "...a huge thank you" to 2017 Pizza Wars sponsors, Aquatic Pool & Spa and Foxon Park Beverages; as well as to raffle contributors JCakes, The Northford Ice Pavilion, Agway, Robert's Food Center, The Tuesday Quilters, Doody's Totoket Inn, Rockin' Jump and McDonald's Restaurant

"It was a fantastic evening and we couldn't have done it without the collaboration of the pizza restaurants, local businesses, and the incredible support from our hard-working volunteers, including the NBHS Girls Softball Team and of course, our guests," said Haynes. "Thank you to each and every one of you who helped make this year's event a success!"