PIZZERIA MOZZA BEATS OSTERIA MOZZA AT STAFF MEAL "CHICKEN TIME" SHOWDOWN

BY Jimmy Dolan, MOZZA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

As players prepared for Game Seven of the World Series in Houston, another championship was unfolding Wednesday on the Mozza Corner of Los Angeles as Ruben Martinez of Pizzeria went thigh-to-thigh with Raul Ramirez-Valdiva of the Osteria for the “Chicken Time Championship”  When it was over and the ballots counted, it was a stunning – and close - win for Ruben and the Pizzeria. 

Martinez took the victory with a quiet pride, choosing not to boast, as no doubt Pizzeria sous chef Ben Giron would have. “Thank you,” Martinez said with a smile to a reporter, and then gave credit to the guajillo peppers he used. And the roaring wood fire of the Pizzeria’s oven.

The voting, cast in secret, was extremely close, with Pizzeria edging out Osteria 13-12. Many tasters did not want to be quoted, but said off the record thought it was the “bone-in” of Pizzeria’s thighs that put it over the edge. A few weren’t bashful.

“The chicken was dark-skinned and tender inside,” said manager Alan “Rocky” Birnbaum, who made it clear he was talking about Ruben’s thighs, not those of Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o.

Some Mozza staffers thought PIzzeria had a not-so-secret ingredient - bones. “They were both outstanding, but I love the bone” said pastry kitchen supervisor Cecily Feng. Seeking to clarify that line, she added “Well, the bone does add flavor and tenderness.”

 Raul took the news with class and vowed to win next time. “Congratulations to Ruben,” Raul said. “I’ll get him next time.”

Ruben Martinez and his staff chicken thighs

Raul’s chicken for Osteria Mozza staff lunch