Mon. February 12, 2018
By Jerry Nunn
Chicago Pizza Party's annual event was once again a hit at Ravenswood Event Center this year. On Feb. 10 three floors of fun were had by attendees over two sessions, with a 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. all ages timeslot and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for over 21 year olds.
There were over 20 pizza styles from various Chicago vendors all raising money for a good cause.
#HashtageLunchbag is a service dedicated to inspiring humanity to give while using social media and was there to raise money. While there are plenty of ways to get involved at HashtagLunchbag.org, this day piled up the pizza.
The first floor of the event center held table after table of vendors full of samples.
Bars were scattered throughout with cocktails using Bai Antioxidant Infusions. Mixing whiskey with their kola brand was the most popular then vodka with their peach flavor was a quick second place.
Some standouts for pizza was the Legno, located at 4150 North Central Avenue. Bacci had the biggest helpings with Bricks bringing out the thin slices.
Angelo's stuff pizzas had the most down home feeling and Adrian Zamudio tossing his dough brought in cheers from the onlookers all day long.
Lou Malnati's and Roots were both very popular with attendees to the ticketed event.
The owners of Ravenswood catering even brought their own pizza with Longacre Pizza Squared with a Detroit style in a square pan that was creative and fun.
Bottled Blonde had the best jackets and should have sold them at the merch booth. Instead sample sauces were sold on the second floor along with many t-shirts and hats.
Punky's got creative with a Blackhawks' shaped pizza and Home Run Inn has brownies to devour.
Upstairs there was lots of beer pong substituted with water for many game players. There were photo opps and samples from Bai for people to try.
The DJs played retro tunes with the night session focusing on disco and rap. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles even made a surprise appearance dancing with fans to the funky beats.
For next year's pizza parade visit ChicagoPizzaParty.com. With a hit like this year, 2019 should be even bigger. Cowabunga, Dude!
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