The Cuban pizza chef, Miguel Sánchez, who now calls Argentina home, claimed victory in the fugazzeta category at the first-ever Panam Pizza Cup. This event, held on March 2 and 3 in Brazil, brought together pizza specialists from across the Americas.
The Panam Cup, aimed at celebrating the most influential pizza styles across the continent, organized this competition. Over the course of two days, participants showcased their skill, creativity, and mastery of recipes reflecting their culinary traditions, as reported by the specialized portal BAIRESGOURMET.
Competing categories included three main styles: Argentine-style fugazzeta, Brazilian calabresa, and American New York-style pizza. The fugazzeta, a hallmark of Buenos Aires' pizza tradition, is the specialty of Mima Pizzería, Sánchez's business in the city.
Sánchez captivated the Panam Pizza Cup judges with a creation that blended precision, technique, style, and a personal twist on the traditional recipe, as noted by the digital site. Rodrigo Beretta earned second place, also shining in the New York-style pizza category, while Roberto Martin secured third, according to the event's official website.
In the American pizza category, the top prize went to Luiz Núñez, with Luis Saravia and Rodrigo Beretta following in second and third places, respectively.
The Brazilian calabresa pizza category saw Joao Gonçalves, Juan Retamal, and Caio Mainenteù taking the first, second, and third spots. Miguel Vásquez, a pizza chef from Porto Alegre, was also recognized for his performance and competitive spirit.
The judging panel, including experts like Gino Contin and Diego Dávila, praised the high technical level displayed during the event. Judge Angello Bertini highlighted that the competition assessed "talent, technique, fermentation, baking, and creativity in each presentation," emphasizing that it was about more than just competition; it was a celebration of the continent's culinary history and traditions.
Designed as a biennial event, the Panam Pizza Cup aims to strengthen the identity of Pan-American pizza and showcase regional styles on the international stage. The organizers have confirmed future editions will take place in Argentina and the United States.
Sánchez's win continues a series of international successes for the Cuban-Argentinian chef, solidifying the presence of Buenos Aires-style pizza on the global stage and promoting the work of South American pizza masters in the continental culinary circuit.
Among Sánchez's previous accolades is second place at the 2024 World Pizza Championship in Buenos Aires, which attracted over 170 chefs from various countries.
Talents like Sánchez are part of the vast Cuban diaspora compelled to emigrate and rebuild their lives abroad due to the dire conditions in Cuba.
Originally from Havana, Sánchez shared in a 2022 interview that he arrived in Argentina in 2005, naming his business Mima Pizzería after his grandmother, using the affectionate term for grandmothers in Cuba.
"Let the world know that we Cubans can go out and achieve anything," he declared. He also made it clear that he represents the Cuban people, not its government, in competitions. His work and competition uniform often bears the phrase "Patria y vida," he stated.
FAQs about the Panam Pizza Cup
What is the Panam Pizza Cup?
The Panam Pizza Cup is a biennial event celebrating the most influential pizza styles across the Americas, designed to strengthen the identity of Pan-American pizza.
Who won the fugazzeta category at the Panam Pizza Cup?
Cuban chef Miguel Sánchez won the fugazzeta category at the inaugural Panam Pizza Cup held in Brazil.
Where will the next Panam Pizza Cup be held?
Future editions of the Panam Pizza Cup are planned to be held in Argentina and the United States.