This month, Miss Peaches’ dad, Barstool Founder and pizza aficionado, Dave Portnoy, hosted his 2nd annual One Bite Pizza Festival presented by Tommy John.
It was the sauciest of times when more than 10,000 fans came out to eat slices from more than 35 of the world’s best pizzerias, hand-picked for the fest by Dave. The man of the hour who we truly admire donated 100% of his proceeds from the event to help Al Santillo rebuild his New Jersey pizzeria after it burned down last year.
How did I come to experience this legendary event? My story begins years prior. I have been a die-hard pizza fan for as long as I can remember. I grew up in New Hyde Park, where the absolute best slice for miles around was at Umberto’s Pizzeria, off of Jericho Turnpike. This location truly embedded within me a love for pizza that could not be quenched. I began searching up pizza reviews, and new locations and styles that I had not tried yet: my quest led me to Dave Portnoy’s YouTube channel in 2017. One Bite, everyone knows the rules.
I became addicted to his Barstool Sports videos, consuming each new release faster than he could consume pizza. Woah, that location got a lower score than the other one? How do they get the cheese to cook like that? Is a brick oven that much better? I went on a deep dive with his reviews, and my knowledge of the pizzas that my city offers only grew. I tried all the classics, following Dave on pizza adventures that had me hitting multiple spots in one day: John’s of Bleeker St., Bleeker Street Pizza, Di Fara Pizza; the list went on.
When I received word that Dave would be hosting his pizza festival, where some of the best pizzerias from across the world, several of which I had come to adore through the years, would be amassing on Randall’s Island and be serving all-you-can-eat pizza, I was the first in line.
Lucali’s famous slice
As I stepped off of the ferry onto the island, I could not help but let my jaw drop in awe. Beyond the entrance, I can see tents lined up to the horizon, each housing a pizzeria, with loud banners and flags proclaiming their style, a description of what their slice is like, and their logo. It was meticulously arranged; the styles of pizza were color-coded so I could tell exactly what type of slice I would be getting before I even got to the front of the line. Salivating, I grabbed my VIP passes and entered the field grounds.
First, Dave himself showed up on the central stage introduced the event, and thanked his fans. He announced that this was now, for the second year running (it had only started last year, in 2023), the largest food festival in NYC.
This meant that it was larger than Smorgasbord, which was simply amazing. I stood amongst thousands of pizza fans, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer magnitude and scope of the event. Looking around, I planned which spots I would hit, and which ones I would have to skip. Once Dave completed his opening remarks, I set off.
My biggest regret of the day was having only one stomach, but boy did I push it to its limits. I tried square pizza, upside-down pizza, pizza from New Haven, and pizza from Detroit. I had never had this much pizza before in my life. Since I had access to the VIP area, I was able to try some slices from several locations that I had always wanted to visit but had not gotten the chance, specifically Coniglio’s and Frank Pepe. This area was also a great spot to take a breather, as it had shade and unlimited drinks for pass holders. I was also able to help myself to some pizza-flavored gelato, which was weird but strangely addicting. I expanded out from the VIP section once more and checked out several other locations on my list. I enjoyed some of the stranger options that I would not have gotten the chance to try outside of this event, like the lemony slice from Hexclad. I also visited the Italian Dessert Village, where I got the chance to sample some Italian ice, a dessert made from peach and cheesecake batter, and other small bites like freshly made arancini.
BILT Living Room
I took another small break at the BILT Living Room, a lounge set up for existing BILT customers. I already possessed the BILT credit card, so I was able to enjoy some drinks and watch the DJ cook up some fire music. Finally, at the end of the day, I decided to hit the tent with by far the most people waiting in line, the legendary Lucali’s. A location in Brooklyn that is excessively booked out, and where reservations must be placed in person, I had never gotten the chance to try a slice myself. Taking this opportunity, I stood in line for almost forty-five minutes before reaching the front; it was completely worth it, to say the least. Deliciously cheesy, with a uniquely characteristic sauce that set it apart from every other slice I had had that day, and a perfectly done crust, this slice was instantly my favorite.
Before I departed, I had the chance to interview Dave Portnoy himself, much to my shock. Quivering with anticipation, I introduced myself and told him what a huge fan I was. Dave was a completely chill and down-to-earth guy, and I loved that about him. He didn’t act like a celebrity or the organizer of this event at all—if anything, he looked like he was just here to enjoy some pizza like the rest of us.
I asked him what his plans for next year’s festival were since this one was such a major success, and he replied that he would rather take it one festival at a time and make sure the current one is 100% as great as it can be. I smiled when he gave this response. It just shows the level of dedication that Dave has to his pizza empire; he has not created this for the money. Rather, I see it as a love letter to his fans who follow his every move and look up to him and his opinions. He knows that he needs the fans just as much as they need him and that he is nothing without them. Even more importantly, however, it’s a love letter to the food that he so adores. Through all of his charity work, his reviews, and his brand, anybody can tell that even if Dave wasn’t paid a single cent, he would be exactly where he is today because he does love pizza that much.
I had a hell of a time at One Bite Festival 2024, and can’t wait to attend once more next year.
