By Nicole Breskin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
GREENWICH VILLAGE — Let the battle for the best slice begin.
Pizzerias John’s of Bleecker Street and Grimaldi’s will square off against each other on The Travel Channel’s “Food Wars” to settle which eatery has the best pie in town.
In an episode called “Pizza Wars” that's filming this week, the two top pizza shops will throw down their dough for a panel of judges and show host Camille Ford, but management at the pizzerias assured DNAinfo that they won’t let the competition get to their heads
“It’s all friendly,” said Gina Peluso, manager of Grimaldi’s, which is expanding to Limelight Marketplace in Chelsea. “There’s enough business to go around this city. We’re excited.”
John’s manager of 17 years, Michael Frank, agreed.
“We’re not trashing each other,” he said. “It’s about honoring two very established pizzerias.
"We both have a unique way of making pizza.”
Grimaldi’s, which has been around for two decades, is best known for dishing up a “margarita style” of pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes.
John’s slice — beloved by celebrities including Regis Philbin, Jack Black and Vanilla Ice — originated in Port Alba, Italy, and makes use of a thin crust, brick-oven style of pizza with shredded mozzarella. John's restaurant has around since 1929.
Despite the amiable competition, a winner must ultimately will be chosen, and Scott Wiener, a New York City pizza tour guide who will appear on the show, is relieved he won’t have to be the judge.
“I’m glad I don’t have to choose,” said Wiener, whose role on the show will be as an expert on the local delicacy. “Both are great pies. I think it’s going to come down to who does a better job on judgment day and the preferences of the judges.”
Frank added: “If they think we’re the best, we’re honored. But it’s very subjective. Some people love us, others hate us. Others get crazy and argue over it. For me, it’s just pizza.”
An air date has not yet been set for the show.
